‘It is our job to please people’

How Pierre Rieu shapes his passion for hospitality at Hotel Derlon

Pierre Rieu – the son of – is managing director of André Rieu Productions, one of the world's largest entertainment companies. With concerts attracting millions of visitors and an organisation that operates worldwide, you would expect his diary to be more than full. Nevertheless, Rieu recently expanded his activities with the acquisition of Hotel Derlon in Maastricht. For someone whose passion has always been hospitality, this feels like a logical next step. As he himself says: ’My job is to please people.“

The choice of a hotel was not an impulsive decision. “According to my parents, I used to play hotel as a child,” says Rieu. “Hospitality and caring for people seems to have been ingrained in me from a very young age.” He later continued this tradition with André Rieu Travel, the travel agency that has been providing concertgoers worldwide with hotel packages for more than ten years. “The acquisition of Hotel Derlon is a logical extension of that.”

The most beautiful square in Maastricht

The location of Hotel Derlon played a decisive role. The hotel is situated on Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, in the heart of Maastricht's historic city centre. “For me, this is the most beautiful and romantic square in the city, almost picturesque,” says Rieu. “I sometimes argue with my father about this. He swears by the Vrijthof, but I prefer Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Except, of course, during the Vrijthof concerts,” he adds with a laugh.

The takeover gained momentum when the well-known Maastricht hotelier Benoit Wesley suggested during lunch that he sell Derlon. This came as a big surprise to Rieu, who immediately showed serious interest. Since last July, he can call himself the new owner of the hotel, which dates back to 1870.  

Renovation

The four-star hotel has forty-eight rooms and two apartments, but according to Rieu, it is in need of thorough modernisation. “The quality is still good, but you can see that many elements are dated. The sanitary facilities in particular are in need of replacement. What bothers me most is that guests have to shower in the bath, with a shower curtain. That's something from our grandparents” generation, no longer appropriate today."

That is why a complete renovation is in the pipeline. All bathrooms will be refurbished and, at the same time, Rieu wants to bring the rooms completely up to date. “To give an example: nowadays, everyone travels with at least one or two devices that need to be charged. You shouldn't have to move cabinets or unplug lamps to charge your phone. Two sockets next to each bed is the minimum requirement these days.”

Ideal hotel room

For Rieu, expanding into the hotel industry feels like a natural progression from what he already does. “The entertainment world is also all about guest experience. But the big difference is that concerts don't happen every day, whereas hotels welcome guests 24/7.” 

An important focus for Rieu is the staff. “I want to make Derlon a place where people enjoy working. They will soon be making a real difference in the hotel. Every guest should feel seen during their stay. That leaves a lasting impression.”

His years of experience, with hundreds of hotel stays each year, are proving invaluable in the design of Hotel Derlon. “I have seen thousands of rooms from the inside, all over the world. As a result, I now know exactly what an ideal hotel room needs. I am bringing those insights to Derlon.” 

Roman excavation

According to the brand-new hotelier, what makes Hotel Derlon truly special are the remains of an ancient Roman settlement in the basement. “That is our absolute unique selling point,” emphasises Rieu. “Because let's face it: what other hotel has a Roman excavation in its basement?”

However, he believes that this asset is still far too underexposed. Rieu envisions Roman history being subtly incorporated throughout the hotel. Not in a theme park-like way, but in a stylish and high-quality manner. “You shouldn't feel like you're walking into the Colosseum, but you should think: attention has been paid to the Roman past of this place and of Maastricht. This city is one of the oldest in the Netherlands – we should show that.”