Westcord Eindhoven: From Philips factory to city residence with meaning

Thinking light, acting wide

In the middle of Eindhoven, on the edge of the Victoria Park, a well-known hotel is getting a new face. Since June 2023, the former Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven has been part of the WestCord family. Led by the Westers family, the hotel is now undergoing a thorough renovation. Not only the rooms will get an upgrade; the hotel's role in the city will also change. WestCord Hotel Eindhoven will become a place where guests and residents feel welcome.

The hotel is partly located in the iconic Lichttoren, a monumental Philips building that served as a light bulb factory and test site in the early 20th century. In this tower, where light was once literally developed and distributed, a new kind of energy now comes together; the dynamism of a modern hotel as well as an ode to the city's industrial past. Just as every WestCord hotel has its own theme, Eindhoven is all about light. Literally, as a reference to history, and figuratively as a guideline in design and atmosphere.

Main contractor 
Pleijsier Hotel renovation 

Building in confidence
For the execution, WestCord is working with Pleijsier Hotelrenovatie. A specialist in complex renovations, and not unfamiliar with projects that continue while the hotel remains (partly) in use. In Eindhoven, too, the hotel will not be closed during the renovation. While guests come and go, the 104 renovated rooms, bathrooms and installations are being worked on behind the scenes.

Cooperation with the Westers family, the architect and suppliers began well before the first day of construction. Everything was prepared down to the last detail. Now Pleijsier is taking care of the execution - with an eye for the building and the guest experience. Step by step, a hotel is being built that is ready for the future, without losing the dynamics of today.

WestCord is seizing the renovation to enhance that heritage. Wooden window frames and other original elements will be refurbished and preserved. At the same time, the hotel will be given a fresh, contemporary look, with light materials such as natural stone, shades of grey and warm types of wood. The style will soon be continued throughout the building, including the part where traces of the previous design are still visible.

Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with attention to comfort, light and functionality. In the higher categories, additional amenities are added, such as a seating area, workspace, Jacuzzi or panoramic city views.

More than an overnight stay

WestCord Hotel Eindhoven wants to be more than a place to sleep. Besides the 104 rooms now being tackled, the building also offers space for meeting, work and longer-term stays. Think studios for extended stays, a conference room for around 300 people, an open lobby with lounge areas, Bar & Brasserie Lumen with city garden and an extensive wellness and fitness area. 

In terms of location, the hotel is ideal. At the foot of the shopping streets, next to Central Station, at walking distance from the PSV stadium and with a bus stop towards the airport on the doorstep.

Connected to the city

At the back, the hotel borders the Victoria Park. A two-hectare green zone where the Gender river has been brought back to the surface. This park, with its 200 trees and water catchment function, forms an important link in the Emmasingelkwadrant. WestCord wants to actively contribute to the liveability of the area and seeks cooperation with the municipality, neighbourhood and other partners. Think about opening up the terrace, facilitating small-scale events or offering space for meetings. Not only for guests, but also for the people of the city.

Investing in young talent

Another spearhead of the hotel is its cooperation with education. In cooperation with various educational institutions, from ROCs to international hotel schools, trainees are supervised in all areas of the hotel.  

They start, for example, in the kitchen, at breakfast or at reception, and are given the opportunity to grow. This makes the hotel not only an employer but also a place where young people can learn, experiment and build their careers in the hospitality sector.

ICT Infrastructure 
VSA

Connected from day one
For more than 25 years, VSA has provided reliable ICT services to WestCord Hotels. In the summer of 2023, WestCord had the opportunity to take over a special hotel in the city of lights Eindhoven. After the takeover, the entire ICT infrastructure was replaced within a short time: from workstations to wifi networks.

Everything was carefully and seamlessly integrated into the existing WestCord IT environment. Thanks to this efficient approach, the hotel was able to continue its services immediately, fully in line with WestCord's high standards. VSA thus once again proved to be a solid and thoughtful partner, focused on convenience, safety and security. "It is our strength to move quickly, without making concessions on quality. That is precisely what makes us a valuable link in the growth ambitions of organisations like WestCord," said Arthur van der Woude, Team Leader Sales and Marketing at VSA.

The hand of the architect

The renovation is in the hands of Ethien Duy Pham, permanent interior designer at WestCord Hotels. As Lead Concept Designer, he previously worked on Hotel Jakarta, The Market Hotel Groningen and Hotel Arsenaal Delft. Each WestCord hotel has its own character and soul - and that requires customisation. Ethien was educated at the Design Academy Eindhoven, among others, and knows better than anyone how important the connection between building, environment and experience is.

In Eindhoven, he combines the Light Tower's past with the wishes of today's guest. He works with natural materials, soft colours and thoughtful lighting - tailored to the rhythm of the day.

No standard template, but a design that suits both the location and WestCord's vision. The Westers family is also actively involved: an interaction in which functionality, comfort and atmosphere come together in a recognisable but unique style.

Local connection as a common thread

The renovation of WestCord Hotel Eindhoven not only looks at aesthetics and comfort, but also at the future. Wherever possible, sustainable choices are made: from energy-efficient installations to circular materials and smart lighting. In addition, attention is paid to local connection. Think of collaborations with regional suppliers, designers or catering partners. The ambition is to realise not just a beautiful hotel, but a sustainable, meaningful place in the heart of Eindhoven.

Since January, Fernanda Duarte van Hoof has been the face of WestCord Hotel Eindhoven. With her international experience, she brings a fresh perspective and dynamism to the hotel, which focuses not only on overnight stays, but also as a meeting place for both guests and the Eindhoven community.

Whirlpool baths
Beterbad

Direct from Manufacturer to Hotel room
Beterbad, a renowned Dutch manufacturer of baths and shower solutions, has supplied the whirlpool baths for the hotel rooms of the new Westcord Hotel in Eindhoven. The baths contribute to the luxurious look of the hotel and offer guests extra comfort and relaxation.

According to director Egbert Lassche, it is a great advantage for hotels to be able to buy directly from the source. "We not only offer high-quality products, but also personal contact and customisation. That makes all the difference," says Lassche. Beterbad is thus responding to the increasing demand for direct cooperation between manufacturers and hotel chains. With this working method, hotels can count on short lines, efficient delivery and products that are fully in line with their interior design concept. By supplying Westcord Hotel, Beterbad underlines its position as a reliable partner for the hospitality sector.

From Brazil to Eindhoven

Duarte van Hoof is originally from Brazil, where she took her first steps in the hotel industry. 'I have always been fascinated by hospitality. My career started in Portugal, where I studied hotel management, and later in Amsterdam at NH Hotels. That's where I met my husband, who is from Eindhoven. We went to Brazil together, where we ran a boutique hotel on the coast for 10 years.'

Why switch to the Netherlands anyway?

'When we had children, it was time to move back to the Netherlands. The idyllic life by the sea offered few opportunities for our children in terms of schools. It was a difficult decision, but in the end the choice for the Netherlands was clear, especially because we had family here.'

What attracted you to WestCord?

'What really appealed to me at WestCord is the space you get to be entrepreneurial. It's a family business, which means that as a manager you have a lot of freedom to make choices and try things out. That's very different from chains where everything has to follow a set format. With my entrepreneurial background, that suits me perfectly, fits in well. I come from an entrepreneurial family, so that suits me perfectly.'

Access control 
ASSA ABLOY - Vingcard

One locking technology for all WestCord Hotels

The Westcord Hotel Eindhoven is equipped with the Vingcard RFID locking system, supplied by ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Benelux B.V. With this, the hotel uses the same advanced access control as all other Westcord Hotels. The system provides secure, reliable and contactless access for guests and employees.

Thanks to this unified technology, the hotel chain benefits from efficient management and a consistent, recognisable guest experience. "We are proud to contribute to the high standard of hospitality and security within Westcord Hotels with our Vingcard solution," says Jeroen Coesmans, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Benelux.

The dynamics of Eindhoven

'Eindhoven is a city that doesn't sit still. It is a creative, energetic place and you can feel that in the hotel. The hotel is lively, there's always something happening. What I like most is that we have a lot of young people in the team. It gives me energy to see how trainees grow, some starting as dishwashers and working their way up to waiters or receptionists. This gives the atmosphere here something very dynamic.'

How do you see the hotel's role in the city?

'For me, a hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It should be a meeting place for both guests and the local community. We work with more than 100 people, many of them from the region, and we provide opportunities for young talent. The hotel should bridge the gap between the city and guests. It is important that people know they are welcome here, whether they come from the city or from far away.'

Connecting to the city and Victoria Park

'What I find special about this hotel is its location. The hotel is located by Victoria Park, and we want to strengthen that connection with the park and the city. The park is a beautiful green place, and we want to actively contribute to the liveability here with the hotel. We are in talks with the municipality to establish collaborations, for example by opening the terrace to the neighbourhood or facilitating small-scale events.'

What can we expect from Hotel WestCord Eindhoven in the future?

'Besides renovating the rooms and renewing the facilities, there remains a strong focus on the theme of light. That belongs to this place.