ICE! by the Gaylord Hotels returns for the 2025 Holiday Season
4-8-2025
This winter, the iconic holiday attraction ICE! by the Gaylord Hotels returns to six U.S. resorts, offering guests a magical walk-through world of hand-carved ice sculptures, live shows, and family-friendly Christmas activities. The event features over 2 million pounds of ice, sculpted into scenes from classic holiday stories by master artisans from Harbin, China.
We wrote about ICE! by Gaylord Hotels back in 2023, but who doesn’t love this iconic holiday tradition? It’s also a great reminder to start planning your own Christmas event. This experience is especially inspiring for smaller hotel or restaurant chains looking to create memorable, guest-attracting holiday moments.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 31
1-8-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Tomorrow (August 2) Pride Amsterdam’ Canal Parade is celebrated. A great beer to enjoy during the Pride and beyond is the IPGAY by Queer Beer. A tropical summer beer with a statement!
- At Lotti’s Bar in The Hoxton hotel in Amsterdam, you can enjoy a glitter brunch during the Pride. And The Jollof Club from August 7 through September offers refined African cuisine by chef Nicolas Aquaa.
- Le Bristol Paris is celebrating their centenary! They unveiled the Eden Suite, a lush 6th-floor sanctuary dedicated to wellness luxury.
- ‘Une collab gourmande’ between Deliveroo × French Bandit’s. Order a meal for yourself and receive a pet toy! A great way to target pet owners? We love the pizza slice and baguette toy!
- Glacerie Enzo & Lily Libre in Paris. Here Lionel Chauvin creates spectacular ice cream flavours – like glace hot dog or glace bouillabaisse. But we love to taste his glace Fraise des bois blanche.
- Immersive restaurant pop-up of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ in Santa Monica. Subway® sends fans to their Happy Place!
- A great example of a family room! We love the Rocket Room, spotted at the Shangri-La Singapore.
- Center Parcs De Vossemeren is the first location of this brand that unveiled their completely renovated restaurants. A collab with Albron.
- Design hotel brand TRIBE, part of Accor hotels, is expanding rapidly in Europe, with among others a new location in the Netherlands, TRIBE Den Haag Centraal.
Enjoy reading!
#Fairmontlovesdogs | Paw-fect offerings at the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
31-7-2025
To celebrate International Dog Day on August 26, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor, invites guests for heartwarming stays that go far beyond being simply ‘pet-friendly’. With the motto #FairmontLovesDogs, the hotel group celebrates this special day across its global portfolio, but Fairmont offers luxury service and pampering for dogs all year round at its iconic locations. Guests are encouraged to share their encounters with the Canine Ambassadors and pet travel stories using the hashtag #Fairmontlovesdogs.
We personally met the dog from Fairmont Château Whistler back in 2019—such a sweetheart! (Check out the hotel’s new canine ambassador). Just like the sweetheart Bella, the dog of hotel & Michelin-starred restaurant De Bloemenbeek. While the many dogs at Fairmont inspired us to adopt another one ourselves, our office dog Jimmy was already enjoying playtime with Bella during our visit to the hotel and restaurant. This article highlights some great examples of how you can pamper your guests’ four-legged friends: dog-friendly city guides, dog macarons, embroidered doggie bathrobes, and more.
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Ikigai, restaurant Salut and the Salsa Shop
28-7-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: restaurant Salut in De Pijp, lunch concept Ikigai in Leiden, and the latest Salsa Shop opening at Amsterdam Central Station.
In the heart of De Pijp in Amsterdam, Restaurant Salut has opened its doors: an all-day café combining French charm with Mediterranean comfort. The concept comes from the entrepreneurs behind restaurant Bisous. In Leiden, a new lunch spot has launched on Haarlemmerstraat: Ikigai. Here, you can enjoy sandwiches with Japanese toppings on brioche bread, paninis, and special drinks. Lastly, the Salsa Shop recently opened its 18th location. At Amsterdam Central Station, you can now grab a fresh burrito or quesadilla!
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 30
25-7-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Eataly makes its Dutch debut at Schiphol Airport! Enjoy their Italian specialties at Lounge 1.
- For its Summer 2025 menu at the EMEA markets (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Starbucks took inspiration from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu. The result? A Tiramisu Cream Cold Foam.
- Another Coffee trend spotted in the US: the Iced Coconut Water Americano.
- Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The agreement was signed in their INK Amsterdam hotel.
- KFC’s new marketing campaign features a serious Colonel who ‘would not be happy’ about the brand’s recent market share loss. See how they’re taking on this challenge.
- Lawa blends ‘Mario Kart and Strava’ to make movement fun for teens and brands. Available in the Netherlands and it’s possibly interesting for amusement parks, too.
- Mattel recently launched the first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas—an immersive game night experience combining competition, fun, and social connection. More locations are on the way!
- Spotted on Instagram: ‘unbreakable glasses’ by Djuce Studio. Made from Tritan copolyester and we love the way they look!
- Would you like to play a golf game at your wedding? We’ve also spotted fun mini golf games to enjoy with friends!
Enjoy reading!
Stayokay Eindhoven adds pods and family rooms after renovation
24-7-2025
Stayokay Eindhoven has recently completed an extensive renovation, which includes the addition of innovative pods to its room offering. Located in a former Philips factory on the vibrant Strijp-S site, the hostel now presents itself as a fresh and accessible accommodation option for a wide range of travellers. Both the rooms and common areas have been updated while preserving the characteristic charm of the historic building.
2 minutes read
De Lola | The new pod hotel in The Hague’s ‘De Haagse Bluf’
17-7-2025
As of July 16, 2025, you can experience a new way to stay in The Hague. De Lola Podshotel has opened in ‘De Haagse Bluf’ – the very first true pod hotel in The Hague and the Netherlands. No standard rooms here, but cozy sleep pods: compact, stacked cocoons with everything you need for a comfortable stay right in the city center. De Lola brings the smart and efficient sleep concept, already popular in global cities like Tokyo, New York and London, to the Netherlands. The hotel features 62 pods accommodating up to 70 guests, and a contemporary food concept and a stylish retro 70s-inspired lobby.
2 minutes read
Chipotle launches global ‘album premiere listening party’ with pop star Alex Warren
17-7-2025
Today, Thursday July 17, Chipotle Mexican Grill is teaming up with singer and Chipotle superfan Alex Warren for a unique global event: an album premiere listening party for his new album You’ll Be Alright, Kid. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time, the album will be played in nearly 4,000 Chipotle locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and France. It’s the first time an artist has ever launched new music in this many restaurants simultaneously. The album will be officially available on all streaming platforms starting July 18.
This album premiere listening party is a unique collaboration between an artist and a restaurant chain! Inspiration for others?
2 minutes read
Tompoesje brings a cult classic to the party scene
15-7-2025
A tompouce is a traditional Dutch pastry you’ll find at nearly every bakery in the Netherlands. Some eat it layer by layer, others squash it flat—everyone has their own way of enjoying it. But for those who’d rather toast than tinker, there’s now an alternative: Tompoesje, a shot that captures the familiar flavor of vanilla and puff pastry in liquid form. Tip from the makers: serve it ice-cold for the best experience.
1 minute read
The Social Hub supports the trans community with ‘Shout it from our Roof’ Initiative
14-7-2025
With the launch of its ‘Shout it from our Roof’ initiative, The Social Hub is giving trans people across Europe a platform — literally and figuratively — to show the world who they are. Everyone is welcome to join the Pride event at The Social Hub Amsterdam City on July 30, starting at 6:00 PM, to celebrate.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 28
14-7-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
- Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
- The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
- Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
- As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
- The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
- Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
- At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
- On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.
Enjoy reading!
ProVeg launched ‘Future Plates’ | A catering guide to inspire more plant-based meals at global events
11-7-2025
Last month, ProVeg International released Future Plates, a new catering guide designed to help large-scale events offer more plant-based food options. Launched during the UN’s climate conference in Bonn, the guide includes best practices, inspiring case studies, and flavourful recipes like jackfruit tuna salad, shepherd’s pie, chickpea curry, French bean casserole, and more.
2 minutes read
Celebrate National French Fry Day with the latest snacking trend | Fry Bags
11-7-2025
In our weekly trend letters, we always highlight upcoming national and international food-related days, listed a few weeks in advance. You can subscribe here. Today, July 11, it’s National French Fry Day, and we’ve spotted great inspiration for snack bars and fries brands: Fry Bags. In short: Fries + Spices = Shake, Rip, and Dig In. Sounds like a trend we can also appreciate in the Netherlands!
1 minute read
New Summer Drinks | Will we also go for a Sarti Spritz, a Matchatini or a Spicy Sauvy B?
8-7-2025
We’ve been enjoying glorious summer weather for a few weeks now, and the popular seasonal drinks are already known. Mocktails, cocktails, spritz variations, rosé, and white wine remain favourites. Still, we’re seeing some new developments, both here in the Netherlands and around the world. Hard seltzers have firmly established themselves here in the Netherlands, especially at festivals, and alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. We’re curious whether summer drinks like the Sarti Spritz, the Matchatini, Osan Drinks, Established, and wines such as Kaiken Disobedience from Argentina will become more common. We do have our doubts about the Spicy Sauvy B, but luckily, the choice is yours!
3 minutes read
Catalonia, the best gastronomy in the world | Campaign by the Generalitat de Catalunya
7-7-2025
When you’re travelling to the Spanish region of Catalonia this summer and you’re a foodie – check out all 62 Michelin-starred restaurants in the region. Three of these are ranked among the best in the world. Catalonia aims to reinforce its leadership as a preeminent culinary destination in Europe and globally. Around one hundred Michelin-starred chefs and traditional cuisine chefs are uniting behind the message: ‘Catalonia, the best gastronomy in the world.’
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 27
4-7-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- It’s a Dutch tradition, herring parties to celebrate ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’! This year for the for the 30th time, the Hilton Amsterdam received the first keg by fishmonger Jan van As.
- Chef René Redzepi and the team behind restaurant Noma are heading to Los Angeles in 2026.
- Airbnb is official partner of the Tour de France till 2027 and will offer unique experiences to enjoy the Grande Boucle and the communities surrounding the route.
- Dutch hostel chain Stayokay has launched a playful new campaign: ‘This is not a hostel!’
- With rising temperatures, cooling becomes increasingly important. Skycooler provides a refreshing solution for terraces, sports facilities, events, and smaller indoor spaces.
- Hotel brand ibis continues its European expansion, with recent openings in Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, and upcoming locations in Poland and Hungary. The brand now boasts over 2,500 hotels worldwide.
- Thai street food brand Kaimug is the first restaurant in Germany to introduce a robot chef: the Omni by Botinkit.
- At their recent Leadership Experience event, Starbucks announced their first generative-AI powered solution, Green Dot Assist. This system will support their baristas and other green apron partners.
- Accor’s newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection, blends a storied legacy with a visionary redesign. Fiftheen hotels are in the pipeline, including Rimrock Banff, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath in the UK and the Elatos Resort in Greece.
Enjoy reading!
Poké Perfect launches limited edition Kesbeke Bowl
3-7-2025
As of today, July 3, the new Kesbeke Bowl is available for a limited time at all Poké Perfect locations. This special is the result of a flavourful collaboration with Kesbeke, where pickles take center stage rather than serving as a mere side.
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Le Smash, Elysianne and Beau
1-7-2025
Every day we spot fun and exciting new concepts. This week: a new Le Smash location in Leiden, restaurant Elysianne in Amsterdam, and Beau in Rotterdam.
Le Smash recently opened its eighth location in the Netherlands at Steenstraat 12 in Leiden. Meanwhile, the ninth location has also already opened in Groningen. Early 2025, restaurant Elysianne opened its doors at Ruysdaelstraat 48 in Amsterdam. Chef Matt Pace and his team serve refined versions of classic Creole dishes from Louisiana. And this Saturday, July 5, Beau will open at Stadhuisplein 23 in Rotterdam—a place to dine, experience, and linger.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
Michelin-starred restaurant Onder de Linden embarks on a new path| Even more local, sustainable and affordable
1-7-2025
Herberg Onder de Linden, located in the village of Aduard in Groningen (in the north of the Netherlands), is becoming even more local and accessible. The Michelin-starred restaurant (*), owned by chef Steven Klein Nijenhuis, is eliminating nearly all ingredients sourced from afar. In addition, the menu now includes an attractively priced three-course option, and two new luxury suites have been added, bringing the total number of guest rooms to six.
3 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 26
27-6-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.
Found at DUS in Utrecht.
- Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
- Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
- Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
- LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
- Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
- J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
- The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
- Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.
Enjoy reading!
Copitas | Ostend celebrates Mexican Spirits at a unique festival
26-6-2025
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ostend will host a first: Belgium’s very own festival dedicated to Mexican spirits. Copitas — Spanish for “little glasses” — celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican drinks like tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, and gin. Founders Stijn Deschacht, Jeroen Van Dyck, and a group of agave ambassadors from around the world invite the Belgian public to taste, learn, and enjoy artisanal spirits full of story, terroir, and tradition. Tastings will be paired with Mexican-inspired food.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 25
23-6-2025
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- INK Hotel Amsterdam is turning pink for the tenth time during Pride Amsterdam. This anniversary edition is titled ‘Ten Years of Reflection’. From July 24 through August 3, 2025, it’s called the PINK Hotel.
- Distillers Hotel will bring new life to historic Schiedam distillery. Scheduled to open in 2026.
- Last week Frittenwerk opened their first store in Münich, it’s their 45th store in Germany.
- KYU NYC, a full-service restaurant, is aiming to shake up the New York City lunch scene with the launch of KYU Grab & Go, pick-up point: the window.
- Another window opened in NYC: Buchette del Vino, the city’s first ‘Florentine Wine Window’.
- We came across ‘The World’s First Sky Beach Club’ on Instagram. The location of the Tribe Sky Beach Club? Emsphere Mall in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Inspiration for beach clubs: a Low Tide Golf Game. Looks like fun!
- A great example of a fun little gesture of hospitality: the VIP #DogPerrignon service from SiSo Beach Mallorca.
- The CuliQuiz Top 100 is a nationwide audience award created for and by the Dutch hospitality industry. Applications are open now and the winners will be announced during Gastvrij Rotterdam. Created together with the Week of Hospitality.
- An event by Hospitality Pact marked the official launch of the new platform Discover Hospitality — the central hub of a national digital campaign designed to inspire young adults to pursue a career in hospitality in the Netherlands.
Enjoy reading!
Doppio celebrates the start of summer with free caffè freddo on the longest day of the year
20-6-2025
While the sun has already made many appearances, summer only officially begins on Saturday, June 21, the longest day of the year. With over sixteen hours of daylight, it’s the perfect time to kick off the summer season. Doppio Espresso is marking the occasion in true Italian style by treating guests to a free iced coffee: a refreshing caffè freddo, made just like in Italy. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, all Doppio locations in the Netherlands will offer a free cool coffee moment.
The weather forecast is really Italian —so we think they can expect long lines!
1 minute read
‘Camp Unwritten’ | Glamping meets storytelling by World of Hyatt
19-6-2025
This summer, World of Hyatt is teaming up with Reese’s Book Club and Under Canvas to launch Camp Unwritten – a unique, storybook-inspired glamping adventure that invites guests to become the main character of their own summer tale. Think cozy fireside reads, luxury tents, wide-open skies, and exclusive access to bestselling authors – all in breathtaking, off-the-grid settings.
2 minutes read
Hyatt opens first Secrets resort in Aruba | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
17-6-2025
Hyatt is expanding its Inclusive Collection with the launch of Secrets Baby Beach Aruba – an adults-only, all-inclusive resort featuring 304 suites on the serene southeastern coast of Aruba. This is the first Inclusive Collection property on the island, located along the tranquil Baby Beach, known for its white coral sands and clear turquoise waters. Its proximity to the colorful town of San Nicolas – famous for its street murals – makes it ideal for travelers seeking both luxury and local culture. Other Hyatt hotels on Aruba are Hyatt Place Aruba Airport and Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino.
2 minutes read
