50+ architecture for hotels | No low beds and definitely a ‘pee light’
24-10-2025
Recently, we had an interesting discussion among colleagues about 50+ architecture for hotels. When is a room truly suitable for guests aged 50 and over? Do older travellers really find a lower bed a problem? And how important is it that guests aged 50+ appreciate your hotel room? I belong to that target group myself, we travel as often as possible and almost always stay in hotels. Did you know that this target group accounts for over 40% of the Dutch population? And hotels don’t have many guests under the age of 20 either!
No matter how trendy the hotel concept is, we constantly run into plenty of fellow 50+ travellers! So, to answer that question about importance right away: yes, it does matter. One colleague also asked whether we really appreciate a so-called ‘pee light’. A ‘pee light’? Excuse me?
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen
Trends we spotted | Week 42
20-10-2025
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:
- McDonald’s Netherlands launches their 2024-2025 Impact Report, working with local franchisees on sustainability and social impact.
- Ruby Hotels unveils a new art installation by Hugo Mulder DHM at Ruby Emma in Amsterdam, titled ‘Harness the Power of Nature’.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station staff show their commitment to charity during events like the Dam to Dam Run and KiKa Run.
- Taste of Horecava by Gault&Millau 2026 offers a stage for top chefs and innovative partners in culinary craftsmanship from January 12-14.
- Morrow is developing future-proof coffee without beans, using upcycled natural ingredients sourced from Europe and the UK.
- The Connaught, the famous Mayfair hotel, launched its first book, written by Bill Prince and published by Assouline.
- The WHO and UNICEF release new global hand hygiene guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of illnesses. SC Johnson Professional welcomes the release of these new guidelines and recognizes hand washing as a strong foundation for creating safe and healthy environments
- McDonald’s Germany introduces a limited edition FRIENDS menu with collectible figures and an interactive hub in Hamburg.
Enjoy reading!
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Poké Perfect at Schiphol Plaza and M Social Hotel New York Downtown
17-10-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, Poké Perfect opens its 15th, and largest, location yet at Schiphol Plaza! The healthy bowls fit perfectly with Schiphol’s goal to offer more variety, quality, and responsible choices. And M Social Hotel New York Downtown has opened, offering 569 rooms, their Beast & Butterflies signature restaurant, and a Metaverse experience connecting virtual and real worlds.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
2 minutes read
Museum Villa and Essense Food & Events | Contemporary art meets culinary storytelling
6-10-2025
Experiencing art with all your senses: that’s what the new partnership between Museum Villa and Essense Food & Events makes possible. Essense becomes Villa’s permanent partner in high-end hospitality. Together, they create unique experiences where art and gastronomy merge, with culinary storytelling as the guiding thread: “Where every bite tells a story.”
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Bouillon d’Amsterdam, Friethuys Schaijk and Spaghetteria Leiden
22-9-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, the concept of Parisian bouillon restaurants is also coming to our capital city early next year: Bouillon d’Amsterdam! A renovation of Friethuys Schaijk and in Leiden, preparations are in full swing for the opening of a Spaghetteria location.
Bouillon d’Amsterdam in the Hotel Die Port van Cleve promises high-quality food at a fair price! With dishes at affordable prices (€3 to €16), the owners aim to appeal to a big audience. Friethuys Schaijk, owned by Bart Bernsen and Luuk Vos, was renovated in three weeks and has a fresh, contemporary design for a traditional snack bar. And in Leiden, a new Spaghetteria location will open at Lange Mare 40, in October.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
3 minutes read
Opened in Amsterdam, restaurant char.d
22-9-2025
Top chefs and friends Dean Baker and Slava Nazaryan have realized their shared dream with the opening of restaurant char.d on Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam. The name refers to charring, a cooking technique in which ingredients are slowly grilled over charcoal or wood, or prepared at high temperatures. At char.d, modern barbecue techniques and high-quality, fresh ingredients take center stage, resulting in a simple yet flavourful menu full of depth and complexity.
2 minutes read
DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam officially opened
19-9-2025
On Thursday, September 18, two renovated hotels at the Leuvehaven in Rotterdam were officially opened: DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton. Both are located directly on the Maas River with views of the Erasmus Bridge and within walking distance of iconic city highlights such as the Markthal, the Maritime Museum, and Kop van Zuid. The hotels are directly connected but each offers its own distinctive experience.
2 minutes read
Artist Nils Verkaeren created a monumental live painting for restaurant NEBO (*)
16-9-2025
A great way to introduce new art into your restaurant! Yesterday, Monday, September 15, chef Dimitri De Koninck and artist Nils Verkaeren invited the public to the Panamarenkoplein in Antwerp, right in front of restaurant NEBO (*), for a unique open-air performance. The Belgian painter Verkaeren, recently back from exhibitions in Mexico and Colombia, spent the entire day working on a monumental seven-meter artwork inspired by the sky above the square. Once completed, the canvas was ceremoniously brought inside and now has a permanent place in the restaurant’s private dining room.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 33
15-8-2025
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:
- Polish bakery brand Fit Cake, with over 80 locations in Poland, has opened its first Canadian store on Toronto’s Bloor Street West, offering signature gluten- and sugar-free treats!
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream at restaurant Sel Gris in Knokke-Heist, proof that dietary restrictions can still taste delicious! And why not put in on your menu?
- The world’s only Michelin three-star vegan restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, will serve meat and fish again. Check out all the details of this change in the article.
- Xi Home Dumplings -The dumpling Bay in London, together with Marley Bones Dog Food, is serving free doggy dumplings from National Dog Day through September 9.
- Located in Hollywood, California, the Tesla Diner combines a supercharging station, a classic American diner and a drive-in experience, all in one.
- In the US, The Peach Cobbler Factory created mobile units to bring its desserts to smaller towns and other events.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts Brings ‘Bed on the Baseline’ to the 2025 US Open.
- Dave & Buster’s has opened its second location in India—a 22,000 sq. ft. venue on the fourth floor of the Infiniti Mall in Mumbai, in partnership with the Malpani Group. And they have many upcoming venues planned!
Enjoy reading!
Trends we spotted | Week 32
8-8-2025
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:
- Inspiration for restaurant chains? Hard Rock Cafe announced the five finalists for its annual World Burger Tour.
- Spotted at an Instagram reel – A £2 toilet trip in Budapest at – POP&ROLL Art Toilet. Combining art, design and utility!
- The 4-star citizenM Dublin St. Patrick’s hotel recently opened with a chaotic pillow fight, great idea!
- Starting August 12, McDonald’s invites fans in the U.S. on a nostalgic journey to McDonaldland.
- Since the end of July, you can enjoy a special drink at all participating Burger King restaurants in Germany: The Summernades! Drinks topped with cotton candy.
- To celebrate the festive opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel, the Efteling placed the world’s largest ribbon bow on the façade of its new luxury hotel. Guinness World Record!
- This summer, McDonald’s Germany invites guests on a global culinary journey with 22 international menu items from 17 countries. Mit Mecces um die Welt.
- Since August 1st, Postillion Hotels has been serving Plant First: their entire food offering, from lunch and dinner buffets to walking dinners and snacks, now has a plant-based foundation.
- The inspiration for the 2025 Duvel Designer Glass comes from artist Loes van Delft. With her design for the iconic glass, she and Duvel advocate for connection and softness.
Enjoy reading!
The rooftop restaurant and outside Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton
The hotel room of Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton
Thoughtfull details at the hotel room of Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton
Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton - in room coffeemaker 
Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton - the bathroom
Maison Heler Metz - A Curio Collection by Hilton - the key and a mini steamer in the closet
)
