Chocolate Hotel Suite opens its doors to the “sweetest person” in the world
5-3-2026
Tony’s Chocolonely and The Social Hub, two leading B Corp brands committed to making the world fairer and more inclusive, have joined forces to create a chocolate-covered hotel room. But there’s a twist. A stay in the new chocolate pop-up suite at The Social Hub Amsterdam cannot be booked (or paid for). Guests can only stay there if they are nominated as the sweetest person in the world.
2 min read:
Small gestures of hospitality | What do you do for guests with a cold in your hotel?
3-3-2026
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen about flu season. It is very inconvenient when part of your staff is sick, but it can also be challenging when you welcome guests who have a cold. How do you remain hospitable in those situations? And more about small gestures of hospitality and ‘random acts of kindness’.
This blog was previously published in Dutch at the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners Group.
2 minutes read
‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub | Dutch women who travel solo prioritize safety over price
3-3-2026
New European research by The Social Hub, conducted in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (March 8), shows that safety is more important than price for Dutch women when booking accommodation for solo travel. 56 percent cite safety as one of the most important factors, compared to 42 percent who mention price. The findings underline the urgent need for change within the hospitality sector when it comes to women’s safety.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 9
3-3-2026
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:
- Burger King is introducing updates to its iconic Whopper, including a new bun and box packaging.
- Live Más LIVE 2026 by Taco Bell, a Hollywood-themed event revealing its 2026 menu innovations.
- Kyriad has launched ‘Prompt It’ the first AI-powered travel guide created by the brand.
- Travel and Tour World has released its ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026’.
- Starbucks is launching new Coffee & Protein bottled drinks on March 23.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added permanent Senior Meals (55+) to its menu.
- Mandarin Oriental has appointed Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.
Enjoy reading!
Cool Kids Check In | Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts for every kind of kid
27-2-2026
Family holidays are no longer one-size-fits-all. Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts is responding with a collection of resorts across Asia and the Indian Ocean designed around how kids actually travel, from Water Babies and Sporty kids to Foodies, Adventurers and Creatives. Each resort reflects different interests and energy levels while keeping the overall experience simple, flexible and enjoyable for parents too.
Great examples of a cool kids check in!
2 minutes read
Fletcher Partner Hotels | Fletcher Hotels expands with 30 hotels abroad
27-2-2026
With this new activity, 20 additional hotels in Germany and 10 hotels in Belgium are now bookable through Fletcher Hotels, increasing the total foreign portfolio by as much as 30 hotels. Fletcher Partner Hotels enables Fletcher to accelerate its European objectives: by starting a collaboration with a large number of foreign hotels, Fletcher can enter foreign markets more quickly and further increase brand awareness across Europe.
2 minutes read
The Jollof Club chooses community funding for its first permanent location in Amsterdam-Zuidoost
26-2-2026
The West African restaurant concept The Jollof Club in Amsterdam is taking its next step. Chef Nicolas Aquaa and hospitality entrepreneur Bunmi Okolosi will open their first permanent location in spring 2026 at Klein Bijlmerplein (Bijlmerplein 508) in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. To make this possible, they have consciously chosen crowdfunding via CrowdAboutNow.
With this campaign, they are not only building financial support, but above all a community. Future guests, fans, and local residents can become co-creators from the very beginning. “We want people to feel part of this story from day one,” says Bunmi Okolosi. “Not just as guests, but as a community.”
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 8
23-2-2026
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:
- Westrock Coffee Company recently announced it has officially achieved its goal of becoming 100% responsibly sourced, fulfilling the commitment the company publicly set in 2021.
- The inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma will bring together 70 historic Italian cars in the heart of Rome. Taking place from the 16th-19th of April 2026.
- The development of the Al Layan Oasis project has been approved, it will become a new environmental and recreational destination in Dubai.
- Heineken® launched two new non-alcoholic flavours, Cold Pressed Lime and Nectarine Juniper, in the US.
- Tim Hortons, a coffee chain from North America, is introducing Golden Cinnamon Cold Foam as a limited-time customization option this spring. The brand also continues to highlight its protein latte platform.
- Jordan olive oil from Lesbos is now available in a paper bottle, made from 94% recycled cardboard, featuring a specially designed pourer that doesn’t spill a drop.
- The Dutch coffee and bagels chain Bagels & Beans distributes nearly 1,000 love cards for Valentine’s Day. We spotted Café Pli, een ‘Café à Lettres’ in Paris, where visitors can write a letter to their future selves!
- Onyx Coffee Lab (USA) tops the list as the best coffee shop in ‘THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS’. Fuku by FriedHats in Amsterdam is ranked number 79! Congrats to all companies on this list!
Enjoy reading!
A Homecourt Suite in the recently opened Anthem Hotel in LA’s Stadium District
19-2-2026
Game day doesn’t have to end at the final buzzer—and concert night shouldn’t stop at the encore. In Los Angeles’ buzzing Stadium District, The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is turning event-driven travel into an experience of its own. Just steps from the city’s biggest venues, the 179-room lifestyle hotel blends sports, music, and culture into a stay that feels like part of the show. With immersive suites and high-energy programming, The Anthem isn’t just near the action—it keeps the momentum going long after the crowd heads home. For the NBA All Star Game they created a Homecourt Suite!
Another great example on how to capitalize on events in your neighbourhood! And about Vinyl Wellness.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 7
17-2-2026
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 next year! Why not spoil your best male friend for Valentine’s Day? Einstein Bros. Bagels introduced their ‘Bro-quet’!
- Viral push pop sushi has also been spotted in the Netherlands at Twapan in Eindhoven and Rolling Sushi in Amsterdam.
- Fletcher Hotels opens a boutique hotel at Michelin-starred restaurant De Kromme Dissel (*).
- The first location of a fashion-forward café by streetwear brand, 13DE Marzo, opened last November in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. They serve tiny teddy bears with their drinks.
- Jill hotel Brussels & restaurant Nook offer an extensive mocktail menu and serve no alcohol.
- California Almonds partnered with StarChefs to showcase almond creativity on restaurant menus across San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- The Shangri-La hotel group launched a global search for one lucky winner to receive an 88-Night Global Stay.
- Nobu Hospitality will launch Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and exclusive private island residences in the Maldives.
- Mandarin Oriental Hotels will expand its presence in Egypt with two iconic hotels and a luxury Nile cruise experience.
Enjoy reading!
Chocolate Hotel Suite opens its doors to the “sweetest person” in the world
