The history of Van der Valk

The history of Van der Valk Hotels & Restaurants begins in 1939, when Martinus (Martien) and Rie van der Valk opened the café-restaurant in Voorschoten. The Golden Lion Their formula for success is simple: generous portions, affordable prices, and a warm hospitality that everyone can afford. This approach immediately resonates and forms the basis for what would become one of the most well-known hospitality chains in the Netherlands.

After the Second World War, the family quickly expands their activities. Each child of Martien and Rie gets their own branch, which is operated independently. This creates a family business where entrepreneurship and hospitality go hand in hand. In the sixties, the well-known toucan is introduced as a logo, which remains the chain's hallmark to this day.

During the 1970s to the 1990s, Van der Valk experiences tremendous growth. New branches are opened throughout the Netherlands, as well as in Belgium, Germany, France, and even in Curaçao. The large restaurants along highways, offering extensive buffets and family-friendly formulas, make Van der Valk a familiar name for both families and business travelers.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the family focuses on modernization. The somewhat outdated restaurants are being replaced by contemporary hotels with luxurious rooms, wellness facilities, meeting amenities, and a more refined cuisine. As a result, Van der Valk not only manages to retain its loyal guests but also attracts a new and international audience.

Today, Van der Valk counts more than a hundred hotels and restaurants in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, and the Caribbean. Despite the international expansion and professionalization, the company remains in the hands of the family, now led by the third and fourth generation. This makes Van der Valk a unique family business that combines its traditional hospitality and generous service with the quality and luxury of modern hotel industry.