Independent Hotelier of the Year

A dream came true for Jamie de Jong and Don Janmaat when they got the opportunity to start their own hotel Broeck Oudewater, an independent hotel in the city center of Oudewater (in the Green Heart of the Netherlands). The hotel opened its doors in March 2021 during the pandemic.

Broeck has a special social mission as they strive for an inclusive workforce. In collaboration with a local human welfare partner, they can create learning and workplaces and daytime activities with the correct support. At Broeck they work with people with or without labour disabilities. The staff with a labour disability could have (light) mental or physical disability, disorders, or hearing- or visual impairment. Their impressive success in business, high level of service and hospitality in combination with a social mission is unique! Jamie and Don strive to be the next-gen hospitality experts.

Together, they are responsible for a hotel with 24 rooms, meeting facilities and a well-visited restaurant. Jamie and Don own multiple hospitality concepts such as a bistro, event locations, pub and a catering/event company. Combined they are responsible for 110 employees. Jamie has a background in marketing, communication and HR and used to work at several hospitality concepts and in the international expat industry. Don graduated from Hotelschool The Hague in 2015 and has gained impressive experience in different roles within the hospitality industry.

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Marianne Langeveld (35) is the visionary owner of Boutique Hotel Texel, known for her innovative and significant influence on the independent hotel industry. She crafts extraordinary guest experiences, inspired by the island’s natural beauty. She leads with compassion, fostering personal and professional growth among her team. Marianne’s leadership creates a positive, thriving work environment where everyone can excel.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, she pushes boundaries with creativity and social awareness. Her initiatives, like the Texel Academy and caregivers project, empower both her team and community, showcasing her commitment to excellence, care, and sustainable impact. it's all about natural connection.

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Meet Nicky and Derk, a dynamic duo whose passions for hospitality and people have transformed Eindhoven's culinary landscape. Nicky is an energetic, creative, and strategic visionary with a passion for travel, cooking, wine and writing. Derk is a positive, people focussed person, with an impeccable eye for opportunities and a way of convincing others about these. He loves spending time on and around soccer fields, cooking and travel. Since 2012, they are the owners of several concepts in Eindhoven, including Hotel Parkzicht, Thym by Parkzicht, Pizzeria Hout, and Spanish restaurant Casa Pepe. They are currently developing a luxury hotel and restaurant in a historic monastery. Derk and Nicky consider their employees as 'family' and enjoy this busy life together with their two sons..

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Robert-Jan Woltering is a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry with over three decades of experience across five continents. As the Managing Director of De L'Europe Amsterdam, he has transformed the hotel into a place where local culture and luxury hospitality genuinely live. His visionary leadership, passion for excellence, and commitment to his team have earned him numerous accolades. Robert-Jan is dedicated to creating extraordinary guest experiences and fostering a supportive, innovative work environment. His contributions to luxury hospitality and his role as an industry ambassador make him a standout figure in the field.

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Tayla is a 27-year-old Australian who took a leap of faith and moved to Belgium where she became the General Manager of Hotel De Witte Lelie 5 years ago, making me her youngest female GM in the country.

Her journey in luxury hospitality began in Australia and New Zealand, where Tayla worked at several prestigious properties, refining her skills in high-end service and management. Passionate about creating unforgettable guest experiences, Tayla thrives on blending innovation with classic elegance. Leading one of Antwerp’s most exclusive boutique hotels, she is committed to setting new standards in the industry while inspiring the next generation of hoteliers.

Cast your vote here.