De Roode Leeuw Amsterdam
115 years of hospitality in the heart of Amsterdam
In conversation with Marcel Romein, Director of De Roode Leeuw.
What once began as an inn in the 15th century has evolved into Hotel De Roode Leeuw: an iconic hotel and brasserie in the heart of Amsterdam. Since 1911, it has been a household name in the city, within walking distance of Dam Square and Central Station. Marcel Romein has been at the helm for almost ten years and knows the hotel inside and out.
After the renovation in 2019, the hotel was given a contemporary look, without losing its historic and monumental character. Most guests stay here for two to three days for a city trip. They come for the city, but appreciate the calm as soon as they step inside the hotel. That is exactly what Hotel De Roode Leeuw aims to offer.
Simply well taken care of
For Hotel De Roode Leeuw, it is not only about the quality of the linen, but especially about the partnership behind it. If something goes wrong, it is important to find a suitable solution together. Marcel: “Long-term relationships are our preference. In a hotel environment that is constantly in motion, that cannot be taken for granted and that is exactly why it is so valuable.”
In the partnership with Blycolin, short lines of communication and reliability are key. By responding quickly and taking responsibility, linen remains a stable factor within the operation. This creates peace of mind, both for the team and for the guest. “When everything is well taken care of, you no longer have to think about it. Then you can focus on your guests,” says Marcel.
The role of linen in the hotel room
Comfort starts with the basics. A good bed and a pleasant shower are essential, as are peace, quiet, and hygiene. Linen plays a direct role in this. “Guests feel comfortable when the linen is fresh and well cared for,” Marcel explains. “Linen has to be clean and of good quality. That is where the experience begins.” That first impression is decisive.
Where the linen comes from
The focus on quality does not stop at what the guest sees in the room. Conscious choices are also made behind the scenes. For Hotel De Roode Leeuw, it is not only about the linen itself, but also about where it comes from and how it is produced. “For us, it is important that the entire chain is in order,” says Marcel. “From production to use. That starts with the people on the cotton plantations.”
“Long-term relationships are our preference. In a hotel environment that is constantly in motion, that cannot be taken for granted and that is exactly why it is so valuable.”
– Marcel Romein
Looking ahead
Guest expectations are changing, but according to Marcel, the foundation remains the same. “You can automate a lot, but hospitality remains a human endeavor,” he says. Hotel De Roode Leeuw continues to focus on that. Not by wanting to do everything differently, but by ensuring that what is in place is right every day: from arrival to departure and from room to linen.