Our History

In 1939, Martien- and Rie Van der Valk opened a restaurant in Voorschoten. By hard work and a hospitable treatment of guests, they made their business into an enormous success. In the years after the second world war they built a number of restaurants together with their 11 children.

Meanwhile the company has been developed by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the largest Dutch hotel and catering industry.

In its home market of the Netherlands Van der Valk operates 56 establishments, complemented by over 25 Van der Valk hotels in various other countries spread arount the globe.

The basis for success of the Van der Valk formula is a clear vision on hospitality and an entrepreneurial spirit, which was passed on over the years to the younger generations of “Valken” by Martien and Rien.