Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio has added a new Dutch hotel. The Het Slaakhuys building, originally designed by Dutch architect Jo Vegter in 1952, is now known as the Slaak Rotterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the collection’s first hotel in the city. The hotel joined the collection through an agreement with Dutch operating company Odyssey Hotel Group.
“We’re excited to further increase our footprint in the Netherlands,” said Jennifer Connell, VP/brand management and marketing, Tribute Portfolio. “Being the only hotel to open in Rotterdam this year gives us a platform to showcase the indie spirit of Tribute Portfolio while celebrating the unique personality of The Slaak Rotterdam.”
John Licence, VP/premium and select brands Europe, Marriott International, said, “This building has always played an important role in the city and we’re delighted to see it transformed into a Tribute Portfolio hotel and neighborhood hotspot.”
The landmarked building was home to the Dutch newspaper Het Vrije Volk (The Free People) until 1976, and the print legacy “inspired the design and concept” for the 74-room boutique hotel. (The interior design was overseen by Dutch firm HDVL.) Restaurant and Bar Didot34, named after Het Vrije Volk typography, is meant to be a social and co-working space with an open kitchen and meetings may be held in the hotel’s two Press Rooms. Beyond workouts, Studio34, the hotel’s fitness studio, created in partnership with Enforce, offers personal training, nutrition advice and coaching programs.
Located in the Kralingen-West neighborhood, the hotel will host regular jazz nights and record sessions, recalling the hotel’s 1950s' heritage.