Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol: A home away from home

Seas of light and space inside and outside the conference rooms, comfort, and excellent ­service. Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol has it all - and more.

Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol has much more to offer than one might initially see. The exterior is modern and sleek, but once the sliding doors open for you as a guest, you experience a warm oasis of tranquility and space. A place where visitors feel at home. “A home away from home,” says Commercial Manager Arjen van der Linden. Or even better than home, given the comfort and hospitable service. 

The hotel and conference venue, just eight minutes from Schiphol Airport, has long been a popular location for events, meetings, and conferences. Many businesses from the Netherlands and abroad, as well as tourists, find their way to the hotel. “They come not only for the spacious layout, but also for the famous Van der Valk ­experience: hospitality and quality at a competitive price.”

Seas of daylight

What makes this location so unique? Van der ­Linden mentions two aspects: ample space and an abundance of daylight in the conference rooms, thanks to the large windows that allow natural light to fill the space. In addition, attention has been paid to every detail outside the conference rooms. This ensures that guests or participants feel comfortable and can even retreat to one of the many seating areas during a long meeting or conference day.

“We have four large foyers totaling 2,000 square meters, alongside 25 conference rooms covering nearly 2,500 square meters.”

Tailored to your needs

Everything can be tailored to the guest's wishes. Van der Linden highlights the New York Room in the recently added section. “This is a large room of about 1,000 square meters, which can be ­divided into three sections. Even when divided, the proportions always are right, so it never feels like an ‘adjusted’ space.‘’

Regarding the latest technology, the conference hotel keeps pace with customer demands. “We continuously innovate in technology as well. New AV facilities have been installed during the expansion and renovation, featuring the latest advancements and full compatibility.”

The Van der Valk Experience

Returning to the Van der Valk experience, Van der Linden explains how important this is to the hotel. “Personal service and flexibility are what we are known for, and for good reason. For example, when we host large conference dinners, our General Manager, Bill van der Valk, personally helps serve the meals.”

“Every aspect of your conference must be perfect. That is why you won’t find large, impersonal halls for dinners here. When you attend a business event with us, it feels like coming home.” “For instance, our foyer has luxurious sofas where you can relax and enjoy a coffee. In the New York conference room, we prioritize comfort over capacity. We have placed wider, more comfortable chairs because we believe that’s what makes a difference.”

Another distinguishing feature: the ceilings and wallpaper throughout the hotel are designed to reduce noise. “You know how it goes - people leave a room, and before you know it, the noise level rises. That can be very distracting. By investing in interior and material choices, we eliminate such small frustrations.”

 

An all-in congress may be a somewhat strange concept given the customization, but as an organization you know exactly what to expect

 

All-Inclusive package

Another unique selling point of Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol is that clients can choose to work with their own partners or with the hotel. “For us, business is about organizing a great event in a great location with excellent hotel rooms. Ultimately, everything can be customized, but the strength lies in the fact that our basic package is already very comprehensive.”

It is essentially an all-inclusive package for confe­rences at a competitive price, Van der Linden emphasizes. “Everyone enjoys an all-inclusive vacation. An all-inclusive conference may sound unusual given the customization involved, but as an organization, you know exactly what to expect - from pricing to AV to transportation.”

“Parking is free for our guests, and a complimentary shuttle bus runs to and from Schiphol. There are no hidden surprises, which our customers greatly appreciate.”

A pleasant surprise

Van der Linden acknowledges that first impressions from the outside might be misleading. “We've heard that before, and we are aware of it. Recently, a customer arrived and asked, ‘What is this concrete colossus?’” “From the outside, the hotel may not be as charming as the beautiful historic hotels in Amsterdam. However, once inside, perceptions change completely.”

“Guests are pleasantly surprised by the spacious reception area with multiple check-in stations and surrounding seating. Everything is designed to be spacious without feeling overwhelming, ensuring visitors immediately feel at ease.”

“When you ascend the wide staircase, you arrive at the floor where all the meeting rooms are located. There, you’ll find a spacious foyer with a mobile buffet offering snacks and drinks. Nothing is quite what it seems at first glance; you have to experience it for yourself,” he says invitingly.

Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol has undergone signi­ficant renovations and sustainability improve­ments in recent years. “Sustainability is essential, but we go beyond the basics with ­features like heat recovery systems and an expansion of solar panels.”

“The typical Van der Valk experience is evident in how, during COVID, the family and our kitchen team personally installed a green roof on the new building. We used that period construc­tively, with the entire team contributing.”

F&B as a core pillar

F&B (Food & Beverage) is a vital pillar of the hotel. “Everyone remembers the famous homemade applesauce with a cherry on top,” says Van der Linden. “That’s classic Van der Valk, but our F&B goes much further. We continue to offer quality at a good price while adapting to societal trends.”

“For example, we work with local producers, and many of our products come from our own distribution center to reduce logistical pressure without compromising quality. We grow alongside our customers, including their needs for healthy and dietary-conscious food. Delicious meals remain a priority, and our guests appre­ciate that.”

Covered boulevard

At a location like this, innovation is ongoing, and the next project involves enhancing the area around the hotel. “We have a massive parking lot with 2,000 spaces, and we plan to add more greenery. A comfortable, covered boulevard is also in the works because, let’s face it, the Dutch weather isn’t always sunny. These details make the start of an event or vacation even more enjoyable.”

Park, Sleep, Fly

While the hotel welcomes many business guests, vacationers and business travelers also frequently stay here. “We offer a Park, Sleep, Fly package, allowing guests to conveniently park their cars, enjoy a meal, or spend the night before their trip. That’s why we serve breakfast from 5:00 AM. The first complimentary shuttle bus departs at the same time, getting you to Schiphol in just eight minutes for your vacation or business flight.”