About Van der Valk

Yes, Van der Valk is a family business that has been led by the Van der Valk family for generations. Since its founding in the nineteenth century, various generations have contributed to the brand's growth, with hospitality and entrepreneurship remaining central.

The history of Van der Valk begins in 1862, when the couple Martinus van der Valk and Rie van der Valk opened an inn in Voorschoten. What started as a small-scale hospitality business grew over the years into a family business where hospitality, entrepreneurship, and quality were central. Thanks to the efforts of successive generations, Van der Valk further expanded with restaurants, roadside restaurants, and later also hotels.

Van der Valk is known for comfortable hotels, spacious rooms, good restaurants, and hospitable reception. In addition, the brand offers facilities for business meetings, wellness, events, and complete hotel packages.

The choice for the toucan logo arose after purchasing Bird Park Avifauna. The family was looking for a recognizable trademark that would connect all hotels. A bird of prey fit less well with the hospitable nature of the family business and also evoked unwanted associations with the post-war period.

The logo grew into one of the most famous brand icons within the Dutch hospitality industry and is now associated with hospitality, quality, and trusted service.

Van der Valk has a history of more than 160 years. Since its founding, the family business has developed from a local hospitality business to an international hotel brand.

The first Van der Valk hotel was Hotel De Gouden Leeuw in Voorschoten. The origins of this location date back to 1862 when Nicolaas van der Valk bought the farm and inn De Gouden Leeuw. Under the leadership of Martinus van der Valk and his wife Rie van der Valk, the first hotel rooms were realized above the café. Thus, the first true Van der Valk hotel emerged. De Gouden Leeuw is therefore still considered the birthplace of the Van der Valk hotel brand.