On the corner of Zeestraat and Sophialaan, the stately Carlton Ambassador is just a short walk from the city centre and within easy reach of the Zeeheldenkwartier. This four-star hotel has 88 luxury rooms and suites, a restaurant and beautiful event spaces. Brecht Veenman is general manager of the hotel, which draws diplomats, lawyers and civil servants. "We have many international guests. Seventy per cent stay with us for business, the remainder for touristic pursuits. Here in the Willemspark, we are in the heart of the embassy district, so surrounded by embassies such as those of Canada and Portugal. It is no coincidence that we have ‘ambassador’ in our name. We are a favourite among diplomats and politicians, who enjoy staying here.”

Paparazzi

Veenman continues, “There is a unique tradition in the Netherlands that newly appointed ambassadors present their letters of credence to the king. A royal carriage picks them up right from our doorstep. I wish them good luck as they go and offer them a glass of champagne when they return, of course accompanied by our well-known madeleines. They are highly popular among our guests.”

The Carlton Ambassador is also the hotel of choice for Dutch and international celebrities and has been graced by names such as Coldplay singer Chris Martin, the Chabot family of writers, and film star Catherine Zeta Jones during the filming of Ocean’s Twelve. “I was actually hoping for Brad Pitt,” Sandra van der Noord admits. She is guest relations supervisor, speaks various languages and welcomes guests to the hotel. It is something she has taken pleasure in doing for the past 22 years. The hotel is used to having paparazzi hanging around on occasion, but Sandra is not one to disclose any insider information. That is a reassuring thought. “What happens here, stays here. Though I could write a book about all my experiences,” she says.

Noordeinde Palace is a ten-minute walk from the hotel; the neighbourhood was still shaped by Willem the IInd. You can therefore see the royal in the hotel, with, for example, a thank-you letter from the royal family on the wall at the reception. The first part of this hotel was built in 1870. The classical character prevails in the monumental building. Veenman: "What characterises us is our appearance, a warm and atmospheric interior and a sense of intimacy throughout the hotel, but we are really a boutique hotel. It is important to us that our guests feel at home with us by offering them personal attention and comfort and quality."

Restaurant

Whereas the hotel guests come from all over the world, you are just as likely to find locals at restaurant Sophia.They usually take a seat on the outdoor patio or have a bite to eat and a drink in the restaurant. Veenman adds, “In the summer, we have Sophia’s Summer with drinks and a barbecue on Fridays, and we liven things up with a DJ and a saxophonist on the last Friday of the month. In the kitchen, head chef Mike Meijers and his team create delicious dishes using seasonal ingredients. You can literally taste his experience in the luxury segment and with classic French cuisine.”

What can you expect in the restaurant? Scallops, for example, with champagne sabayon, a shrimp cocktail or a steak tartare. Indeed, the classics. The restaurant is open seven days a week. The chef also puts all his experience and passion to good use for corporate events and functions held at the hotel, which are often combined with walking dinners or classic dinners. The Carlton Ambassador is also an official wedding venue. The hotel hosts weddings with dinners for up to 100 guests and receptions that can accommodate a maximum of 150 guests.

Veenman does not actually live in The Hague, but after three and a half years as manager, he knows the city well. He goes out for coffee, eats in the restaurants and maintains good relations with both the neighbourhood as well as potential guests. He believes The Hague could do more to attract visitors to the city. "It would be nice to have more conferences. It does not appear to be a high priority for the municipality right now. This directly affects the occupancy rate of hotel rooms and of course spending in the city. We recommend lovely restaurants in the city to many of our guests, for example."

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Tips

If you want to know where to eat, Sandra lists a whole list in no time. "Umami on Buitenhof, Anna Paulownaplein for smaller restaurants without a tourist menu like Publique, Catch by Simonis in the harbour." She also gives guests other tips: where you can enjoy shopping, but also why you should especially visit the Mauritshuis, the Japanese Garden or Panorama Mesdag close to the hotel.

Van der Noord is an optimistic person and it shows. She is responsible for the guest experience and does everything: answering the phone, checking in, welcoming all guests. Like a spider in the web. Many people know her by name, even though they don't wear name badges in the hotel. "I like to make it personal, so I ask why they are in The Hague and if I can help them with tips. I like to think along with them. For example, some guests have experienced me pregnant and ask how my husband and child are doing."

“I cannot help but have a smile on my face, we get such lovely guests here. There is such a casual and friendly atmosphere. It is why people keep coming back. There is a real family feel here – it has been that way for years,” she beams.

www.carltonambassador.nl