De Zeeuwse Stromen in a Nutshell

From barren plain - to motel - to hotel

We go back in time, to 1959 to be more precise. In this year, the hotel opened its doors for the first time, then under the name: "Vacantie-Motel De Zeeuwse Stromen".

Initially, the building had a modest number of 16 double rooms, half of which had their own shower and toilet. At that time, de Zeeuwse Stromen was a seasonal business that openend its doors during the summer months. It was not until 1969 that the hotel opened its doors year-round.

Since 1971, it has been possible to organise meetings and training courses at de Zeeuwse Stromen. Because of this expansion and the growing demand for accommodation, 34 rooms were added in the 1970s.

This leap back in time also shows us that Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier in history, namely in 1984. Celebrating 25 years of existence is a memorable event, let alone twice!

Engulfed by the fire

The start of the hotel's second life is marked by an event as grand as it is tragic. It was the end of July 1996 and, after a normal summer's day, an overheated control panel in the indoor swimming pool had caused a devastating fire. Shortly after 01:00 hrs, the flames crawl their way through the main building.

After discovering the fire, Victor, night porter and bartender, grabbed the guest list at the last minute. A golden touch, as it turned out later - besides dialing the emergency number. Accompanied by a few German guests, he personally went to wake up the guests. Banging on the hotel doors loudly, he woke the hotel guests. Miraculously, guests, staff and emergency workers were all unharmed.

The currently homeless tourists were cared for at other locations and provided with coffee and a listening ear. The signal 'fire master' was not given until the following day. There was great dejection when it turned out that the building could not be saved.

Rising from the ashes

The fire and the reconstruction of Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen. Both events, in exactly that order; there is no better metaphor for "falling down, getting up and going again". The main building was rebuilt by combining forces. With its imposing façade, it literally towers above its surroundings. By the way, did you know that the design was made by architect Matthijs Zeelenberg?

The reopening of the hotel on 12 July marks the start of a period characterised by enthusiasm and commitment among the management and colleagues of each of the teams. Nothing was too crazy, nothing was too much to ask.

The first years after the reopening can best be described as 'team building' in which everyone excels in a role and takes it on. Hierarchy was further away than ever. Playful promotions and performances confirmed that the DNA of Zeeuwse Stromen is just as striking as that of the building itself.

Hospitable, distinctive and a second home for everyone

Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen. With its hospitality, it embraces its guests. It has been a second home to many for years. It goes without saying that the hotel offers more than just sleeping accommodation. De Zeeuwse Stromen has also proved to be the breeding ground for many good, brilliant and playful ideas. Did you ever know that the famous slogan "Interpolis. Glashelder" (well-known slogan of a Dutch insurance company) came about as a result of brainstorming sessions that took place under our roof?

Or what about the moment (see photo) when Leo van Vliet and Cees Dogger, as owners, playfully buried the traditional hospitality industry. The reason for this was their nomination as "Most Outstanding Hotel and Catering Entrepreneur" at the end of the 1990s. De Zeeuwse Stromen eventually earned a second place.

Less ludic, but no less typical were the beloved campfire concerts. Ever known that BLØF had its first performance here? The following artists have also performed at our beloved hotel: Paul de Leeuw, Jamie Cullum, Xander de Buisonjé, Ilse de Lange, Krezip, Do, Acda and De Munnik, Van Velzen and last but not least Racoon.

A real world record has also been set on the grounds of Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen. On animal day 2014, Mirjam van Oord from Zierikzee managed to wash a total of 208 dogs in 8 hours. A mention in the Guinness World Records Book was the beautiful result. To this day, dogs (and their owners) are more than welcome in the hotel.

The unique and hospitable character of Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen has not gone unnoticed. It has won a range of awards. The Hotel-Congress Centre has been voted "Best Hotel in Zeeland" several times. We have also been named "Best learning company" and "ANWB-hotel". Our efforts when it comes to durability and green entrepreneurship are also seen and appreciated, which has resulted in a Green Key Gold certification for many years in a row.

Renovated, but trusted!

Also in 2022, the anniversary year, it is clear that Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen does not stand still. The proverbial baton has now officially been passed on to the next generation. This means that Kim and Don van Vliet, together with Martin Kiesenberg, are at the helm of this beautiful family business. Surrounded by benevolent and enthusiastic teams, Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen will manage to surprise its guests at least for another 25 years!

In order to meet the expectations of the present time, the first wing of the hotel has been renovated and given a new look. In addition, since this summer, the hotel's range of services has been expanded to include a fully-fledged massage practice.

With the passage of time, Hotel de Zeeuwse Stromen continues to show the same care towards people, animals and the environment. One thing is certain: hospitality is in the DNA of de Stromen. A nice aim for the next 25 years? "That our guests still consider our hotel as a second home," says Kim van Vliet.