Jordi Versteegden, a well-known critic from De Telegraaf, has boldly admitted his fondness for the Dutch hotel chain, Van der Valk. Interestingly, he and his husband have taken on the project of visiting every single branch. “700 euros per night!” he exclaims, revealing an unexpected indulgence in a seemingly unassuming hotel brand.
© SBS
Van der Valk represents the quintessential middle-class Dutch hotel experience. With solid rooms, buffet breakfasts filled with baked goods, and bars bustling with businessmen on their laptops next to retired couples celebrating anniversaries, it may lack elegance or trendiness. Yet for Jordi, it offers a comforting sense of familiarity and simple pleasure.
A Unique Fetish
Jordi, a man known for critiquing notable figures in the media, shares an unexpected love for this hotel chain. In fact, he and his partner are on a mission to visit every Van der Valk location. “For 700 euros a night!” he mentions, revealing a surprising level of investment in this particular experience.
He finds the middle-class aspect comforting. In his interview, he explains, “I love traditions. Whether it’s customs, holidays, or Van der Valk: if I like something, I want to experience it more often. It gives me a sense of home.”
From Wedding to Van der Valk
Their passion for Van der Valk extends far beyond just occasional stays. “When we got married, we slept in a different hotel, but we ordered toiletry packages with the Toucan logo for our guests. It still felt connected,” he recalls. This attention to detail illustrates the lengths they go to embrace their affinity for the brand.
Jordi and his husband often make spontaneous decisions to stay at Van der Valk. “Many times, we say on a Saturday morning: let’s do Van der Valk. And then off we go, always taking the scenic route. That’s also a tradition,” he adds, emphasizing their commitment to making each trip special.
Investing in Comfort for 700 Euros
According to Jordi, these trips are predictably enjoyable. “At Van der Valk, you know what you can expect,” he says. “I almost always order a schnitzel. It’s comforting to know there won’t be surprises, and we’re willing to spend money on quality.”
How much, exactly? “I don’t want to sound decadent, but we work hard and believe we deserve a treat now and then. We get a luxury room for 350-400 euros and spend an additional 200-300 euros at the bar and restaurant. Multiply that by 57, and you get the picture,” he clarifies.
The toucan mascot looks on with satisfaction, symbolizing both their commitment and the cash flow that comes with it. Ka-ching!
