History since 1905

A special place in the city centre of 's-Hertogenbosch
's-Hertogenbosch is known for its centuries-old center. The city has received its town charter in 1196. The oldest surviving stone house in the Netherlands, built early in the 13^th century, is located on the market; the real heart of the city center of Den Bosch. You can recognize the buildings by the typical triangular shape, surrounded by old traditional facades. In the middle of the north side of the market you immediately notice the majestic building of Hotel Central. Still at the place where once the hotel began in 1894!

History of the property
The history of the core of the building, "The Leeuwenborgh", dates back to the 15^th century. Since the turn of the 16^th century the building was occupied by Dirck de Roover, Lord of Nemelaer. History shows that in 1506 he even hosted Mary of Burgundy, the wife of Emperor Maximilian of Austria, who stayed in the building.  Before Jos van Eugen in 1894 bought the property to turn it into a hotel-café-restaurant with 29 rooms, the property had many purposes, ranging from the seat of "The Hoofdwacht" of the "garnizoen" (the military police of the town) for two centuries to a post office (over 30 years)

"If you like dust..."
Since the take over of the hotel in 1905 by the family Rademaker, there has been no year gone by without investment, building and rebuilding. "If you like dust, you should work for Rademaker", was a common saying. Examples of activities of building: the first new building was realized in 1976, followed by the second in 1985 and the third in 1987. In 1987 this was a major operation because the 14^th century cellar was excavated and fully restored in its orginal state. The space is now a very special breakfast room, but is also suitable for beautiful dinners or parties. If there was not newly constructed or extensively renovated, there would always be regular alterations and renovation activities like redesign of hotel rooms and other spaces. All these activities result in the cuurent, highly qualitative an charming hotel that comprises 125 rooms, 14 meeting rooms, brasserie, restaurant and 2 bars. The last new contruction resulted in a very contemporary extension: a spacious gym on the 7th floor with view on the cathedral the "Sint Jan".

The family Rademaker: Hoteliers at heart
One must have that special gene when a hotel is owned by the same family for more then a hundred years. In 1905 J.P.EJ (Johan) Rademaker bought the hotel from Jos van Eugen. His son Jan took over the hotel, while Jan's brother Antoon started running the Oranje hotel in the "Verwerstraat" in 1919.  Uncle Jan 'was thrilled' when his cousin Tonnie offered to take over Hotel Central because " this way Hotel Central could stay in the family". Tonnie has been a director since the war years and the celebrated a few years ago his 65^th anniversary as director. Still, he leads the board with his daughter Karin. The 5^th generation is preparing at the hotel school.

Talking about writing...
The history of Central is written in 3 small editions, the first time was when Central was 75 years in the family Rademaker. The second time (90 years) was an edition with anecdotes. To celebrate the 100^th anniversary a book was published "100 years of hospitality", a combination of Central, the family Rademaker and the city 's-Hertogenbosch. The book clearly indicates that Hotel Central is linked to the city 's-Hertogebosch and its inhabitants. Golden Tulip Hotel Central has as nickname "the living room of the city". The living room where many people gather, whether it is HRH Prince Amadeiro de XXVe ( Prince Carnaval) with his entourage in his "Summer Palace" or the visitors who come to enjoy the delicate sounds of leading Dutch and international jazz musicians during the Jazz in Duketown festival. Everyone feels at home here, each in his or her own way.

We hope that you feel so at home in our living room. And we would like to welcome you here as often as possible in Hertogenbosch at the Hotel Central.
Hope to see you soon!

Tonnie and Karin Rademaker