120 years of History

1905

Johan Rademaker takes over Hotel Central. At that time, the hotel has 29 rooms, all equipped with hot and cold running water – a luxury for the time.
 

1959

Tony and Miep Rademaker take over Hotel Central. Even before the start, the first construction drawings were ready. Son Frank Rademaker surrounded by his parents’ ambitious building plans. The future was mapped out.
 

1972

The rear section of Hotel Central is demolished to make way for expansion. A new section is built with 55 hotel rooms and 3 meeting rooms. The reception also moves to the back of the building, on Burgemeester Loeffplein – a direct response to the ban on car traffic on the Markt.
 

1985

Tony Rademaker’s growth ambitions take further shape with a second expansion on an adjacent plot. 28 hotel rooms are added, along with the special Ramses Suite and two new meeting rooms. The rooms are spaciously furnished, with a bathroom with separate toilet and two large beds measuring 1.30 x 2.10 metres – an innovative concept inspired by his visit to the USA.
 

1986/1987

The original hotel building on the market square is demolished to make way for new construction. This temporarily creates ‘a gap in the market’. The 14th-century cellar is preserved and fully restored. The monumental façade on the Markt is completely rebuilt in the old style, according to strict guidelines. This creates space for 39 new rooms and 2 junior suites. The hotel now has 125 rooms and 3 suites. The 14th-century cellar has since been used daily for breakfast, and (wedding) celebrations are regularly held there. After that, an expansion of 6 meeting rooms follows.
 

1991

Karin Rademaker, the fourth generation, joins the family business. Together with her father Tony, she devotes herself wholeheartedly to their shared mission: ‘to keep making Central more beautiful’. Under their leadership, a period of renewal begins, gradually elevating the hotel to a higher level and leading to four-star superior status.
 

1998

The café and the petit restaurant undergo a metamorphosis and make way for Brasserie Central and Tony’s Bar. With Belgian influences on the menu – such as the shrimp croquette with fried parsley – the Brasserie develops into a beloved spot in the city.
 

2006

The fitness room is created on the top floor of the hotel. From here, you can look out over the city and enjoy a beautiful view of St. John’s Cathedral. Even those who are not coming to work out are welcome to go upstairs and enjoy the view – with binoculars close at hand.
 

2015/2016

Tony Rademaker passes away at the age of 91. His residence is incorporated into the hotel and converted into the current Penthouse.
 

2017/2020

With a substantial investment, 60 hotel rooms, the Hoofdwacht, and the kitchen with brasserie are renovated. A new, stylish conservatory forms a harmonious whole with both the restored front façade and the renewed interiors, with an unrivalled view of the historic market square.
 

2020/2021

During the coronavirus period, the hotel is forced to close almost completely. Central remains creative, and in the midst of this intense time, among other things, the unique pop-up terrace Cé bij Dieske is created.
 

2022

Tom Rademaker, the fifth generation, joins the family business and, together with his aunt Karin, brings new energy. Their mission, ‘Enjoying carefree moments together’, places both guests and employees

at the centre – with attention, experience, and a future-oriented family feeling.
 

2025

Hotel Central celebrates its 120th anniversary on 14 May.