From Main Guardhouse to Hotel | 120 Years of Central

What is the history of Hotel Central in ’s-Hertogenbosch?

Hotel Central began as a medieval town house and main guardhouse on the Market Square. In 1905, it became a family hotel under the leadership of Johannes Paulus Rademaker. Since then, four generations have expanded and renovated the hotel—despite war, fire, and economic headwinds—into the iconic Golden Tulip Hotel Central of today.

A second home in the heart of Den Bosch

Golden Tulip Hotel Central, located on the historic Market Square in ’s-Hertogenbosch, feels like a second home to many guests. The warm welcome, personal service and Burgundian hospitality make the hotel beloved by visitors and locals alike. But behind this familiar place lies a history of more than 800 years, full of stories of craftsmanship, resilience and family ties.

Medieval origins on the Binnendieze

The Binnendieze once flowed past wooden houses and trading posts within the first city wall of ’s-Hertogenbosch. Over the course of the 15th century, two stone buildings arose on this site: De Croon van Vranckrijck and De Leeuwenborgh. These buildings, where the hotel now stands, housed inns, wine cellars, a pharmacy and even a hospital for English soldiers.

From military main guard to post office

In 1639, the building on the right became the property of the Council of State and was fitted out as the Main Guard – the military heart of the city. Officers stayed here, soldiers waited for duty, and drummers marched across the Market Square. Later, the building became a post office (from 1871), until a new purpose followed in 1896: Hotel Central, opened by Jos van Eugen.

The first generation: the beginning of a family legacy (1905)

In 1905, Johannes Paulus Rademaker, son of a hotelier from Tilburg, took over the hotel. He laid the foundation for the family business as we know it today. He combined craftsmanship with ambition, and made Hotel Central a respected name in the city.

The second generation: growth and setbacks (1936–1960)

In 1936, Jan Rademaker, son of Johannes Paulus, joined the business. Under his leadership, a period of growth and modernization began. The hotel was expanded and the first major renovation took place. But Jan did not have it easy: in 1943, the hotel was confiscated by the Germans, and shortly afterwards a devastating fire followed, causing extensive damage.

After the war, Jan began an intensive restoration. With limited resources and great determination, he managed to rebuild the hotel. His perseverance laid the foundation for its flourishing in the decades that followed.

The third generation: internationalization