Activity Explores Establishment’s History, Operational Aspects and Infrastructure

To bridge theory with practice and provide students with valuable insights into professional life, Wittenborg organised a student visit to Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park in Amsterdam on 17 June. 

Conducted as part of the module International Development in Hospitality, the excursion was attended by five master’s students and coordinated by associate professor Vanessa Menezes. 

During the activity, the group was welcomed by the hotel’s deputy manager Scott van Schaick. The students had the opportunity to learn about the establishment’s history, operational aspects and unique selling points. They also explored its infrastructure, including rooms, suites, restaurants, gym, spa, gardens and lobby.  

Situated in a historic university building dating back to 1908 and considered a city monument, the Pillows Hotel combines sophisticated accommodation with three exquisite food & beverage facilities: VanOost Restaurant, Spring Cafe Brasserie and Fitz’s Bar. Additionally, the hotel has been granted the Green Key Gold certificate, which is the largest sustainability mark for the tourism and leisure industry in the Netherlands.

Menezes highlighted that Pillows Hotels is a young Dutch brand with locations in the Netherlands and Belgium. The hotels offer different experiences while maintaining consistently high-quality standards. “The goal of this activity was to connect the academic environment with the industry and provide examples of how the concepts discussed in the classroom can be applied to a real-world case,” she said. 

MBM student Omoaghe Edene, specialising in Hospitality, thanked Menezes for organising the excursion, describing it as a memorable experience. “Participating in this activity was incredibly enjoyable. The key takeaways for me were gaining in-depth knowledge of the comfort and elegant design that hallmark a boutique hotel like Pillows Hotel, and being inspired by their sustainability practices, such as their eco-friendly gym equipment. These practical insights will positively impact my entrepreneurial journey and reinforce my advocacy for sustainability within the hospitality industry and in general,” he underlined.  

WUP 08/07/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press