Hotel Aalders has a rich history. The building was erected in 1903, and during the 1940s, it served as an inn. In September 1955, the first generation of the Aalders family took up residence at this guesthouse and in 1962, they decided to rename the guesthouse Hotel Aalders, marking the beginning of a wonderful family business.
One year later, the second generation, Bart Aalders and his wife Nettie, both started working at the hotel. An interesting detail: Nettie was born in 1942 in the inn, which is now known as Hotel Aalders! Starting from 1965, they assumed full control of the hotel, while Jelle Aalders (first generation) managed a hotel in Groningen. In those days, long hours from early morning (6:00 am) to late (1:00 am) were the norm.
In 1984, they finally had to climb fewer stairs in this majestic building as a lift was installed in the hotel. This was no easy task in a structure dating back to the early 1900s. The same year marked the involvement of the third generation in the family business, as Bart Aalders junior joined. Unfortunately, Jelle Aalders passed away in 1988, marking the transition of ownership from the first generation to the second, Bart and Nettie.
In 1990, Sabine, the second child of Bart and Nettie, also began working at Hotel Aalders. In 2008, Rick Aalders started his career at the hotel as the Hotel Manager and the eventual Managing Director. In 2018, Rory Aalders, the second son of Bart Jr., joined Hotel Aalders. After several years working in various departments, he took on the role of Operational Manager.
Having four generations involved in the hotel, there are countless charming anecdotes and memories to share. These range from Jelle Aalders' chocolate sales to the hotel's different layouts over the years. For example, the bar used to be the kitchen and the front part of the breakfast room was the living room.