Meet the team

Annet lives in Kollum with her husband and two children. As F&B Manager at Van der Valk Hotel Drachten, she monitors the big picture within all departments, from menus and packages to staff budgets and waste flows. No day goes as planned, and it is precisely this dynamic that makes her job so much fun. She appreciates the team and the nice working atmosphere. She also enjoys the inexpensive overnight stays at other Van der Valk hotels with her Family.

Tineke has been with Van der Valk Hotel Drachten for 18 years and loves the restaurant’s dynamic atmosphere. She started as a part-timer, briefly worked in the Front Office, but returned to service, where she feels most at home. As a familiar face at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, she ensures a warm and personal experience for guests. The regular visitors, who have been coming for years, make her job even more special.

In 2001, Corry Van der Valk and Tjomme Langebeek placed the iconic toucan on Hotel Drachten, with the ambition to turn it into a thriving business. Corry is proud of the growth and development of the hotel, where guest satisfaction always remains central. Tjomme describes the past years as challenging and valuable. With their sons now at the helm in different branches, they hope that fun at work will continue to go hand in hand with family and health.

In 2018, Cécile made the move to Van der Valk Hotel Drachten. She started as an assistant front office manager and quickly grew. Her passion lies with administration as well as guest contact. No day is the same: from schedules and group requests to reception support. She also helped with the start-up of Hotel Texel. In her spare time, she likes to hike and cycle all over the Netherlands. Her goal? To give every guest a pleasant stay.

Dinie has enjoyed working at Van der Valk Hotel Drachten for more than 20 years - a real milestone! During the week she ensures a fresh and hospitable environment with her regular cleaning routine, on weekends she enjoys the campsite and her grandchildren. Her day invariably starts with two cups of coffee and a glance at social media, after which she gets to work full of energy. Most enjoyable? The conviviality with colleagues, making every working day a pleasure.

As a creative and commercial duo, Simone and Esmeralda work for three unique Van der Valk hotels: Drachten, Groningen-Hoogkerk and Texel. They brainstorm, create and collaborate with different departments to bring ideas to life. Simone loves coming up with creative solutions and optimising concepts. Esmeralda enjoys illustrating, from birth cards to menu icons. Their work is versatile, dynamic and always with one goal: to put Van der Valk in the spotlight in a unique way.

Gerjan is one of our waiters at Van der Valk Hotel Drachten and loves the variety of his work. Every day is different, and the contact with guests and colleagues makes it extra fun. His strengths? Flexibility and an open mindset. He will soon start hotel school, a great opportunity to combine work and study. Thanks to advancement opportunities, he will continue to develop himself and contribute to a smoothly running and hospitable hotel.

Melissa supports over 300 employees as an HR consultant for Van der Valk Hotel Groningen - Hoogkerk, Drachten, and Texel - De Koog. She thrives on variety, quick decision-making, and advising on diverse HR matters. No day is the same, which keeps her job exciting. In her free time, she enjoys discovering other Van der Valk hotels or relaxing in the hospitality industry. With her expertise, she ensures smooth and professional HR support across all locations.