DUTCH HERITAGE SINCE 1397
Grand Hotel de Draak
Grand Hotel De Draak is the oldest hotel and the oldest business enterprise in the Netherlands. This monumental building on the Grote Markt in Bergen op Zoom dates back with certainty to 1397 – the year of a great fire that devastated the city, but spared De Draak and a few adjoining buildings. More than six centuries later, every corner of this historic hotel still breathes the rich heritage written here. Since 1984, the Hazen family has been the owner. Director Frans Hazen, who has been the face of Grand Hotel De Draak for more than forty years, began in 1968 as an apprentice chef and transformed the building with passion and dedication into the 4-star Superior hotel of today. In December 2024, during a symbolic moment, he passed his distinctive dragon pin to general manager Imad El Khalfioui – a generational transition that secures the future of this iconic hotel. The 62 luxurious rooms and suites are divided into three distinctive styles: modern rooms with contemporary comfort, English rooms with classic elegance, and Empire-style rooms with refined details. Many rooms contain original 14th- and 15th-century architectural elements – beams, walls, and architectural details that transport you to bygone times.
CONTEMPORARY GASTRONOMY IN CENTURIES-OLD DÉCOR
Restaurant 1397
Under the leadership of chef Torben Bouterse, the kitchen team creates contemporary dishes with worldly influences, firmly rooted in classical French cuisine. Chef Torben and his brigade work exclusively with fresh, local seasonal products from Bergen op Zoom and the surrounding area – this determines what lands on your plate. The seasonal menu offers refined four-course menus that capture the flavors of the moment. Think dishes such as pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée and truffle jus, grilled sea bass with fennel cream and citrus butter, or duck breast with red cabbage and port wine jus. À la carte you'll find innovations like Belgian witblauw beef tartare with capers and tarragon, or slow-cooked beef tenderloin with potato mousseline and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian guests can enjoy creative plant-based compositions with the same attention to detail. The carefully curated wine list complements every dish perfectly. Choose an intimate dinner in one of three distinctive private dining rooms – ideal for special occasions – or enjoy the lively atmosphere in the main hall. Let the hospitable team advise you and discover why this restaurant, with its Gault&Millau 14.5/20 score, is a culinary destination you won't soon forget.
WORLDLY FLAVORS AND COCKTAILS
THE BAR
In April 2024, THE BAR opened – a place where luxury, taste, and atmosphere come together playfully. This food and cocktail bar is a vibrant meeting place where guests and locals gather for worldly tapas and expertly crafted cocktails. The menu is a culinary journey around the world – from Spanish classics to Asian accents and Mediterranean surprises. Each dish is meant to be shared and enjoyed: small portions, big flavors. The cocktail menu features timeless classics like the Margarita and Negroni as well as innovative signature creations, expertly mixed by the bartender team. Whether you choose a refreshing aperitif, a bold signature cocktail, or a glass from the carefully curated wine list – THE BAR knows how to make a moment special. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, perfect for a casual after-work drink, a pleasant evening with friends, or a romantic moment for two. THE BAR was featured in the Gault&Millau guide in February 2025 – a recognition of its quality and creativity.
RELAXATION IN HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS
WELLNESS & FITNESS
The exclusive wellness center offers everything you need to fully recharge: a Finnish sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, and three hot tubs – each designed for maximum relaxation. Let the warmth of the sauna relax your muscles, enjoy the purifying effects of the steam bath, and take time for yourself in the atmospheric relaxation room. For hotel guests, daily access to the wellness center is included – a luxury that makes your stay just a little bit extra special. Additional treatments such as massages and beauty treatments are available to complete your pampering. In addition to wellness, the hotel features a modern fitness room where you can continue your training routine or make an energetic start to your day. The combination of historic charm and contemporary facilities makes Grand Hotel De Draak a unique destination for guests who want to pamper both body and mind.
KEY FEATURES AND SERVICES
De Binnenschelde
Bergen op Zoom
De Brabantse Wal
Reviews
"Restaurant 1397 is located in hotel De Draak, the oldest hotel in the Netherlands in the heart of Bergen op Zoom. Chef Torben Bouterse serves guests in the historic-style hall with many regional ingredients and adds interesting international accents. Restaurant manager Imad El Khalfioui is a true professional. The service here is excellent."
Gault&Millau 14,5/20
"A brilliant choice, as the ambiance is magnificent and chef Torben Bouterse, maître Imad Khalfioui, and veteran sommelier Guus van Dijk are stable pillars: with such a team you can win the war."
Lekker 500
QLUB Experiences
EXPERIENCE THIS HOTEL IN ITS ENTIRETY
Quality Lodgings loves nothing more than to pamper you thoroughly. That's why Grand Hotel De Draak has created a QLUB Experience. Every QLUB Experience is more than just an overnight stay; it's a carefully curated package that combines luxury and personality, exclusively available to Mastercard cardholders.
“CENTURIES OF HISTORY”
"Hospitality, gastronomy, and history have been under one roof here for centuries." - Frans Hazen
Host: Imad El Khalfioui & Frans Hazen
Chef: Torben Bouterse