A Dutch hotel stands out for its optical effect surfaces

The Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel, a four-star hotel located close to the castle of Ammersoyen, 40 kilometres from Utrecht in the Netherlands, stands out for its black and white optical effect diamond-shaped wall tiles, chequered floors, opulent red and green velvet surfaces and designer furnishings. “The atmosphere is warm, sophisticated and inviting,” says Marloes Ouderkerk, the hotel’s Sales & Marketing Manager. “It was created by refurbishing an existing building that had been used for decades by other hotel chains. When the last chain, Apollo, closed down, the facility remained empty for quite some time. The Van der Valk family purchased it in March 2016 and in the space of nine months completely renovated and furnished both the interior and exterior.” Opened in January 2017, the hotel has a dynamic and original interior design characterised by striking black and white geometric patterns and vibrant colour palettes ranging from reds to the greys of the veining of the marble-effect ceramic surfaces. “The exterior has also been refreshed in terms of its colour, from green to an elegant and classic black and white palette.”
The hotel extends lengthwise over an 18,000 square metre area. “Its length is an unusual characteristic for a new hotel,” continues Marloes Ouderkerk. “New buildings are normally designed in the form of towers due to the cost of land.” The large surface area is divided into two wings with separate entrances. ” The first wing of the hotel has 117 rooms, divided into five categories from the smallest 30 square metre rooms through to the 80 square metre presidential suites. The rooms are intentionally very spacious to ensure maximum comfort for business guests. This wing also features a fitness area and a bar area with a large lounge terrace. The second wing houses the business centre, with 13 rooms, an auditorium complete with cinema facilities, two multifunctional rooms and interactive meeting rooms. The two wings are connected by the central section of the hotel, consisting of the à la carte restaurant, the buffet with open kitchen, and a large summer terrace.” The suites are relaxing and intimate spaces, “customised with warm and luxurious materials such as marble effect surfaces, sophisticated fabrics, and shades of black, green and gold”. More than 1,800 square metres of surfaces in the entrance hall, lobby and bathrooms are clad with tiles from Ceramiche Piemme’s Marmi Reali collection in the polished finishes Nero Reale and Carrara. The geometric black and white pattern creates a three-dimensional optical effect, while the marble-look tiles “make for a very luxurious ambience”, concludes Marloes Ouderkerk. The ceramic tiles combine the veins, glossy surface and colour tones of natural stone with the strength, durability and ease of installation, maintenance and cleaning of porcelain stoneware. Porcelain is also the ideal solution for radiant heating systems. It is non-toxic, hygienic and resistant to bacteria and mould thanks to its non-absorbent surface.