By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
After being allowed a sneak peek in the tastefully refurbished “Signature”-rooms of the Carlton Ambassador, I sit down with Mr. Arwin Paulides, General-Manager of the hotel and ask him my first question.
Q 1: The name Carlton Ambassador Hotel implies a link to the Diplomatic Community. Is this correct and how did this originate?
Absolutely, it starts with the fact that our hotel is surrounded by Embassies as we are located in the middle of the Embassy “district”. Furthermore Carlton Ambassador has been the starting point for many Ambassador’s offering their credentials to H.E. King Willem Alexander. We had so many already, but each ceremony with carriages and horses brings some magic to our lane bordered with old chestnut trees. Over the years many Embassies have found their way to our hotel, to celebrate their National Day, to organise an official lunch or dinner or to offer their guests a “home” in The Hague. In close co-operation with the team of Diplomat Magazine we have created an informal get together with the launch of the monthly “diplomats meet & greet”. Fantastic to experience that this monthly event is much appreciated within the diplomatic world. It emphasizes that our hotel is an excellent base for all diplomatic business. We cannot wait to welcome all Ambassadors for the first “Ambassador of the Year Awards, 2014” party in October!
Q2: The Carlton Ambassador Hotel is a small boutique-hotel. How do you set yourself apart from the larger hotels in The Hague?
First of all the hotels of Carlton Hotel Collection are all carefully tailored to its specific market and location in order to meet the demands of individual guests. As a general manager I have to run this hotel as an entrepreneur, we do not have a head office like the (big) chain hotels. We are far from standardized, which gives us all opportunities to be different and keep focus on a “everything is possible” mentality. At the Carlton Ambassador we aim to be a “local hero” in the city.
The fact that we are far from standard already starts with our residential building oozing classic charm and character. A sincere and warm welcome in a homely atmosphere gives many guests the feeling of being a guest in their own private mansion. This combined with personalized service and real interest in guests makes a great difference. In the end the team members are really able to exceed guest expectations. At the Ambassador they are not overloaded with rules and standards they always have to use. They really have the opportunity to listen to the guest and even more important to use their own unique character to ensure memorable stays.
Talking about boutique…..! Our new room type “Signature” emphasizes the boutique style in the best possible way. These rooms have been decorated with meticulous attention to detail in a Dutch Boutique style with Hindeloopen elements, Hague Blue fabrics as well as Delft Blue bathrooms and accessories. To ensure the most comfortable of stays, an array of contemporary features and modern technology is included in all rooms. A “for your comfort” panel allows you to individually control lighting, temperature and window shades of the room with one single touch. The Signature rooms create a sense of arrival, so that guests are immediately aware of their surroundings. Be all welcome to experience this yourself!
Q3: What would you specifically like to share with the readers of the Diplomat Magazine?
I would like to thank all readers again who have voted for us in last year’s “World Luxury Hotel Award” competition. After we have been selected as Europe’s best “Luxury City Hotel” in 2013, we are nominated again for this prestigious and exclusive award in the luxury hotel sector for 2014! We are incredibly proud to have won this international award for our new boutique style which is an endorsement of our hotel’s unique and charming character. Even more important is that our guests really experienced outstanding service, flexibility and true freedom of choice.
