Celebrating Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade – 50 years of diplomatic mission
Behind the logo of the Vitruvian man, multiple employees ensure that the Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade provides excellent, customized, hospitality services to all.
Name: Bas Massink
Nationality: Dutch
Function: First respondent Food and Beverage Employee
Department: Food and Beverage (F&B)
When did you start working at the Promenade Hotel?
I started working here in the summer of 2019, after completing my education “Manager in the Hospitality industry”. That year, I was looking for a full-time job in a hotel and so I applied for a job at Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade. Now, I enjoy going to work every day in one of the most beautiful hotels of Apollo & Leonardo Hotels!
Have you always worked in the same department?
Technically yes, I was hired as a F&B employee. After more than a year I’ve made a promotion to First Respondent F&B Employee, which is now my current position. During my career at Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade, I supported various departments in all of their activities. Every now and then I also work as a (night) receptionist and I am always available to fill in at any other hotel in the chain that needs an extra hand.
What was the most remarkable diplomatic event you experienced?
I have not attended many of the Diplomat Magazine’s events, so if I had to choose, I think last year’s event because, it took place during COVID-19. Besides the Diplomat Magazine events. This was the Diplomat After Summer Drinks event 2020. I have also attended many other events. The national remembrance of the Dutch East Indies on August 15 is also an event that I will always remember.
Why was this so remarkable?
The Diplomat After Summer Drinks event of 2020 was remarkable because we needed to improvise because of the COVID-19 measures; especially the social distancing and guests having to sit down at fixed seats.
The National Remembrance Day for all the victims that died in the former Dutch East Indies is also very remarkable because it’s terrible what happened during the Second World War and it’s just wonderful to see how everyone is looking for comfort and support and getting it from other people.
What international habit, tradition or event that you have observed, appeals to you?
Why?
A country I visited many times is England. This is a country that has many traditions and habits that we do not have in the Netherlands. Such as driving on the left of the road, where we drive on the right and the typical English breakfast. Two habits that I’m not a fan of either. A tradition that I am a fan of is the High Tea. A tradition that I embrace every time I travel back to England.
What do you consider interesting about the international guests and events organized at the hotel?
What I find interesting is simply to see how the international guest live and what their experiences are in life. I also find it interesting to see what is important for that country during international events. Where their interests lie and to learn from their experiences.
What is a(n) (international) habit that you find interesting? The habits that I find the most interesting are the Dutch habits. I love my country and their crazy habits. Such as going by bike everywhere you need to be and mash our food and poor loads of gravy over it. Home sweet Home
