The Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is represented by both new and more experienced employees working together with passion as one team, to deliver great service and to depict the hotel’s values. In these monthly written pieces, there is a focus on their values and their approach to our international clients.
Who are the employees as an individual? Allow us to introduce you to introduce Joshua Noordwijk.
- Nationality: Dutch & Surinamese
- Function: Commercial Management Trainee
- Department: Booking Office
“I started working for the Promenade Hotel at the 22nd of January in 2018″ Said Joshua. “I started working at the Front Desk as a receptionist of the former Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade. Originally, I was hired with the intention that I would become the Concierge of the hotel. However, due to a change of plans, this did not happen. Despite that, I continued working at the hotel during the past years, while I was doing my International Hospitality Management bachelors in Leeuwarden. Last February, I started my 10-month internship, for which I switched my Front Desk position to Commercial Management Trainee.
What was your first impression of the Promenade Hotel?
My first impression of the hotel was very good. I came back to the Netherlands after an internship in London, and I was looking for a new luxurious hotel to work for. I started looking for a suitable hotel in The Hague, and the Promenade Hotel immediately stood out for me. The appearance of the big lobby, the beautiful and convenient location and of course the extensive Promenade Healthclub & Spa make the hotel really impressive.
What makes the Promenade Hotel suitable for welcoming people from all around the world?
The hotel has such a rich international history and has welcomed many (famous) internationals already. The team is also very international, which also creates a welcoming atmosphere for international guests. Additionally, I believe that our new restaurant concept ‘LEO’S International Flavors’ makes the hotel even more suitable, as it really gives the guest the chance to choose dishes from all over the world.
What do you value most in the organization of diplomatic events at the Promenade Hotel?
What I value the most is to see how all departments work together to create the best possible event. From the Booking Office to Housekeeping, and from the Kitchen staff to the Front Desk; all departments play their part to achieve the same goal during these diplomatic events. It really creates a good atmosphere that guests also experience.
What did you learn so far by working with diplomats? Some tips, rules or values to share?
What I especially learned by working with different diplomats are the cultural differences between the different nationalities that visit the hotel. I always find it very interesting to see what habits and values are attached to certain cultures. Experiencing the various food festivals also contributes to this.
Which Food Festival has been your favorite so far or would you like to experience?
There have been many Food Festivals during the previous years. However, for some reason the Tunesian, Vietnamese, Italian and Peruvian Food Festival especially made a good impression to me. As far as I can remember, these were very successful editions. I would love to see a Surinamese Food Festival with all popular dishes from Suriname.
What local food(s), from abroad, have you tried already?
I have tried many different cuisines and food in my life. I am a big fan of the Italian cuisine since I love pizza and pasta, but I also love Mexican dishes like Fajitas or Enchiladas. Furthermore, I love Indian food like Butter Chicken and of course Surinamese Roti.
What is your favorite drink or dish at LEO’s International Flavors?
Since LEO’S International Flavors offers so many different dishes I still did not try all of them. However, I’m a big fan of the Japanese Beef Tataki. This has always been one of my favorite starters and I really like how they present it at LEO’S. In addition, I really love the South-Korean Sticky Chicken with noodles. My favorite drink on the menu would be the Carmenere Gran Reserva, which is a Chilean red wine.
What sustainable development goal do you value most? Why this one?
The sustainable development goal that I value the most is ‘Climate Action’. I think it is important that the world takes urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The world is warming up and the sea levels have risen a lot, the whole world experiences the effects of climate change. Therefore, I think it is important that the world takes action to minimalize the consequences of climate change.
What piece of good advice did you receive, and from whom, that you would like to forward?
One piece of advice that I follow for myself is to enjoy life every day. You never know if tomorrow may come so I think it is important to make the best out of every thing and enjoy the little things in life.
