Located in the heart of The Hague, the Leonardo Royal Hotel has long been recognized as a prestigious “diplomatic hub,” attracting high-profile guests and hosting significant events that make a lasting impression. The hotel’s General Manager, Thomas Kortleve, has overseen its growing reputation in diplomatic circles while playing an active role in shaping the hospitality industry in The Hague. With a background rich in luxury hospitality, Thomas’s leadership goes beyond managing the hotel’s daily operations, as he spearheads initiatives that build connections between the diplomatic community, local businesses, and international organizations.
In this interview, Thomas shares his insights into what makes the Leonardo Royal Hotel so appealing to diplomats, his goals as the President of The Hague International Network, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in the city. He reflects on the significance of diplomatic events, such as National Days and international food festivals, and how these experiences enrich the hotel’s offerings. Thomas also touches on his personal motivations for staying deeply connected to The Hague’s international landscape, demonstrating his commitment to providing top-tier hospitality while contributing to the city’s ongoing growth.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel has gained a reputation as a “diplomatic hub” in The Hague. What do you believe is the key to the hotel’s success in attracting and retaining such a prestigious clientele?
The hotel boasts a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The original building on this site was constructed in 1813 as a lodge for King Willem I. Over the years, the area has evolved, always embodying prestige and elegance, which laid the foundation for its reputation as a diplomatic hub. Its prime location near embassies and residences, coupled with decades of strong professional relationships with various embassies and ministries, further enhances this status. Our guest book reflects the many remarkable stories connected to the hotel and its surroundings, and we are dedicated to preserving this legacy.
As the President of The Hague International Network, what are your primary goals for the organization, and how do you see the network contributing to the city’s growth and international appeal?
As chairman of the ‘Haags Hotel Overleg’ (The Hague Hotel Consultation), I represent all 3, 4, and 5-star hotels in the greater The Hague area, alongside five fellow hoteliers on the board. Our mission is to enhance our members’ positions by advocating for their interests, promoting collaboration, and encouraging sustainability. We are dedicated to strengthening The Hague’s market presence and reputation, monitoring the economic landscape, and fostering a healthy labor market.
In addition, we strive to encourage social interaction among members, creating a close-knit community that supports and uplifts one another. We believe that by collaborating closely with other stakeholders in The Hague—such as cultural and artistic institutions, local entrepreneurs, and the municipality—we can create a stronger image for the city. This collective effort will attract the right markets and visitors year-round, showcasing the many offerings that The Hague has to offer.
Can you share some of the most memorable or impactful events that have been hosted at Leonardo Royal Hotel? How do these events reflect the hotel’s role in the diplomatic and expat communities?
Although I have only been here for a year, it feels much longer—certainly in a positive way. What truly stands out are the Food Festivals organized in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine and various embassies, as well as the National Days held at our hotel. We take great pride in hosting these events and welcoming such esteemed guests, who serve as ambassadors for our hotel. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed hosting my first annual ‘Haringparty,’ which provided us the opportunity to invite and express our gratitude to our clients, guests, and partners for their trust in our products and services.
What motivates you personally to stay so connected with the diplomatic and expat communities in The Hague? How does this connection influence the services and experiences offered at Leonardo Royal Hotel?
I have been working in the luxury hospitality industry in The Hague for quite some time now, and I can genuinely say that I enjoy collaborating with this distinguished clientele. Hosting events and providing services that strengthen and enhance their connections is incredibly fulfilling. The international landscape, with its embassies and organizations, plays a vital role in this city of peace and justice, and I am motivated to stay engaged in this community. We are committed to delivering high-quality, consistent service, as we deeply value our business and the loyalty our clients express.
Working closely with the Municipality of The Hague and other industry leaders, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing the hospitality and entertainment sectors in the city? How do you and the group of partners address these challenges?
There are always differing interpretations of the importance of a city’s economic well-being and how it translates into policy. It’s crucial to remember that we are not merely commercial enterprises; we are employers responsible for thousands of jobs, committed to education and working toward a cleaner, more sustainable city. Having just emerged from the challenges of COVID, we have yet to regain the performance levels we enjoyed in 2019.
Nonetheless, we are aware of plans to increase taxes on accommodations, culture, and sports to 21%. The industry that was most heavily impacted is now being targeted again to potentially generate additional income for the state. This approach risks making us less competitive, as other countries will become more appealing destinations on various levels.
We advocate for healthy and fair city marketing policies that will effectively promote The Hague both nationally and internationally, as it truly deserves. We do not face issues with mass tourism; in fact, an increase in visitors throughout the year would benefit many businesses and organizations, providing more budget for the city to invest in infrastructure, enhance congress facilities, and pursue sustainable initiatives.
We have lost many companies, cultural events, and musical gatherings over the past years, and we are eager to see them return to the city where they belong.
What are your next steps to accomplish yet?
My mission, as stated when I began a year ago, remains ongoing: to introduce more guests to this remarkable hotel and showcase everything we have to offer. We are excited to prepare for the upcoming NATO summit, which we are proud to host as a city.
We will continue to nurture the healthy, long-standing relationships we have established while actively seeking new connections. Our commitment to providing exceptional service with genuine hospitality—true to our hotel’s rich history and status—will remain unwavering.
On a broader scale, we will persist in sharing our insights and offering our support to make this city even greater than it already is!
