Rene Paas



Published on May 8, 2026

Where shall I begin? Perhaps just with how it all starts here. With the first Faber who 'caused' the Hotel-Faber combination to have existed for generations. That first Faber bought Hotel Hoogezand, as it was called then, in 1901. And by now, the fourth generation of Fabers is still the hotelier here.

Although you could also say it is the fifth generation. After all, the parents of 'founding father' Marten Faber owned a hotel on the Oosterhaven in Groningen. I think that by now, being a hotelier is simply part of the Fabers' DNA.

As early as 1726, there was an inn here, as it was called back then. An inn that—it takes some imagination these days—was situated on the main route to Germany. Along the Winschoterdiep. It shows just how much has changed over the past centuries.

Usury

In those days, a hotelier had to—but isn't that actually still the case—make the most of his talents to keep the business running. For that reason, the hotel was not only the place where the city council met. Politics and hospitality: a classic combination!

But justice was also administered. During those days, the hotel owner played a dual role, for he was also a jailer. The man who locked his guests up in cells in the basement. Hotel Faber thus bore a striking resemblance to Hotel California by The Eagles: 'You can check in anytime, but you can never leave'. The predecessors of the Faber family were therefore strong in customer loyalty. It was very important to them to hold on to guests for as long as possible.

That man who locked his guests in cells in the basement.

That versatility of the hotelier profession is reflected in Hotel Faber even today. For there are not only 18 hotel rooms, but also a café-restaurant, halls for parties and meetings, rooms for dance evenings, for rehearsals or performances by theatre groups, the primary school musical, the choir, and bowling alleys.

And my list is not yet complete. In the past, the hotel was also the hub of fairs. The 'Easter Fair' always took place on the hotel grounds. My family finds that an appealing thought. And this was the first cinema in Hoogezand.

Renewal

It all shows the many ways in which Hotel Faber found a way over the years to bind people from the village and the surrounding area to itself. To remain a hotel with high occupancy. From all over the country and beyond.

A hotel has stood on this site for 300 years. Plenty to look back on, then. At the same time, we see around us that the hotel is completely up to date. For only innovation can preserve. For example, there are charging stations for electric cars in the parking lot. And the hotel offers internships for students from Noorderpoort College. So, the future generation of hoteliers is also being nurtured here. Meanwhile, one of the permanent employees has been working here for 35 years. Experience and ambition in a single workforce.

Hotel Faber is located on Meint Veningaweg. A street, therefore, named after Meint Veninga. He was a baker and a member of the resistance. On October 5, 1944, during a raid, he was murdered by the SD along with other resistance fighters. His grave lies across the street, in the Stille Hof. The Stille Hof, which still serves as a cemetery today. And where Hotel Faber sometimes opens a hall for a funeral ceremony. Because things are not always pleasant, but even the unpleasant things ensure that you become anchored to a place. Like here.



Dear Faber family,



All praise to you for keeping this family business flourishing. For succeeding in increasing turnover over the last few years. By demonstrating the strength of a family business: being flexible, being able to adapt quickly, being accessible, and knowledgeable in many markets. And never going for quick profits, but continuing to invest in the future of the next generations.

There is ample reason for a celebration. Ample reason to congratulate everyone on those 125 years full of magnificent achievements. I may even make a 'generous' gesture in this regard. For I may announce that King Willem-Alexander has awarded Hotel Faber the title of Purveyor to the Royal Household. On behalf of the King, I may present the accompanying certificate. I heartily congratulate all those present, and everyone who worked for Hotel Faber today or in the past.

an even more exclusive club

I will take a moment to explain just how special this is. Let me mention a few facts and figures. Approximately 4,000 royal decorations are awarded to individuals each year. So don't let the term 'rain of ribbons' confuse you. Of the 18 million Dutch people, over 100,000 have a ribbon. About half a percent! The other 99.5% of the Dutch population has not received a royal decoration. So it is quite special.

But becoming a Purveyor to the Royal Household joins an even more exclusive club. The number of Purveyors to the Royal Household is well over 700. Not per year, but in total. And today, another one is being added. So, I don't get to present such a certificate very often. It is a special moment for me too. Because you don't get the title of Purveyor to the Royal Household just like that. You must have existed for at least a hundred years (or 125, or 150) (and most companies really don't make it that far). You must hold a prominent position in your region. Your company must be financially sound. And of impeccable conduct, just like the directors. The entire company is turned inside out, with countless people and organizations watching closely. A rigorous procedure that takes about a year. And Hotel Faber has passed all of that with flying colors.

Sprinkles

I would be delighted if members of the Royal Family were regulars at Hotel Faber starting today. That the hotel's regular guests would frequently encounter princesses and ladies-in-waiting here in the mornings, who, just like them, enjoy a croissant, a fruit snack, or a slice of bread with sprinkles.

But the title of 'Purveyor to the Royal Household' means something entirely different. Namely, that Hotel Faber is a very special establishment. Of course, everyone here has known that for a long time. But when the King says it, it becomes just that little bit more true.

I wish Hotel Faber, Frank and Inette, their daughters, and all employees all the best for the future. And I heartily congratulate them on their newly acquired status: that of Purveyor to the Royal Household.