#1 — Rick & Jelrick Claus — Courtyard By Marriott Amsterdam Airport

<p>In this debut episode of the HOTEL-PODCAST.COM BENELUX, host Alex Blommestijn sits down with Rick and Jelrick Claus at the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/amscy-courtyard-amsterdam-airport/overview/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport</a> in Hoofddorp.</p><p>What began as a family-run bowling center in Haarlem has grown into a multi-generational hospitality business, including one of the very first Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Europe.</p><p>Rick and Jelrick share how their journey unfolded - from the founding days in the 1970s to becoming Marriott’s first European franchise partner. They speak candidly about family succession, managing through crisis, and expanding into F&amp;B with their Barraca concept.</p><p>We also hear stories about the early days of the hotel, Marriott’s growing brand portfolio, and the balance between local hospitality and global systems. Plus, what happened when a guest requested a fax… and an entire machine was delivered.</p>