CHAPTER 1: THE BIG DECISION- BUYING A HOTEL

Entry 1: How the Bliss found me

"From booking my parents a stay to becoming the new owner—The Bliss found me when I least expected it."

Listen:

Contents

Chapter 1: The Big Decision - Buying a Hotel

Chapter 2: First Days as a Hotelier

Chapter 3: Seasons of Growth

Chapter 4: Be the first to get the next chapter—subscribe now!

Stay checked in—subscribe to catch every update!

This field is hidden when viewing the form

When you think of cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague probably come to mind. But about an hour from Amsterdam is a charming city called Breda—where I settled after moving here from Germany.  My journey as a hotelier began when my parents came to visit, and I needed to find them a place to stay. That’s when I discovered the most beautiful boutique hotel on Torenstraat—The Bliss. With just nine luxury-themed suites and a cozy, intimate atmosphere, it was a unique space where they felt immediately at home.

The Bliss Boutique Hotel.

I’ve always had a knack for hosting; there’s something special about creating a space where people feel welcome and comfortable. So when I heard that The Bliss was up for sale, a small voice inside me wondered, "What if? It’s only nine rooms—how difficult can it be?”

At first, it felt more like a joke—I had no experience in managing a hotel and there was no way I’d actually get approved, right? But the idea stuck, and the more I considered it, the more it felt like an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. So, with a mix of excitement and nerves, I decided to take a leap of faith and put in an offer.

To my absolute shock, it was accepted.

My first thought? “What did you just do?”

But then, there was a moment when everything clicked. 

Standing in the park across from The Bliss, I took it all in—the hotel, the energy of the neighborhood—and it hit me: this place was mine. It wasn’t just a building; it was the start of something I could shape and grow. And in that moment, I realized—I was ready for this next chapter.

Key factors that guided my purchasing decision

Of course, several key success factors influenced my decision because, at the end of the day, it’s still a business. For one, The Bliss was an established hotel that had been operating successfully for 10 years, and there were other factors as well, such as:
  • Prime location: The Bliss was situated right in the bustling city center, making it an ideal spot to attract both travelers and walk-in guests.
  • Established clientele: The hotel already had solid business contracts and a steady stream of recurring clients, providing a strong foundation to build on.
  • Boutique appeal: With just nine luxury suites, it offered an exclusive experience that justified a premium room rate.
  • Trusted counsel: My dad’s invaluable business advice and encouragement made the decision feel not only achievable but also like the right move.
Previous