Kees Hensen and Mascha Smit winner Independent Hotelier of the Year 2024

Last Tuesday 12 March 2024, Kees Hensen and Mascha Smit of the himgroup were honoured to receive the Independent Hotelier of the Year award at the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam. This award honours the passion of independent hoteliers who help the industry innovate and make a significant contribution to the industry. Kees and Mascha (together with associate Bjorn Massop) are at the helm of the himgroup; co-owners of four boutique hotels, four food bars, two restaurants and one food shop.

Nominations for the Independent Hotelier of the Year award come from a panel of hotel industry professionals. The nomination therefore praises all the hotels and the successes of the hoteliers. A careful selection, which Kees and Mascha say is a valuable recognition. Kees says: 'The selection by hotel professionals was an honourable moment where our egos were already stroked'. Mascha adds: 'It rewards our way of working: alone you may go faster, but together you get further'.

The award is presented to a hotelier (in the case of Kees and Mascha; a duo) who is an industry pioneer, recognised for excellence, with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences. Above all, the winner is someone who is committed to the development of his team, the success of his establishment and the industry in general.

The basis of the himgroup's success was 17 years ago with Hotel Villa Ruimzicht, which Kees Hensen has built step by step from then on. In the years that followed, several hospitality businesses were added. Five years ago, Mascha Smit and Bjorn Massop came on board the him group. With their knowledge and expertise, even bigger steps were taken, adding several hotels and restaurants that share the group's core values of 'Attention', 'Craft' and 'Authenticity' (Triple A). All these hospitality businesses stand like a house thanks to the skilled and passionate teams working at each location. They radiate what the himgroup stands for and allow guests to experience pure, Gelderland hospitality.

The group's next step is to strengthen the brands built up over the past few years. Forces and qualities are being pooled here. Accordingly, the platform Boutique Hotels Gelderland was recently launched. Mascha says "Boutique Hotels Gelderland offers a unique combination of historical charm, modern facilities and inspiring surroundings to transform business and private events into unforgettable experiences". The four boutique hotels are Hotel Villa Ruimzicht, Boutique hotel The Church, Hotel de Wereld and Boutique hotel Villa Wanrooy.

The food bars of the himgroup will also soon be found together on the platform Foodbars Gelderland. LEV Foodbar, LEV. by Mike, LEV @ the World and JANS' Food & Wine Bar will be highlighted here. Because apart from great food, these venues also offer perfect settings to cherish every moment. For parties and celebrations as well as meetings and healing sessions, the food bars are therefore a special place.