Grand Hotel Central Rotterdam since 1917
Grand Hotel Central was built in 1917 by Mr. Allard. He was the first owner of the hotel. At the opening the hotel had 64 rooms, a large classic kitchen and a restaurant. Among the public Grand Hotel Central was well known for it’s high standard of fire-safety.
In 1922 the hotel was taken over by the city’s bank. After 14 years of not being used as a hotel, mister Phillipsen bought the hotel for fl 350.000. Under the ownership of mister Phillipsen, the hotel did better and better. At the end of the 30’s, 45 more rooms were build on the rear of the hotel. These rooms didn't last long as they got bombed in the second world war. After that they were not rebuilt as it was not allowed by the Germans.
In the 50s all the rooms got refurnished and modernised with accessories such as: shower/bath, toilets, telephones and other facilities. These modernisations were necessary to offer the customers a good level of quality and a step ahead the surrounding competitors.
From 1970-1977, the father in-law of the later owner, Mrs. Phillipsen, took control of the hotel. After that, her husband took over the hotel.
In 1997 Mr. Phillipsen died and Mrs. Phillipsen continued the family business with the help of her two sons and family friend Mr.Valster.
In 1999 Mr. Valster took over the hotel. He immediately closed the kitchen and the restaurant because it brought no profit.
Eventough he managed to get the hotel come back to live. The hotel has always been family owned and the familiar atmosphere is still recognizable.