The renovation
For almost 4 years we, Anton and Janet, have been the operators of Hotel Onder de Linden in Roden. Anton has been running this place for 8 years. And in that time a lot has happened in and around the historic premises of Onder de Linden. As an entrepreneur, you tend to keep going because you have so much on your to-do list. But every now and then it is okay to put yourself in pause mode. This is necessary to reflect and adjust where necessary. But it also provides a moment to celebrate successes. You can be proud of what you and your team have achieved together. That is what this news item is about. Finally, we would like to give you a glimpse of what else is in the pipeline.
A historic building in the heart of Roden
The building in which Onder de Linden is located has 'something'. For us, it is its history and the nostalgia you feel when you cross the threshold here. We want to preserve this feeling! Onder de Linden was always the central place in Roden. Known for, among other things, the cartwheel above the regulars' table, the tour buses that drove by every week and the big weddings and parties that included many sports clubs. Unfortunately, due to two bankruptcies and overdue maintenance, a turning point came about eight years ago. Since then, a lot of hard work has gone into rebuilding the restaurant at Onder de Linden. The takeover of operations at the end of 2017 is the starting point of a future plan with ambition.
The creation of the slogan
Cherish that which is good; preserve and build on this (conviviality). That which needs to be changed; change/renew (atmosphere and enjoyment). The spirit of the times has also changed. This is where our slogan emerges: cosy and atmospheric enjoyment. The umbrella for the three business activities: the restaurant, hotel and function rooms.
Terrace in Roden
First, we invested in new furniture on our terrace. The terrace was repaved and the annoying obstacles disappeared. The following year, we had new lounge benches made and later expanded this with additional benches for the road with matching tables. We also created more privacy on the terrace with planters, lighting, wooden partitions and lots of cheerful flowers. New are the heaters and cosies on the table for even more atmosphere. Very soon, the fabric of the awning on the front façade will be replaced, so that even in heavy rain, you can still chill under the warmth of the heaters for a long time. Our ideal: a permanent canopy, but there are still some problems with the municipality.
Almost the entire roof of Onder de Linden was replaced by the end of 2019. With a leaking roof, it is mopping up with the tap. Helped by the mandatory fire renovation, we were eager to move into the first 19 rooms in early 2020. This was exciting for a while, as we had to close our doors immediately after due to the corona crisis and needed financial support for this as well. In the end, our good business plan together with our commitment and passion ensured that the bank provided us with the money. The bathrooms? Those had to wait because of the corona crisis. Insurmountable? No, the bathrooms have been pimped. They are functional, not our ideal but at least clean. Hygiene is very important to us. Especially in this day and age.
The summer of 2020 gave us a boost. We received great compliments on the hotel's refurbishment. This turned out to be short-lived. In mid-October 2020, we once again had to close the doors and once again cash in and adjust plans. Still, every disadvantage has its advantage as Cruijff once said. This second lockdown also allowed us to completely rebuild the last wing without too much inconvenience. 6 small rooms have been completely transformed into 4 spacious luxury rooms with completely new and contemporary bathrooms with rain shower. You can soon expect this in all our rooms. New is our family room. No fold-out bed for the kids, but a beautiful designer bunk bed with good mattresses.
Under the Linden in Roden has several rooms. Each with its own atmosphere and bar. In the first lockdown, we refurbished and redecorated these halls ourselves. The bars in De Linden and De Brink have undergone a metamorphosis. Using authentic materials, they have both been transformed into a contemporary atmospheric bar. This gives both rooms a style all their own, but they can also be combined perfectly well. Whether it's business meetings, such as meetings, workshops, seminars or complete healing sessions with hotel stay. Onder de Linden in Roden offers plenty of possibilities. The canopy behind is also included in style. This is a project in which we were supported during the second lockdown by guests who bought a shelf for ten euros in exchange for a positive one-liner. "Building the wall of hope together". The result has been stunning. Our venue De Tapperij has new furniture and has a brown pub atmosphere. The large low bar in this hall also exudes cosiness and fun.
Facilities: bicycle shed
Drenthe is the cycling province of the Netherlands. Since 2020, we have been allowed to welcome more and more cyclists to our beautiful hotel. So it was high time to give priority to a large new bicycle shed including charging points. And the bike shed is here!
What is there left to wish for you might ask. In the hospitality industry, we believe you are never done. First up is a new floor in our halls. This floor will do even more justice to the atmosphere we want to exude. The front toilet block and the kitchen are also scheduled to be tackled. No, we are far from finished. Step by step, we are carrying out the tasks. Some visible, some indirect.
Passion for atmospheric enjoyment!
In this news item, you have read about the biggest changes. And then there is so much that has gradually escaped our attention. In short, we're enjoying the hotel, eatery and function room centre Onder de Linden in Roden. We have pledged our hearts and souls to this place. Passion is what drives us. Passion for you as a guest, passion for the location and surroundings. And not forgetting the passion we have for each other and our team. Feel free to drop by. Because at Onder de Linden in Roden you will enjoy a cosy and atmospheric atmosphere. We promise!
