The rich history of Martin’s Hotels

John V.B. Martin obtains an exclusive license from Schweppes for the Benelux union and France. This will be the platform from which he launches the now-famous Indian Tonic, converting a former spa resort on the shores of Lac de Genval into a drinks production plant, known colloquially as Château Schweppes.

In 1966, the year of their father’s death, Andrew and John James Martin took over at the helm and kept a steady course as they steered through waters increasingly conducive to business development. From Paris, John J. Martin managed the French subsidiary of Schweppes, whose sales of Indian Tonic were spiralling.

The eldest son, John C. Martin, takes charge of the family business and proposes converting Chateau Schweppes – now Martin's Château du Lac – into a 5-star hotel with conference rooms. The Martin's Hotels group was born!

John C. Martin marks a new milestone in the history of Martin's Hotels with the inauguration of Château du Lac and its gourmet restaurant, Le Trèfle à 4. Between 1986 and 1998, 84 new rooms, the Argentine salon and a fitness centre are added, completing the transformation of one of the most prestigious hotels in Belgium. In 1998, Château du Lac was awarded a prestigious fifth star and expansion continued to include a total of 122 rooms.

John C. Martin acquires the Villa du Lac and its magnificent park, both located on the shores of Lac de Genval.

John C. Martin converts a majestic country house into a 12-room hotel. It is then completely renovated in 2006 before officially becoming the Martin’s Manoir in 2008.

The Grand Hotel Waterloo, a 79-room 4-star hotel in a converted sugar store, opens its doors in Waterloo.

John C. Martin continues his expansion with the creation of the Martin’s Klooster boutique hotel. It is an intimate property in the heart of Leuven that is extended in 2011 to offer 103 hotel rooms and 3 meeting rooms.

The growth of Martin's hotels continues with the acquisition of this 150-room hotel that also has 8 meeting rooms for business guests. In July 2010, the footprint is extended into an adjoining building, whose vaulted cellars date back to the 12th century, providing an additional 27 rooms. In 2017, the meeting rooms are replaced by 20 new rooms. In 2018, most of the rooms are completely renovated, giving guests the choice of 199 rooms in the heart of Bruges.

John C. Martin now offers hotels in all corners of Belgium with the opening of Martin’s Brussels EU in the heart of the European district. With 100 hotel rooms and 6 meeting rooms, this strategically located address will go on to be renovated in 2016.

The Martin's Hotels story adds a new chapter in Waterloo. This cosy establishment complements and extends the Martin's Grand Hotel, providing 27 additional rooms.

Our group welcomes two new hotels in different regions of Belgium. In June, John C. Martin embarks on a unique project for the country: the opening of Martin's Patershof, a 4-star hotel located in a church that was deconsecrated in 1999. One month later, our portfolio is further enhanced with Martin's Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam, a unique collection of Bruges-style mansions that date back to the 17th century. This exceptional hotel will go on to be renamed Martin’s Relais in 2012.

This unique offering is dedicated to the Belgian national football team and is located in Tubize at the Proximus Base Camp. Sports lovers are able to enjoy delicious food at the restaurant, The Red's Sports Bar & Grill.

In May, Martin's Hotels takes over the management of a ground-breaking new project developed by Eckelmans Real Estate Group. Martin’s Agora is an exclusive urban complex located in Louvain-la-Neuve that brings together different entities from the group, such as Martin's All Suites, perfect for long-term stays, and Martin's Louvain-la-Neuve, which has a contemporary feel. Guests have plenty to keep them entertained with brasserie B'Comme serving Belgian cuisine with a twist, the inviting ambiance of the Di’Vino wine bar and the superb Martin’s City Spa, with thermal baths, treatments and fitness equipment.

In June, the group expands to include a new hotel in Belgium: Martin's Rentmeesterij in Bilzen (Limburg), which centres on wellbeing thanks in no small part to Martin’Spa, the gourmet restaurant Akko, and brasserie favourite, ‘t Gasthuis in Alden Biesen.

Martin’s Hotels continues to grow its diverse portfolio with the acquisition of Martin’s Dream, a property in the historic heart of Mons. Food lovers are in for a treat at the Bistro Martin restaurant, while all guests can find calm and relaxation behind the doors of the Martin’s Alterego spa.