(HONG KONG, 26 March 2018) Ellen van Wittmarschen, General Manager of The Toren Amsterdam, has successfully transitioned the stylish, highly-rated boutique hotel to The Pavilions Hotels collection in the heart of one of Europe’s most desirable cities. The Toren Amsterdam was recently voted Number 1 in The Netherlands for Service as part of the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2018.
A proven leader with 25 years of experience, Ellen has worked with some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry over the course of her career, including Hilton, Accor Hotels and Carlton Hotel Collection. She now brings her extensive knowledge and impressive management capabilities to one of Amsterdam’s most unique and appealing hotels.
“We are delighted to have Ellen on The Pavilions team as we continue to expand our operations in Europe,” said Gordon Oldham, Founder and CEO of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts. “With its strong reputation for personalised luxury, The Toren is one of Amsterdam’s highest-rated hotels on TripAdvisor. To ensure our continued success we need the best talent in the industry, and with Ellen at the helm, I am confident the hotel will go from strength to strength.”
Located on the banks of the famous Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal), in the Dutch capital’s UNESCO-listed centre, The Toren was created from two 17th Century canal houses and puts guests on the doorstep of many of the city’s key attractions, including Anne Frank’s house, Dam Square, the Royal Palace and several museums. With 40 stylish rooms and a chic, theatrical and slightly mystical ambience, the hotel is ideal for romantic stays, weekend retreats and city breaks with a twist.
Having commenced her career at the Hilton Amsterdam in 1993, Ellen van Wittmarschen rose rapidly through the ranks and achieved her first General Manager’s role at Banks Mansion in 2008. Most recently she was GM of the Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam. Throughout her career, she has been able to use her personal touch to inspire and empower people as individuals, whilst also sharing and celebrating their success as a team.
“For me, the essence of hospitality is being able to treat every person – including guests and staff – as an individual,” Ellen revealed. “I try to lead by example, inspiring people and encouraging their personal development. I also ensure that my team knows the name and personal preferences of every guest, and we always send them a personal email after they check out. I am committed to bringing the highest standards of service and quality, the best local experiences and contemporary flair to every guest at The Toren.”
Born in Asia, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hospitality brand that weaves together romance, adventure, culture and the arts. The company’s European expansion commenced in 2016 with the launch of The Toren Amsterdam, The Pavilions Madrid, and most recently, The First Roma, an art inspired property in the Italian capital. To learn more about The Toren, or to make a reservation visit thetoren.nl.
