150 Years of Hospitality: The Legacy of Best Western Hotel Baars

In the heart of the historic Dutch city of Harderwijk, one hotel has quietly stood the test of time. Best Western Hotel Baars isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of the Netherlands’ hospitality history. This year, the hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of dedication to guests, to service, and to the town it calls home.

Since its founding in 1875, Best Western Hotel Baars has remained a family-run business. Today, the fifth generation of the Baars family continues that tradition, welcoming travelers from all walks of life with the same care and warmth that began more than a century ago. Over the decades, the hotel has evolved with the times—from introducing culinary innovations and expanding its offering to embracing digital convenience and sustainability. Yet its spirit remains rooted in one thing: making people feel at home.

For guests, that legacy means something real. It means knowing that the same family has been behind the desk, in the kitchen, and throughout the building for generations. It means stepping into a hotel where weddings, business trips, and family holidays have taken place for 150 years. And it means trusting that your stay is supported by not only experience but pride—because hospitality here isn’t just a job, it’s a craft passed down through time.

The location itself makes the experience even more memorable. Centrally positioned in the Netherlands, Best Western Hotel Baars is set in the picturesque center of Harderwijk. The town’s cobbled streets, boutique shops, and charming harbor are just steps away, while the Dolfinarium marine park, the Veluwe nature reserve, and the popular Veluwe Lake offer plenty of reasons to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re heading out for water sports, cycling through forest trails, or relaxing at a nearby wellness resort, this is a destination that caters to both activity and ease.

Inside, the hotel offers a comfortable and elegant stay. Guests can choose from standard, comfort, and luxury rooms, as well as junior suites with whirlpool baths. The on-site Café-Brasserie Baars is a local favorite, known for its fish and meat specialties served in an inviting setting. The building may be historic, but the hotel itself is equipped with all the modern conveniences travelers expect—private parking, easy access to the A28 highway, and excellent public transport links.

For those drawn to heritage travel and authentic experiences, there’s something uniquely powerful about staying in a hotel that has stood for 150 years. It’s more than just a night’s rest—it’s a moment shared with generations of travelers who came before you. It’s a commitment to quality that hasn’t wavered. And it’s a name that locals trust, not just for its past, but for the hospitality it continues to offer every day.

Best Western Hotel Baars isn’t just celebrating its anniversary—it’s celebrating every guest who’s walked through its doors and every memory made along the way. In a world that changes fast, it’s a rare pleasure to find a place that’s stayed true to itself for a century and a half.