1909 2019
A family story
Since the first house, the Martin family has built a Belgian hotel group one building at a time.
Our story
1909
The beginning of the Martin’s Hotels story
John V. B. Martin, a 23-year-old British master brewer, arrives in Antwerp. He imports a version of the famous Irish stout Guinness, created especially for Belgians, as well as Gordon Scotch…
1934
Acquisition of the chateau
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…
1966
The beginning of the Martin’s Hotels story
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…
Martin's Red
1982
The birth of the Martin’s Hotels group
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 Château du Lac
1985
Inauguration of Château du Lac
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,…
Martin's Château du Lac
1988
The Villa du Lac
John C. Martin acquires the Villa du Lac and its magnificent park, both located on the shores of Lac de Genval.
1990
Development of the Country House Hotel
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.
Martin's Manoir
1992
Opening of the Grand Hotel in Waterloo
The Grand Hotel Waterloo, a 79-room 4-star hotel in a converted sugar store, opens its doors in Waterloo.
2003
Refurbishment of the Martin’s Klooster 4-star boutique hotel
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…
Martin's Klooster
2005
Acquisition of Martin’s Brugge***sup
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…
Martin's Brugge
2007
Opening of Martin’s Brussels EU ****
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…
Martin's Brussels EU
2008
Opening of Martin’s Waterloo ***
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.
2009
Breathing new life into old buildings
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…
Martin's Relais
2016
Opening of Martin’s Red ****
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,…
Martin's Red
2018
A year between modernity and tradition
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…
Martin's Rentmeesterij
2019
An evolution that makes you dream
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…