A human
approach

We like to do things our own way.

OUR TEAM
Meet the superheroes in our team

Viktor De Maertelaere. After Viktor finished his hotel management studies, he gave it a shot and started running a small hotel himself. As the beneficiary of Bank De Martelaere, he manages all family assets. Hospitality House thus has a solid financial basis that can take a hit. Yet, Viktor’s personal involvement means these assets are dealt with responsibly.

Jo Lootens. Finance has no secrets for Jo, and handling big projects is hardly a challenge. Having previously worked for KBC, ING, and the federal tax authorities, this man has proven valid experience in the field. Working as Viktor’s financial-legal confidant, the pair have been a well-oiled team for over a decade.

Kevin Martens. The most recent addition to our team takes care of the operational side of Hospitality House. Kevin started as a bartender and gradually progressed to the manager position at the Ibis and Novotel hotels near Brussels’ Central Station before joining our team. Got a problem? Kevin will come to the rescue.

Viktor De Maertelaere – CEO

Jo Lootens – CFO & Business Development

Kevin Martens – COO

Ersin Mandaliev – Marketing & Events Manager

Jef Ruysschaert – F&B Manager

Muriel Devisschere – Operations Manager

Isabel Claeys – Boekhouder

Lore Vanden Bogaerde – Sales & Banqueting Manager

HOW IT ALL STARTED
THE STORY OF VIKTOR

As a born entrepreneur, Viktor cultivated a profound passion for the hotel industry early on. He promptly pursued studies in hotel management, and a few years later, he embarked on his inaugural entrepreneurial venture by acquiring a modest family hotel in Aalter. 

Featuring over 30 rooms, this unassuming establishment served as Viktor’s hands-on training ground, where he immersed himself in every aspect, from morning breakfast preparations to evening bookkeeping. “My understanding of hotel management isn’t just theoretical,” he explains. “I’ve experienced firsthand what it takes to run this business. Always available to support my team, I approach challenges with a pragmatic mindset, focusing on solutions rather than problems. It’s the essence of how I conduct business.” 

After his time in Aalter ended in the mid-2010s, Viktor sought a more extensive project and found it in Ghent. Recognising the potential of an overlooked site in the Dampoort area, he navigated a two-year negotiation process with various partners to develop a new project comprising 119 rooms and 11 high-end residential apartments. In 2018, the new hotel opened with a bang: the business clocked in an occupation rate of over 90% since the first day.