Hotel de Keizer was rebuilt in 1950, after the bombings in the Second World War by Martien Dirckx in Venray
Martien “Teng” Dirckx reopened Hotel “De Keizer” in the 1950’s in Venray. Hotel de Keizer was rebuilt in 1950, after the bombings in the Second World War. The bombings completely destroyed the hotel and the neighboring buildings.
The street Keizershof in Venray refers to the old hotel De Keizer, which used to be there.
On December 22, 1951, Martien Dirckx offocially opened “the modernly furnished hotel – café – restaurant De Keizer”. Newspaper clipping from Peel en Maas.
Known for its modern yet relaxed atmosphere, welcoming local hospitality and "Brabantse Gezelligheid"
Hotel “De Keizer” was a family run hotel and café. The entire Dirckx family lived on property.
Known for relaxed atmosphere and hospitality, Hotel De Keizer was the location for many local events such as weddings, music, entertainment and committee meetings for local councils and organizations. Especially carnival.
A number of newspaper advertisements were usually placed personally by Martien Dirckx whether looking for a “clean and neat house maid” to announcing the lastest event.
An annual tradition was the New Year’s reception where Teng always gave each guest a small bottle of locally distilled liqueur.
One of last remaining bottles of apricot liqueur is now 70 years old and is prominently displayed in the new D-Keizer Bed & Breakfast as a tribute to his tradition and hospitality.
The article touts Hotel De Keizer’s opening reception as a great success. The new café boasted every possible comfort along with its kitchen equipped with the latest gadgets and above all a cook with a well deserved reputation.
The banquet hall / conference center is highly welcomed, as the local town does not offer sufficient space for private meetings.
The hotel rooms are simply yet functionally furnished with among others running water.
Wednesday, around three o’clock, the alarm was sounded by the fire department. Venray’s fire department was on the scene in record time; the relatively new Hotel De Keizer in the Paterstraat, where fire broke out in one of the rooms on the top floor.
Thanks to the quick action undertaken by the personnel, the fire was quickly put out. One room was completely destroyed. The damage is covered by insurance.
Hotel de Keizer closes it doors; the Dirckx family moves to Eindhoven
Hotel “De Keizer” was a family run hotel, restaurant and café. Although the intention was to pass along to his children, the younger generation pursued other interests and the family hotel eventually closed it doors. On October 13, 1961, the Dirckx family moved to Lakerstraat, Eindhoven.
The original location in Paterstraat is now home to Driestroom Huis De Keizer, a family halfway house for children from 0 – 21 years. They revived the name De Keizer because they noticed that this name evoked many pleasant memories, among the somewhat older Venraynaar. So once again after more than 50 years, the house has “returned it to its original name.”
Carrying on the family tradition
Now almost 70 years later, his grandson, Jasper Dirckx, is carrying on the family tradition with a rustic bed & breakfast in an old farmhouse. A quick check with the family met with much enthuisiasm. Much as his grandfather before him, Jasper prefers a relaxed and welcoming atmostphere that is both modern and functional. The rooms are simply yet functionally furnished and yes, with among other facilities, the bed and breakfast has running water.
The farmhouse was coincidentally also built in the 1950’s by Evert & Jo Soethout and is beautifully situated on the edge of the vast nature reserve “De Oirschotse Heide”. Soethout Stables has been a household name in Brabant and surroundings for many years. Under the expert and inspiring leadership of Albert and Michiel, this excellently equipped company offers horse lovers numerous equestrian activities. Soethout Stables has two spacious indoor riding halls and an outdoor arena with a jumping track. There are approximately 90 modern spacious horse boxes. Dressage and jumping competitions take place regularly throughout the year. Also handed down from father to son, Michiel Soethout took over the reigns of Soethout Stables on January 1, 2021.