The Market Hotel
Contemporary-classic hybrid. The facade mimics heritage architecture with stepped gables, but inside everything is crisp, modern and clean. Friendly and genuinely welcoming — locals drink at the café, students study here, business travelers hold meetings. Not stuffy, not boutique-precious. Just well-run and well-placed.
Book a room facing the Grote Markt for views of Martinitoren and the Town Hall — upper floors are worth the difference
Why It Matters
Built on the exact site where the palatial home of 19th-century industrialist Willem Albert Scholten stood — and later used as a Nazi Sicherheitsdienst headquarters during WWII. The café and the hotel are both named in his memory. That backstory gives the place some real weight. It also holds a Golden Green Key award as a fully electric, gas-free property.
The Market Hotel sits right on the Grote Markt — Groningen's main city square — in a building that looks like it's been there for centuries but is entirely new. It was built as part of the square's major redevelopment project, chosen by public vote in 2017. The result is a 4-star superior hotel full of modern comforts, but the location is the real story: you're steps from the Martinitoren, the Forum, and the Fish Market, smack in the beating heart of a university city of 200,000.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Comfort Room
The entry-level room and, honestly, a solid one. Located on the Naberstraat side — the covered passage connecting the Grote Markt and Nieuwe Markt — rather than the main square. Twin boxspring beds, open bathroom with rain shower and separate toilet, 49" TV, mini-fridge and coffee/tea maker. Triple-glazed windows keep street noise out.
Twin boxspring (can be configured) · 25 sqmDeluxe Plus Room
The largest of the standard room tier at 31–46 sqm. Some units include a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator — good for longer stays or anyone wanting more flexibility. High-quality modern finish with bathtub option.
38 sqmDeluxe Room with Bath
Same 27–30 sqm footprint as the Deluxe shower room, but this one includes a bathtub. The choice for anyone who wants a proper soak after walking the city.
29 sqmDeluxe Room with Shower
Ranges from 27–30 sqm with a high-quality finish, rain shower bathroom, and seating area. Good size for the price tier — comfortable for a couple doing a longer city stay.
29 sqmJunior Suite with Bath
At 37 sqm, this one looks out over the Nieuwe Markt. It comes with personal luggage escort to the room and a king bed. Full bathroom with rain shower, double sink, bathtub and separate toilet. Comes with bathrobe privileges and sauna access.
King · 37 sqm
Superior Room
A step up in size (24–32 sqm depending on the specific room) and the category that gets the sliding privacy wall separating the bathroom from the sleeping area — a detail guests consistently call out. Modern finish throughout, king or twin bed options. Open bathroom with rain shower.
28 sqm
WOW Suite
The hotel's flagship room. Two private balconies, positioned on the highest floor, overlooking either the Grote Markt or Nieuwe Markt. Kingsize bed, open bathroom with rain shower, double sink, bathtub and separate toilet. Complimentary drinks and snacks in the mini-fridge. Personal luggage escort on arrival. The name is a bit on the nose, but the views at that height earn it.
King · 34 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Three-speed city bikes available to rent from reception. Groningen is extremely cycle-friendly — flat, compact, and well-signed. Reservations recommended at the front desk.
The Grote Markt hosts regular markets including the Fish Market on Fridays and Saturdays, the Bloemenjaarmarkt in spring, and the Meikermis fair in May. King's Day celebrations happen directly on the hotel's doorstep in late April.
Modern fitness room with up-to-date equipment, located within the Wellcome Wellness area. Complimentary for hotel guests.
Weekly luxury high tea at Café Willem Albert every Sunday. Westers Bakery étagère with savory sandwiches, scones, smoothies, yoghurt with granola and luxury pastries. Unlimited tea included.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three modern meeting rooms totaling ~164 sqm. Hereplein (80 sqm, capacity 60, two-storey height on 2nd floor), Grote Markt (55 sqm, capacity 40, 4th floor), and Nieuwe Markt (25 sqm, capacity 12, 4th floor). The latter two can be combined for 52 people. Private Dining room also available on the ground floor.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Network name is 'The Market Hotel', no password required.
The hotel does not have a swimming pool.
All rooms feature triple-glazed windows for sound insulation despite the prime market square location.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available.
Round-the-clock reception with multilingual staff.
Guests can leave luggage after checkout to continue exploring the city.
Fully electric, gas-free hotel. Holder of the Golden Green Key (Groene Sleutel) award for sustainable business operations.
Free underground bicycle storage in the cellars between the hotel and the Forum building.
Electric vehicle charging available on-site.
No on-site parking but the Forum parking garage is directly next to the hotel (Schoolstraat 16, 9712 JS Groningen). Cost is €24 per night. No reservation needed.
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