John Charles Martin is one of the 3 grandsons of John Vincent Batthiany Martin.

John Vincent Batthiany Martin leaves Newmarket (GB) for Antwerp in 1909 so as to import citrus fruits from Sicily and launch a range of soft drinks under the brand name of Globe. Before long, he signs a licence with Schweppes, sets up in Genval, and starts to import brands as prestigious as Guinness, Gordon’s and Martin’s Pale Ale. To keep pace with Schweppes’ runaway success in Europe, he decides to build a plant in Genval with his two sons, John and Andrew.

In 1981, his grandson, John, takes over the management of the business and comes up with the idea of developing a 5-star hotel and conference centre in Genval: the Château du Lac is born!

Hotels where the Kingfisher takes you under its wing …

Trusting in the future of Belgian’s hotel industry, John Martin discovers a niche market in the hotel business: the Conference centre. The Martin’s Hotel group excels in creative “family run” hotels that are intent on ensuring each guest’s comfort and respect for the regional heritage by doing their utmost to preserve the personal touch that is lacking nowadays in most hotels. The thought that goes into the mostly historical buildings and the décor means that no two Martin’s Hotels are alike. The choice of colours, lighting and fabrics is naturally crucial, a task that is left in the expert hands of John’s wife, Huguette. Refinement and exquisite taste will greet you in the Grand Hôtel Waterloo (4 stars), in the sophisticated and friendly atmosphere of the Manoir du Lac and Le Lido, in the 5-star Château du Lac in Genval, in the Klooster “Boutique Hôtel” in Leuven, in Martin’s Brugge (3 stars) located in the historic heart of the “Venice of the North”, and, since the beginning of this year, in Martin’s Central Park” (4 stars) in the Brussels European district.

This, the attentive and friendly service and relaxing music and fragrance combine to create a special atmosphere where guests feel awaited, welcomed and spoilt …