Meet Karin: The Visionary Behind Hotel Bent
Karin Bruers is a cultural, social, and sustainable entrepreneur from the Netherlands. She dreamed of a world where travelers could enjoy comfort, kindness, and amazing plant-based food—all in one place. That dream came true with Hotel Bent, a cozy vegan hotel surrounded by forests and fresh air. Karin wanted to make a difference, and now she’s doing just that—one happy guest at a time. Learn more about Karin here.
Why a Vegan Hotel in the Netherlands?
Karin noticed something was missing in her small town—delicious vegan food! Most places didn’t offer good options for vegans, so she thought, “Why not build something better?” First, she imagined a vegan restaurant. Then, that idea grew into a full hotel where everything—food, furniture, and even the energy—supports a kinder, more sustainable way of living.
“Why not build something better?”- Karen Bruers
Overcoming Legal Challenges in Building Sustainably
Creating a green hotel wasn’t easy. Karin had to follow lots of strict rules and deal with long delays. One judge even stopped her building plans until she had more paperwork! But she didn’t give up. “The laws go so slowly,” she said. This shows how hard it can be to build eco-friendly spaces when the rules aren’t ready for change.
Eco-Friendly Design and Secondhand Aesthetics
Hotel Bent is built with love—and with secondhand materials! Karin made sure the hotel feels warm and welcoming. She used reclaimed wood and vintage finds to make it beautiful without wasting new resources. “It smells like wood,” she says. And with only eight rooms, it’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for people who love nature and comfort.
Dining at Hotel Bent: A Plant-Based Culinary Experience
One of the best parts of staying at Hotel Bent is the food! Everything is 100% vegan and made to share. Guests sit together, taste lots of dishes, and talk about their travels. Karin wants everyone to know how tasty and exciting vegan food can be. She’s proud that even local restaurants nearby are starting to add more vegan meals too!
Influencing the Local Community Through Veganism
Karin isn’t just changing travel—she’s inspiring her whole town. As more people visit Hotel Bent, nearby restaurants and shops are taking notice. They’re adding vegan options and thinking more about the planet. “We are becoming influencers,” Karin says with a smile. That’s the power of good food and great ideas!
Perfectly Positioned: Exploring the Netherlands from Hotel Bent
The hotel is close to big cities like Eindhoven and Amsterdam, so you can explore art, culture, and fun shops—then come back to peace and quiet. Right outside the hotel, you’ll find nature walks like the beautiful Van Esschenven trail, and places to eat like Groot Speijck, a cozy restaurant in the woods (note: not vegan, but charming for guests).
Sustainable Energy and the Challenges of Going Green
Running a hotel takes energy—but Karin wants to use clean, green power. She’s learning how to manage electricity wisely and reduce waste. “We became electricity junkies,” she joked, pointing out how hard it is to find balance. Her efforts show how important it is to think about energy when we travel.
“We became electricity junkies,”- Karen Bruers
Hotel Bent: A Model for the Future of Conscious Hospitality
Hotel Bent is more than a place to sleep—it’s a place to dream big. It shows how we can care for people, animals, and the planet all at once. Karin’s work is helping change the way we travel. With its vegan food, secondhand style, and peaceful nature setting, Hotel Bent is showing the world that luxury and kindness can go hand in hand.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
👉 Book your stay at Hotel Bent and enjoy a peaceful, plant-based getaway in the Netherlands.
👉 Follow Hotel Bent on Instagram and Facebook for more beautiful updates.
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Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Discover how Hotel Bent became the first fully vegan hotel in this part of the Netherlands.
- Hear about Karin’s journey from dreaming of a vegan restaurant to creating a full eco-boutique hotel.
- Learn how secondhand materials and reclaimed wood were used to build a cozy, sustainable space.
- Explore local highlights like the Van Esschenven nature walk and nearby restaurant Groot Speijck.
- Understand the challenges Karin faced with Dutch regulations and going green with energy.
- Find out how Hotel Bent is influencing nearby restaurants and leading a shift toward plant-based living in the Netherlands.
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- Discovering Vegan Sicily: Your Next Must-Visit Destination | Tonia Brauer | Ep 138
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