Hotel De Draak in Bergen op Zoom is one of the oldest hotels in the Netherlands and has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It is a national heritage site.

Hotel De Draak was established in 1397, when the property was originally built. At the time, it served as an inn for travellers and merchants visiting the city. In the Middle Ages, Bergen op Zoom was an important trading centre, and the inn played a crucial role in providing accommodation and facilities for the many visitors. Over the centuries, the building has undergone many changes, but it has always retained its historical character.

It is now a building originally from the 15th century, with its cellars preserved. The lower two storeys with their late Gothic construction and the facade date from a rebuild between 1501 and 1517, when the house was united with the adjacent property “de Olifant”.

One of the most striking moments in the hotel's history occurred in 1747, when a large fire devastated a significant portion of Bergen op Zoom. Miraculously, the 'De Draak' property was largely spared, although there was considerable damage. After the fire, the building was rebuilt and expanded, with many of the original architectural elements being preserved. This reconstruction marked the beginning of a new era for the hotel, during which it developed into luxurious accommodation for the upper classes.

The original crow-stepped gable was replaced by a cornice in the first half of the 19th century. The house was subsequently lowered by one storey before 1870, and the facade was altered again in 1899. Along Sint-Annstraat there is a narrower rear building, with a courtyard in the corner between this rear building and the front building. Behind this courtyard lies a second rear building, parallel to the first.

In the nineteenth century, Hotel De Draak became a beloved meeting point for writers, artists, and intellectuals. The hotel's atmosphere and ambiance, combined with its rich history, made it an inspiring place for creative minds. Famous figures of that era, such as the Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience and the Dutch painter Jozef Israëls, often spent time at the hotel. Their presence contributed to De Draak's reputation as a centre for culture and intellectual debate.

During the Second World War, Hotel De Draak played an important role in the local community. The building was used as a headquarters by both the German occupiers and, later, by the Allied liberators. The hotel's cellar served as a shelter for many residents of Bergen op Zoom during the bombings. After the war, the hotel was renovated and reopened, reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious hotels in the Netherlands.

Today, Hotel De Draak offers its guests a unique experience where history is brought to life.
Furthermore, guided tours are regularly organised that highlight the rich history of the hotel and the city of Bergen op Zoom. Guests can enjoy stories about the colourful characters who have visited the hotel through the centuries and the events that have made it what it is today.

Hotel De Draak is not just a place to stay; it is a living testament to Dutch history and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the charm and elegance of bygone eras, while indulging in all the modern luxury and comfort one expects from a first-class hotel.