Hotel School The Hague (HTH) is no ordinary university. As one of the world’s top hospitality business schools, HTH offers an unparalleled educational experience for those passionate about the art and science of hospitality, with a focus on business. During my visit, I had the chance to immerse myself in the unique world of HTH, and it’s clear why this institution is a global leader.
What Makes Hotel School The Hague Unique?
Founded as a university of applied sciences, HTH exclusively offers its programs in English, attracting 2,700 students from 75 nationalities. The curriculum is carefully crafted to combine theory, practice, and research, emphasizing small-scale education, soft skills development, and a close-knit community.
Students can choose to study at either of HTH’s two locations—The Hague or Amsterdam—both of which boast vibrant settings and strong connections to the hospitality industry. From the moment they step onto campus, students are immersed in a world of hands-on learning and innovative education.
The Four-Year Journey to Hospitality Excellence
The structured four-year program at HTH is designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the competitive hospitality sector:
- Year 1: Mastering the Fundamentals
Students build a strong foundation in hospitality, focusing on time management, professional communication, and behavior. This year includes language courses and practical experience in HTH’s student-run facilities like the bar, bakery, and fine dining restaurant. - Year 2: Running an Efficient Business
A six-month internship, which cannot be in the student’s home country, allows students to gain international exposure. Back on campus, they learn how to operate a business efficiently, working on group projects and refining their management skills. - Year 3: Running a Better Business
Third-year students take on management responsibilities, mentoring first-year students and gaining leadership experience. They also focus on sustainable practices, innovative dining concepts, and creating efficient business models. - Year 4: Innovating the Industry
In the final year, students choose a path that best suits their career goals, such as pursuing a minor, participating in an exchange program, or taking a pre-master’s program. A final internship often serves as a launchpad for their careers.
Practical Education: Learning by Doing
HTH’s hands-on approach is one of its standout features. Students run Skotel, a student-managed bar, restaurant, and hotel, where they gain firsthand experience in management and operations. I was lucky enough to stay in the Skotel and experience its high standard and attention to detail. In the kitchen, students learn to prepare fine dining meals, design creative menus, and accommodate dietary restrictions—all in a setting modeled after high-end restaurants.
Notably, HTH’s vegan and vegetarian kitchen teaches students to create innovative plant-based dishes while providing subsidized meals for the student community. The bakery allows students to craft their own pastries, while the fine dining restaurant showcases themed menus designed by students, such as a mental health theme represented by imaginative culinary presentations.
Grading is also unique—first-year students are assessed on professional behavior and communication rather than cooking skills. By the third year, students take on the responsibility of grading their peers, with instructors signing off, fostering real-world management experience.
Being treated to a meal in the dining room was a real treat. Everything from the menu to the service to the food was some of the best that I have experienced.
Preparing for a Global Career
HTH students graduate ready to excel in a variety of fields. While 30% remain in the hospitality industry as hotel general managers, boutique hotel founders, or hospitality consultants, others venture into real estate, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
The school’s robust industry connections are evident during its biannual career days, where many students secure internships and jobs. Impressively, 93% of graduates are employed or enrolled in master’s programs within three months of graduation.
Fun Fact!
I don’t get to experience a chocolate tasting class on every tour but we were treated to one. It was an incredible experience – not only delicious but educational. I never knew that there were so many nuances to chocolate making and tasting. This is a course that students take so how could anyone not want to attend?
