Our name:
Asterisk
The history of Hotel Asterisk
The asterisk (derived from the Greek word “asteriskos”, meaning ‘little star’) is a typographical symbol in the shape of a star with 5 or 6 points.
The symbol * is used in various ways: in texts, it serves as a footnote — the symbol’s original function. It is also traditionally used to indicate a person’s year of birth. In historical linguistics, an asterisk is placed before reconstructed words and sentences from ancient languages to indicate that these have never been found.
Hotel Asterisk was founded at a time when people used to look for hotels in the telephone directory or a travel guide. A name at the start of the alphabet was therefore easier to find. It was initially going to be called “The Anker” — until a brother-in-law came up with the idea: Asterisk. A star! The name sounded good, is internationally recognisable and fitted perfectly with the star rating system used to assess hotels.
Cornelis den Tex
Den Texstraat, on which our hotel is situated, is named after Cornelis den Tex, mayor of Amsterdam from 1868 to 1880. In 1866, he became a member of the Liberal Party on the city council. Alongside his political career, he was known for his social commitment. After his term as mayor, he remained a member of the Senate until his death in 1882. On 12 May 1874, ‘Koo’ den Tex was ennobled.
From 1932 to the present day
In 1932, a guesthouse was registered at 16 Den Texstraat. Thirty-six years later, the property was purchased by Johannes Adrianus Bucker, who turned it into ‘Pension Butro’. He entered into a contract with the Dutch Railways and let rooms to immigrants from Turkey and Morocco.
On 6 April 1977, Johannes Adrianus Bucker realised his dream: he opened Hotel Asterisk. He later went on to purchase the properties at numbers 14 and 20 on the same street. By building a penthouse, he created a private residence offering some privacy for himself and his family. When another property on the street came up for sale, he hatched ambitious plans — but a fatal heart attack put an end to his dream before the renovation was complete. At the time of his death, the hotel had 28 rooms.
Following the death of J.A. Bucker, his daughter Irma Bucker took over the hotel. The hotel now has 42 rooms. Her children, Lisa and Johan Haagedoorn, are now full-time staff members. In 2023, Lisa and Johan became co-owners and together represent the third generation of Asterisk. With their unique and complementary qualities — and with the help of their enthusiastic team — they are making Hotel Asterisk a strong and stable name.
18-06-2023
The third-generation Asterisk hotel
What began in 1977 as our grandfather’s dream has today grown into a stable, forward-looking family business. Johan and I are incredibly proud and grateful to be able to take over from our mother. As the third generation, we feel very honoured to carry on the work and the dream of our predecessors!
This photo is a reminder of a very personal and precious moment. We had just signed the papers here for the takeover of the hotel. What’s more, Lisa was due to give birth to her second child at any moment, and Johan was about to become a father for the first time.
We owe everything to our great-grandfather
Grandad started out in 1977 with very few resources, but a lot of hard work. He had a dream. Or rather, his father had a dream, and that became his dream. What few people know is that we owe everything to my grandad’s father. He was the one who told our grandad he should start a hotel. Our mother expanded the business further and invested in it wholeheartedly, shaping it into what it is today: ready for the modern age.
It is up to Johan and me to find our way through challenges such as digitalisation, sustainability and changing guest needs. Our company and the relationships we build are all about connection – with our staff, our guests and one another. Only by working together can we succeed and ensure our company thrives.
Hotel Asterisk in the spotlight
