Special hospitality concept: DOT in Groningen
I’m often asked: “What are some really cool hospitality concepts?” Here’s my answer! Every week, I take you to the most special restaurants, bars and hotels at home and abroad. This time: DOT in Groningen, with a unique 3D dome theatre.
Striking and futuristic. That’s the best way to describe DOT’s eye-catching building – shaped like a landed UFO. The Groningen hotspot in the middle of the up-and-coming Ebbingekwartier district is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting Grunn who wants something a little different from the Martini Tower and Vismarkt.
Breathtaking theatre
What can you do there? The main attraction is, of course, the Dome on the second floor: a breathtaking film and theatre room with almost 250 wonderfully luxurious seats. A unique experience is guaranteed: the screen is shaped like a hemisphere and surrounds the audience. It is also the only 3D dome theatre in the Netherlands, and there are only twenty worldwide. Just take a look at the programme.
Graffiti
Then there’s the spacious restaurant on the ground floor: ideal for a pre-movie dinner, but also a relaxed place to meet up with friends. For lunch or dinner, for example, or for a pub quiz or club night. Fun fact: almost everything in the restaurant was sourced through personal connections, such as the scales. Be sure to check out the terrace design too. Artists have spray-painted graffiti on the shipping containers.
Christmas bauble and urban beach
Are you in Groningen in December? Then you’re in luck! That month, the outside of the dome transforms into the world’s largest Christmas bauble, decorated with 6,000 LED lights! Would you rather visit DOT in summer? The adjoining urban beach, measuring no less than four thousand square metres and opened next to DOT last year, has since become hugely popular. In fact, according to Lonely Planet, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands!
DOT Groningen, Vrydemalaan 2, Groningen
Iris Kranenburg is editor-in-chief of hospitality trade magazine Entree Magazine and chair of the jury for the annual Entree Awards (industry awards for the best new bars, restaurants and hotels in the Netherlands).
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