HOTELDEBOTEL - OSCAR & IRENE
Hoteldebotel is a Yiddish expression in Dutch. It means “(madly) in love” and it’s CASA’s favourite saying in celebrating the love month.
Hotel Casa was established in 1957 and has a rich history, with love playing a significant part. Today, on Valentine’s Day, we are excited to share the special love story of Irene & Oscar. They met in the 1990s during their student years at the old Casa400. What started as a friendship in the communal kitchen grew into a 22-year marriage and two children. Their daughter Sienna now lives in the new Hotel Casa building, continuing the CASA tradition of connection. Let’s get to know them!
Hi! Let’s start with the most obvious question, how did you meet?
Oscar: “We met at the old Casa 400 on James Wattstraat, somewhere around 1991. I was 19 years old and had already been living at CASA for a year on the 8D floor.”
Irene: “And I, Irene, was 18 and moved in there too, coincidentally also on the 8D floor. So, we were neighbors!”
Oscar: “We shared a kitchen with a fun group of people, and that’s where the spark between us ignited. It wasn’t an official relationship right away, but we kept coming back to each other.”
Irene: “We were young, so we didn’t mind. It wasn’t until the end of our CASA period, five years later, that we officially became a couple.”
What was it like living at CASA back then?
Oscar: “At that time, CASA was a place where you could stay as long as you wanted, as long as you were studying. There were a lot of shared parties in our hallway, especially around Queen’s Day (Yes, Beatrix was still queen back then!), Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. We would drag crates of beer and food into the hallway and turn up the music.”
Irene: “Yes, and smoking was allowed inside, which is unthinkable now. The parties usually didn’t end until we’d received several warnings from the staff.”
Oscar: “And the Casa Bars! Every month in the basement. If you knew the bartender, you could save a lot of money.”
Irene: “Haha, yes, what a time.”
What do you remember most about your time in CASA?
Oscar: “We didn’t have mobile phones back then, so the landline in your room was the main way to stay in touch – the reception would transfer calls to your room (see picture below).
When we were in the kitchen eating, we’d stretch the phone cord as far as it would go down the hall. Often, we’d end up with a hallway full of phones, making it a fun guessing game to figure out which one was ringing and whose call it was.”
Irene: “It was a cosy chaos, but that’s what made it so much fun! We both lived there for five years, and many of our friends also started relationships in CASA.”
Oscar: “Exactly. CASA wasn’t just a student dorm; it was the place where we made lifelong friends. And now our daughter Sienna lives there, which is really special.”
How do you feel about Sienna living in the new CASA?
Oscar: “It’s amazing! The new CASA is much more modern and brighter than the old building, but the concept is still the same.”
Irene: “It’s obviously different, but I still recognize a lot of things in the neighbourhood, like the tunnel to Amstel Station. It’s exactly the same as it was 30 years ago! Also, Café Hesp by the Amstel and snackbar ‘t Snorretje survived the times.”
Oscar: “Yes, there’s a lot that’s still recognizable! It’s obviously a different time now, with the new building and the hotel’s restaurant. Back in our day, we only had a cigarette and drink machine, and Oranjeboom beer in cans for 3 guilders, which was ridiculously expensive back then.”
What advice would you give to students today?
Oscar: “Enjoy your time at CASA. This is the place where you’ll make lasting memories and friendships.”
Irene: “On this Valentine’s Day, we wish everyone lots of love! With so many students in one building, there must be potential for finding love that lasts a lifetime.”
Oscar: “Yes, who knows, maybe in 20 or 25 years you’ll come back as proud parents, with a son or daughter living at CASA!”
Irene: “And above all: enjoy every moment here, it’s a unique experience you’ll never forget!”
Thats it! Thank you so much for your time.
Irene & Oscar: “You’re welcome!”
OUR
BLOGS
Hoteldebotel – Oscar & Irene
Irene and Oscar met at the old Casa 400 in the 1990s, and now their daughter Sienna continues the CASA tradition by living in the new building.
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It’s raining in Amsterdam, again. Discover the most fun activities to do in the city on a cloudy moment and make the most out of your day.
Hoteldebotel – Jesse & Holland
Meet Jesse & Holland, two students living in CASA who met over summer while working in the hotel. Discover their story!
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