Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beguiling cities. It’s known for its liberal lifestyle as well as a place of rich history, culture, nightlife and culinary scene. The idea of taking a boat through centuries-old canals or strolling on cobblestone streets past inimitable merchant houses is something we’d all love to do.  Some of Europe’s finest hotels are there to catered to the most well-heeled clientele such as the majestic grand dame of hospitality, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.

A walk through the hotel is a walk through time with a patina of each period of the hotel’s heritage on display. Overall the hotel is modern with all of the conveniences required by today’s traveler. Beyond guest will experience heritage rooms with vintage antiques and décor as well as an art deco period function room with brilliant stained glass windows and hand-painted murals. The most recent refurbishment and redecoration by a renowned French interior designer gives an ultra-modern and contemporary style to the lion’s share of the hotel.

The hotel’s past reads like the pages of Amsterdam’s history as if the footfalls of its previous tenants still echo through the hallways. It was originally built as a convent in the 15th century with its front and back facing the waterways of Amsterdam’s oldest canals. Through the years the structure became offices and living quarters for the Dutch Admirals, a hotel, then the Amsterdam City Hall and finally, a hotel again.  There were periods of war where the hotel and Amsterdam were conquered by Napoleon and most recently the Germans during World War II.

The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is a hotel with gravitas from the point of arrival through the arched entryway and brick floored courtyard and the decadent details of baroque ornamentation depicting historical figures, coat of arms, and other symbols of the powers who’ve lived there over the past six centuries. Indoors the grandeur and French elegance make a statement. The sleek and modern hotel is anything but old with white marble floors with beautiful chandeliers that are more like pieces of art than light fixtures. Beyond the lobby, there is the cozy lounge space, Library ‘Or’,  perfect for reading a book, thawing out by the fireplace, or having a proper high tea with a group of friends. The hotel has a particular focus on and support of Holland’s arts and culture and you’ll see a rotating collection of fine art pieces by local artists adorning the walls.

The hotel is particularly large and takes up an entire city block. There is a second courtyard that has been meticulously transformed into a fine garden with verdant foliage and captivating sculptures. The courtyard is part bistro, gardens, and park with lovely water fountains and flowers and fauna beautiful and waiting to be admired.  Their bistro there is an ideal place for an afternoon lunch or to gather with friends for cocktails.

There are 177 rooms including 52 suites at The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. Guests can expect a true five-star hotel accommodation with the finest in décor, amenities, and posh furnishings.  As this is a historic building, most of the rooms are different in size and configurations. One of the Junior Suites faces the canal with curved walls and windows on all sides. The rooms are quite spacious at 475 square feet with sunken living and bedroom spaces and a calming color palate of periwinkle with dark plum color furnishings.  The bathroom is a work of art itself with dark gray slate tiles, contrasting exposed brick wall and a white deep soaking tub. The designers of the room took their inspiration from Amsterdam’s favorite sons that had a connection with the history of the hotel so guest will enjoy a 10’ sketched outline iconic figures such as Willem van Oranje and Willem de Vijfde.

The historic hotel also has nine Canal House Suites which were the former homes of renowned Dutch Admirals dating back to the 17^th century. The multi-room vintage-styled apartments have separate living room, with wonderful period antiques and replicas, oil portraits, and other objects d’art. Although the esthetic is Victorian era, the amenities are quite contemporary and most of the units feature a modern kitchenette.

And the level of accommodation does not end with the décor or accommodations. The service is world-class with a warm and friendly staff, proud to work in one of Europe’s finest hotels, who are poised and ready to ensure a wonderful stay for their guests. The hotel also has a staff of butlers who are there at the beck and call of the guests in the higher category accommodations. They’ll assist with everything from unpacking bags to preparing a romantic bath for two.

Gourmands will love the dining experience at the Sofitel Le The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, especially at their signature restaurant Bridges, Inspired by Ron Blaauw. Ron Blaaw is royalty of the Dutch culinary scene and a TV personality as well as chef of his namesake two Michelin star restaurant.  Hotel guests as well as patrons from across the city come for an evening of inventive fair with presentation that can only be called culinary art. Each dish is a journey into the creative mind of Executive Chef Andrès Delpeut who creates specialties for lovers of seafood.  There is a reason why this fine dining establishments has been honored to receive the Micheline guide star for the past five years.

The wine pairing is exquisite as well from their talented and knowledgeable sommeliers who bring the best of international wines from their vast cellar.  Complementing the dining experience is the restaurant’s décor which is chic, romantic, and as tasteful as each dish on the menu.

There are several other opportunities to wine and dine at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. Le Petite Bistro serves casual fare for lunch overlooking the garden terrace. There’s also Vino Vinothèque for sampling their vintage wines or The Flying Dutchman to sample their selection of Dutch beer or wide selection of whiskey in a classic Dutch tavern.

 

The hotel is centrally located in the historic city center and many of the area’s attractions are within walking distance or a short tram ride away such as the Dam Square, the Anne Frank House as well as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.  Guests may also wish to indulge in an evening with seeing the sights in a horse-drawn carriage or taking a canal tour on a vintage boat which awaits just beyond the hotel entrance.

After all of that touring and sightseeing, guests may desire a bit of deeper relaxation. The So Spa So SPA is a comprehensive spa situated on two floors with several treatment rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool with jet stream and Jacuzzi, a wet zone with Turkish steam bath (Hamman), sauna and showers, a relaxation room and the So FIT exercise room with changing rooms.

Sofitel Legends are an exclusive collection of stately heritage hotels and palaces. There are only five in the world all with a deep and rich history. The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is no exception as a 600-year-old fixture poised at the forefront of Amsterdam’s history. Today it is completely modern and contemporary with all the accommodation, fine dining, and amenities of the finest luxury hotel. The hotel is an excellent address to experience all that this dynamic city has to offer and a retreat for all of the comforts and conveniences desired by the most well-heeled of travelers.