A NEW CHAPTER FOR A DUTCH ICON: SOFITEL LEGEND THE GRAND AMSTERDAM UNDERGOES ELEGANT TRANSFORMATION (Netherlands)
Preserving and revealing history. |
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A NEW CHAPTER FOR A DUTCH ICON: SOFITEL LEGEND THE GRAND AMSTERDAM UNDERGOES ELEGANT TRANSFORMATION (Netherlands)
Preserving and revealing history. |
Category: Europe - Netherlands - Industry economy
vRenovation / Addition
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-03-31
 Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is set to undergo an extensive refurbishment, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most prestigious hotels
Photo credit © Accor
Led by renowned award-winning French designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, this transformation will honor the hotel’s rich Dutch heritage, preserving its listed historical elements and seamlessly integrating contemporary elegance with a French zest. The result will be an enhanced guest experience reflecting the aspirations of modern luxury travelers.
"Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam perfectly embodies the DNA of Sofitel Legend - an iconic historic hotel in the heart of the Dutch capital. From its legendary Wedding Chamber to its stunning stained-glass windows, every corner of this landmark takes guests on a journey through history. This transformation marks a new chapter, made possible by the trust and vision of our esteemed owners, whom I sincerely thank as we step together into a new era of excellence and timeless elegance.”
— Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems
A historic landmark reimagined: from the 15th Century to the future
Nestled between two historic canals in the heart of Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has stood as a symbol of refinement for centuries, deeply embedded in rich Dutch heritage. From an original 15th-century convent to a royal guesthouse in the 16thcentury, it later became the seat of the Dutch Admiralty and subsequently Amsterdam’s City Hall. Throughout its illustrious past, The Grand has welcomed legendary historical figures, including William of Orange and Maria de Medici - both of whom are now honored with dedicated suites that pay tribute to their legacies.
One of the most remarkable features of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam’s heritage is The Wedding Chamber, created by Chris Lebeau in 1925. Its intricate stained-glass windows and Amsterdam School furnishings remain an intimate and cherished setting, serving as a unique venue for weddings, private celebrations, and cultural gatherings to this day. This extraordinary space further reinforces the hotel's deep connection to its past, while continuing to be a place of meaningful encounters.
As part of the prestigious Sofitel Legend portfolio, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam remains a beacon of exceptional hospitality, where French zest seamlessly intertwines with Dutch heritage. The hotel’s transformation is being guided by the acclaimedPYR – Pierre-Yves Rochondesign studio, renowned for its expertise in luxury hospitality interiors. Inspired by The Grand’s rich past, the renovation will carefully balance precise historical elements with modern sophistication, creating a timeless yet contemporary atmosphere. From the meticulously designed suites to the reimagined public spaces, the new vision will reflect PYR’s signature approach - where heritage, craftsmanship, and refined elegance converge.
“Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is a unique place where every stone carries the memory of the city. Our ambition was to preserve this heritage with the utmost delicacy while revealing a new way of living history—intimate and contemporary. Our approach is guided by precision, ensuring that every architectural and decorative gesture respects the site’s legacy. From preserving listed elements such as the revolving door, noble materials, and historic volumes to introducing the comfort and functionality of modern luxury, we extend the story of The Grand without ever freezing it in time.”
— Pierre-Yves Rochon
A Grand welcome: revitalizing arrival and stays
The upcoming renovation at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam will elevate the guest experience, merging timeless Dutch artistry with modern luxury to create a truly residential atmosphere.
From the moment guests arrive, they will step into a transformed entrance where the historic courtyard takes center stage, offering a lush, living landscape that sets the tone for tranquility and refinement. This thoughtfully designed courtyard celebrates the biodiversity of the Netherlands, with peonies, tulips, hydrangeas, and aromatic herbs creating an ever-evolving interplay between nature and architecture.
Seamlessly extending this harmony indoors, the reimagined lobby and central atrium will blend the garden’s natural beauty with the elegance of The Grand’s interiors. Restored white marble floors, oak parquet in reception areas, and warm ambient lighting will enhance the sense of intimacy, while a discreet, personalized reception space ensures a refined arrival experience.
The hotel’s 175 rooms and suites, including theLegendary Suitesand a newly designedBridal Suite, will offer a balance of heritage and contemporary comfort. Inspired by Vermeer’s soft blues and yellows, the interiors will feature aged leather, fine woods, curated artworks, andtypical French moldings, adding an extra layer of refined elegance. Signature furnishings include the Temple Bed, a canal-view daybed alcove, and a bespoke drink cabinet, celebrating the art of living.
Corridors will become curated spaces, with custom carpets inspired by Amsterdam’s historic paving stones, antique Delft Blue vases, and original artworks by Dutch artists, transforming each passage into a journey through history and modern craftsmanship.
The tribute to the Art of Bouquet continues in theFlorista & Cocktail Lounge,envisioned as a living workshop, where guests can enjoy seasonal infusions, themed afternoon tea and creative cocktails, echoing the floral arrangements found throughout the hotel’s salons and guest rooms.
“Moving from 600 years of history to the future, The Grand continues to evolve while honoring its storied past. Today, the hotel’s suites regularly host heads of state, celebrities, artists, and ambassadors from around the world. Guests feel privileged to stay in these unique accommodations, which are steeped in history and infused with the memories of a distinguished past. The Imperial Suites, in particular, offer a refined experience, seamlessly integrating modern luxury with historical grandeur—ensuring that The Grand remains an unparalleled destination for the world’s most discerning travelers.”
— Stefan Melcherts, General Manager Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
With this transformation, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam will usher in a new era of luxury, offering an unparalleled blend of history, artistry, and modern elegance for an experience that is both intimate and legendary.
Sustainable luxury at The Grand: honoring heritage, embracing the future
With sustainability at the forefront, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is setting a new benchmark in committed hospitality. Every element, from architecture to design, reflects a commitment to green innovation without compromising the hotel’s timeless elegance: building insulation, geothermal energy produced on-site, and a new building management system supporting further energy efficiency.
The redesigned accommodations will feature eco-friendly materials, including certified woods and natural textiles, as well as energy-efficient technologies that enhance comfort while reducing environmental impact. Shared spaces will seamlessly integrate lush greenery, reinforcing the connection between nature and urban sophistication.
The hotel’s efforts have been recognized through prestigious external certifications, including the highest level of Green Key standard (Gold), the silver EarthCheck certification, the EHMA sustainability award by Diversey, and platinum status by Accor.
By blendingheritage preservation, artisanal craftsmanship, and contemporary environmental consciousness, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is setting a new standard for sustainable luxury, offering guests an experience that honors both history and the planet.
As part of the prestigious six hotel gems in the Sofitel Legend collection, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam continues to be a key player in the ongoing modernization of the brand, blending the legendary history of each destination with French zest.
This commitment to evolution is reflected not only in the reimagining of The Grand but also in the brand's continued expansion, with three new signings in 2024 including Sofitel Legend The Mozart Prague in Europe, Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza in Egypt and Sofitel Legend Jaipur in India, bringing the Sofitel Legend network to nine exceptional destinations worldwide within three years. This announcement follows the significant refurbishment of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, including the restoration of the historic Heritage Wing in 2024.
These efforts underscore Sofitel Legend’s dedication to preserving its iconic legacy while embracing the future of luxury, ensuring that each destination remains a timeless symbol of refinement and elegance.
"We are deeply proud to embark on this transformational journey for Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. This refurbishment will not only elevate the guest experience but also maintain the historical essence that makes this hotel so unique. We are excited for both new and returning guests to enjoy the harmonious balance of history and modern luxury that will define The Grand for years to come."
— Stefan Melcherts, General Manager Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The revitalization of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is set to be completed by Q1 2027, ushering in a new era for this legendary address.
About Sofitel Legend
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalized service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.
Sofitel Legend now comprises 6 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an.
Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
About PYR design studio
Founded in Paris in 1979, Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR) is a globally recognized design studio celebrated for its mastery of luxury interiors. From the Four Seasons George V in Paris to The Peninsula in Shanghai and the Waldorf Astoria in New York, PYR creates spaces where cultural heritage and contemporary refinement converge.
With offices in Paris and Chicago, the studio continues to shape the landscape of international luxury, entrusted by iconic brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Peninsula, and Fairmont, as well as by private clients and exceptional maisons in the world of high jewelry. Each project is rooted in a thoughtful reading of its context—geographic, architectural, and cultural—and translated into interiors that embody elegance, comfort, and meaning.
In 2016, PYR joined Perkins&Will, a global leader in architecture and design. This alliance brings together artisanal savoir-faire and an ambitious vision of innovation and sustainability, without compromising the studio’s values of excellence.
For over four decades, PYR has been a trusted partner to the world’s leading hoteliers and tastemakers. Its interiors do not simply reflect luxury—they define it through uncompromising attention to detail, reverence for craftsmanship, and a dedication to creating singular, enduring experiences.
 Nestled between two historic canals in the heart of Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has stood as a symbol of refinement for centuries, deeply embedded in rich Dutch heritage
Photo credit © Accor
 Photo credit © Accor
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