Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam Begins Elegant Transformation, Ushering in a New Chapter for Dutch Hospitality Icon
Amsterdam, March 26, 2025 – Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, an icon of Dutch history and luxury hospitality, is set to undergo a complete renovation, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most prestigious hotels. Under the direction of renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, this transformation will honor the hotel’s rich Dutch heritage, while preserving its listed historic elements and seamlessly integrating contemporary elegance with a touch of French spirit. This metamorphosis will offer guests an enriched experience reflecting the aspirations of today’s luxury travelers.
“Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam perfectly embodies the DNA of Sofitel Legend – an iconic historic hotel located in the heart of the Dutch capital. From its legendary Wedding Room to its impressive stained-glass windows, every corner of this landmark invites you on a journey through history. This transformation opens a new chapter, made possible by the trust and vision of our owners, whom I sincerely thank as we enter a new era of excellence and timeless elegance together.”
— Maud Bailly, General Manager of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems
A historic monument reinvented: from the 15th century to the future
Nestled between two historic canals in the heart of Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has been a symbol of refinement for centuries, deeply rooted in the rich Dutch heritage. From a 15th-century convent to a royal guesthouse in the 16th century, it later became the headquarters of the Dutch Admiralty and later Amsterdam City Hall. Throughout its illustrious history, The Grand has hosted great historical figures, including William of Orange and Marie de Medici, now celebrated through dedicated suites paying homage to their legacy.
One of the most remarkable features of the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is the Wedding Room, designed by Chris Lebeau in 1925. Its intricate stained-glass windows and Amsterdam School furnishings make it an intimate and special place, which still serves today as a unique setting for weddings, private celebrations, and cultural events. This extraordinary space reinforces the hotel’s deep connection to its past, while continuing to make it a place for meaningful encounters.
A true flagship of the prestigious Sofitel Legend portfolio, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam sets the standard for exceptional hospitality, where French elegance seamlessly blends with Dutch heritage . Its transformation is being orchestrated by renowned design studio PYR – Pierre-Yves Rochon , experts in luxury hotel interiors . Inspired by The Grand’s rich history, the renovation will carefully combine precise historical elements with contemporary sophistication, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and resolutely forward-looking. From the meticulously designed suites to the reimagined common areas, this 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 greatest sensitivity while revealing a new way of experiencing history, intimate and contemporary. Our approach is guided by a concern for precision, ensuring that every architectural and decorative gesture respects the site’s heritage. By retaining listed elements such as the revolving door, noble materials, and historic volumetry, and introducing the comfort and functionality of modern luxury, we continue The Grand’s story without ever freezing it in time.”
— Pierre-Yves Rochon
A “Grand” welcome: a revitalizing experience upon arrival
The upcoming renovation of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam will enhance the guest experience, fusing timeless Dutch art with modern luxury to create a truly residential atmosphere.
Upon arrival, visitors will enter a completely transformed entrance where the historic courtyard takes center stage, offering a lush, vibrant landscape conducive to tranquility and refinement. This meticulously designed courtyard celebrates the Netherlands’ unique biodiversity, with peonies, tulips, hydrangeas, and aromatic herbs creating an ever-evolving interplay between nature and architecture.
The redesigned entrance hall and central atrium will extend this harmony indoors, combining the natural beauty of the garden with the elegance of The Grand’s interiors. Restored white marble floors, oak parquet flooring in the reception areas, and warm ambient lighting will accentuate the sense of intimacy, while a discreet, personalized reception area will help enhance the experience upon arrival.
The hotel’s 175 guest rooms and suites, including the Legendary Suites and the new Bridal Suite , will balance heritage with contemporary comfort. Inspired by Vermeer’s soft blues and yellows, the interiors will feature patinated leather, fine woods, carefully selected artwork, and typical French moldings, adding an extra touch of refined elegance. Among the signature pieces that will represent and celebrate the art of living: the “Temple Bed,” an alcove with a daybed overlooking the canal and a custom-made drinks cabinet.
The corridors will become unique spaces, with custom-made rugs inspired by Amsterdam’s historic cobblestone streets, antique Delft blue vases, and original artwork by Dutch artists, transforming each passage into a journey through history and modern craftsmanship.
The tribute to the Art of the Bouquet continues in the Florista Tea & Cocktail Lounge , designed as a living workshop, where guests can enjoy seasonal infusions, themed afternoon teas and creative cocktails, echoing the floral arrangements present in the hotel’s lounges and rooms.
“With 600 years of history behind it, The Grand continues to evolve while honoring its past. Today, the hotel’s suites regularly welcome heads of state, celebrities, artists, and ambassadors from around the world. Guests feel privileged to stay in these unique spaces, steeped in history and imbued with memories of a prestigious past. The Imperial Suites, in particular, offer the most refined experience, seamlessly integrating modern luxury with historic splendor, ensuring that The Grand remains an unparalleled destination for the world’s most discerning travelers.”
— Stefan Melcherts, General Manager of 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, art, and modern elegance for an experience that is both intimate and legendary.
Responsible luxury at The Grand: honoring heritage, while looking to the future
By placing sustainability at the heart of its concerns, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam sets innovative standards in responsible hospitality. Every element, from architecture to design, reflects a commitment to ecological innovation without compromising the hotel’s timeless elegance: building insulation, geothermal energy produced on-site, and a new building management system for greater energy efficiency.
The new developments will feature environmentally friendly materials, including certified wood and natural textiles, as well as energy-efficient technologies that enhance comfort while reducing environmental impact. Shared spaces will seamlessly integrate lush green spaces, strengthening the connection between nature and urban sophistication.
The hotel’s initiatives have been recognized with official certifications, including achieving the highest level of the Green Key standard (Gold), EarthCheck certification (Silver), the EHMA Sustainability Award from Diversey, and Platinum status from Accor.
By combining heritage preservation , craftsmanship and environmental responsibility , Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam sets a new standard in sustainable luxury, offering guests an experience that honors both history and the planet.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is one of the six prestigious hotel jewels of the Sofitel Legend collection and continues to be a key player in the brand’s ongoing modernization process, blending the legendary history of each destination with French Zest .
This commitment to evolution is reflected not only in the transformation of The Grand, but also in the brand’s continued expansion, with three new additions 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 renovation of the historic wing of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in 2024. These efforts underscore Sofitel Legend’s commitment to preserving its iconic heritage while embracing the future of luxury, ensuring each destination remains a timeless symbol of refinement and elegance.
“We are very proud to embark on this transformation. This renovation will not only enhance the guest experience, but also preserve the historic dimension that makes this hotel so unique. We look forward to seeing new and returning guests enjoy the harmonious balance of history and modern luxury that will define The Grand for years to come.”
— Stefan Melcherts, General Manager of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The restoration of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, marking the beginning of a new era for this iconic address.