Rosewood Amsterdam to open in 2023

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by CTF Amsterdam B.V. to manage Rosewood Amsterdam, which will open in 2023 as the hospitality group’s eleventh property in Europe and first in the Netherlands.

Housed in the former Palace of Justice – a building of great architectural, historical and social significance that overlooks the Prinsengracht (the Prince’s Canal) in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Amsterdam Canal District – the hotel will be situated a stone’s throw from a number of the city’s famed museums, as well as the shopping district on P.C. Hooftstraat and the emerging De Pijp neighbourhood.

Originally constructed in 1665 and later expanded in 1836 by Dutch architect Jan de Greef, the Palace of Justice was Amsterdam’s main courthouse for over 175 years and one of the finest examples of de Greef’s classic, multi-cultural style influenced by his travels to Paris and Rome. Working closely with the Bureau Monumenten en Archeologie (BMA) and The City of Amsterdam to preserve the rich heritage and quintessential character of this iconic building, Netherlands-based architectural firm Kentie & Partners has been selected to spearhead the property’s evolution into an ultra-luxury hotel.

Leading the interior design meanwhile is acclaimed Dutch designer Piet Boon of the eponymous Studio Piet Boon. Known for his ability to balance functionality, aesthetics and individuality, Boon will honour the property’s original elements and distinctive Dutch identity while incorporating a contemporary sense of style that captures the energy and excitement of the city today.

Amsterdam-based firm Concrete has been appointed to design the hotel’s main restaurant, which will be a fresh and vibrant space in the heart of the building, flanked by two courtyards with outdoor seating.  London-based interior design practice Sagrada, led by David D’Almada, has been appointed to design an intimate bar in rich colours and luxurious finishes, with views overlooking the canal.

Elsewhere, the development will comprises 134 guestrooms and suites with vistas across the two adjoining canals, quiet internal courtyards and townhouse rooftops, three restaurants – one of which will be an Indian venue – and bars, and a spa offering ayurvedic treatments. There will also be a wellness space, fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool, together with several meeting and event spaces including a 3,000ft2 ballroom.

Decorative details throughout the public spaces will pay homage to the signature spirit of both the building and city while creating a selection of differentiated yet unified experiences through subtle albeit impactful means, such as contrasting colour schemes that separate one setting from another. Notably, the lobby lounge will feature a library adorned with legal books doubling as art pieces, photographs and artifacts, together with comfortable seating, to create an enticing enclave that will invite visitors to linger and laze. The library will also host an Indian Business Club, which will look to stimulate business and networking.

All of the public spaces will overlook three internal courtyards imagined by landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Celebrated for his work on the High Line and The Battery in New York, Oudolf will use his expertise to artfully varnish the property with lush gardens and outdoor communal spaces.

“Through design, décor and service, Rosewood’s properties worldwide mirror their surroundings and the souls of the destinations, and Rosewood Amsterdam will be no different,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood. “With a unique character and culture, Amsterdam is a fitting locale for which to bring Rosewood’s guiding ‘A Sense of Place’ philosophy. We’re looking forward to combining the city’s quintessential charm with a modern sense of style to meet and exceed the latest standards of luxury hospitality.”

Rosewood Amsterdam joins three existing European properties: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel; Rosewood London; and Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Additional European locations with Rosewood developments in the pipeline include Edinburgh, London, Madrid, Munich, Porto Cervo, Vienna and Venice.