Hotel Spotlight: Rosewood, Amsterdam

From Verdicts to Velvet: Amsterdam’s Most Anticipated Opening

Some hotels open with a whisper. Rosewood Amsterdam arrived with a slow-building crescendo, a long-anticipated debut in one of Europe’s most quietly magnetic cities.

Set along the Prinsengracht in the former Palace of Justice, this transformation has been ten years in the making. It’s more than a new hotel, it’s a thoughtful resurrection of a historic space, and the result is truly special. 

I was lucky enough to preview it just before the doors opened, and I was completely in awe. From the serene, light-filled interiors to the intimate spa tucked beneath the building, it already felt like a place travelers will return to again and again.

A Landmark Reimagined

Originally built as an orphanage in 1670, the building later became Amsterdam’s Palace of Justice. Today, it’s been reimagined as Rosewood’s first Benelux property, a 134-room retreat (including 41 suites and four standalone canal houses) that blends history, soul, and understated luxury. It feels grounded in the past, but with a quiet confidence in what’s ahead.

The restoration honors the building’s grand bones, soaring ceilings, graceful staircases, generous courtyards, but it’s the additions that make it sing. Light-filled atriums, inviting dining spaces, and a layered, immersive design create a sense of calm grandeur that unfolds slowly, like a story worth lingering over. It’s regal without being stiff.

I had a chance to peek into several rooms, and each felt like a private haven, soft lighting, sleek marble, and complete quiet. Some overlook the canals, others the garden courtyard. Either way, it’s the kind of place that tempts you to cancel your plans and stay wrapped in your robe a little longer.

Design & Atmosphere

Even at the pre-opening stage, the vibe was clear the moment I stepped inside: a kind of hush, not silence, but softness. The acoustics, I learned, were specially engineered to mute the buzz of the city and create a sense of ease.

Architect Friedrich Möllen of Studio Stática led the transformation, with interiors by Studio Piet Boon. Their work reflects a tactile mix of modern Dutch design and warm international flair. No two rooms are exactly alike, and the palettes shift from cool and minimal to richer, moodier tones.

Public spaces layer the old and the unexpected: bold street art set against Dutch Masters, AI-generated works beside centuries-old portraits. In the main lounge, pieces curated by Frank Mollen anchor the atmosphere, thoughtful, surprising, and distinctly personal. And in the Grand Library, set in the old courtroom, leather-bound books line the walls. It’s the kind of space that invites you to sit down, take a breath, and read up on the Heineken case, tried right there, decades ago.

Rooms, Suites & Houses

The guest rooms are beautifully crafted, but the suites and canal houses are on another level. These signature spaces, designed by Studio Piet Boon, feel more like private residences than hotel rooms, some with exposed beams, connecting layouts ideal for families, and views that capture the quiet magic of the canals.

One that stood out to me during the preview was the Library House, a whitewashed, light-filled retreat that blends art, calm, and comfort. It’s one of five private residences that feel deeply personal, yet come with the full support and seamless service Rosewood is known for.

Rosewood Amsterdam is firmly in the ultraluxury category, but never feels cold or showy. There’s space to breathe, service that anticipates rather than intrudes, and a thoughtful balance between elegance and ease. Details matter here: from the in-room amenities crafted by local makers to the Dutch art vending machine (yes, really), everything feels intentional.

It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to settle in, and one you’ll remember long after you leave.

Dining & Drink

Food here isn’t just a perk, it’s an experience. There are three distinctive restaurants and bars. The flagship restaurant, Eeuwen (Dutch for “centuries”), explores hyper-seasonality and time as an ingredient, with an ever-changing menu that offers Amsterdam’s past and present into each dish. Outside, a chef’s table brings the kitchen to the courtyard, with garden air and candlelight as part of the menu.

The bar is another standout: moody, inviting, and softly lit, with a cocktail program that shifts with the seasons. It has the kind of atmosphere that draws both locals and guests, elegant, but relaxed. And tucked away in a former holding cell (a clever nod to the building’s past), there’s a jenever distillery offering tastings of the Dutch botanical spirit.

And yes, the afternoon tea is already earning buzz, from the porcelain to the patisserie, it’s exquisitely done.

Wellness & Experience

Beneath the surface, a serene pool awaits in the Asaya Spa, along with treatments rooted in nature and balance. Kids are treated with equal care: special keys, treasure hunts, and thoughtful touches turn the experience into something magical for all ages.

There’s a strong sense of connection to the neighborhood as well. Art tours are open to non-guests, and the hotel plans regular community events—including the April 30 celebration that marked the building’s return to the public after decades behind closed doors. It’s luxury, yes, but with a welcome mat.

Perks

Through my partnership with Rosewood Elite, my clients receive exclusive perks, like complimentary breakfast, a room upgrade when available, and extra touches that turn a special stay into an unforgettable one.

I also have direct access to the on-property team, which means personalized service, VIP status, and thoughtful details from the moment you arrive.

Personal Take

I visited just before the grand opening, pillows fluffed, fresh flowers in place, and the scent of new beginnings in the air. Teams were in full prep mode, hanging curtains, checking details, perfecting every corner. The energy was palpable. After more than a decade behind closed gates, the street was coming back to life, and the anticipation felt electric.

This isn’t just a new hotel, it’s the return of a city landmark, reimagined with grace, care, and imagination.

For those drawn to quiet beauty, thoughtful design, and a deeper kind of luxury, this is where you’ll find it.