appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Vincenzo La Torre

Chief Editor, Style; Fashion Editor, Post Magazine


In 2015, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts acquired a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Amsterdam. Located on the Prinsengracht in the city’s historic Canal District, the landmark building began its life as an orphanage in 1665, before becoming the Palace of Justice in the 1820s. After being vacated in 2010, it fell into disrepair and was occupied by squatters – but in 2015, the Hong Kong-based hospitality company became its new owner.
It took almost 10 years to bring the neoclassical building back to its former glory after a painstaking restoration, made even more complex by the site’s former use as a government building. Rosewood Amsterdam finally opened its doors in May 2025.

While many of the original elements have been kept – from the hardwood floors to the grand staircases – every single nook and cranny has been restored to the tiniest detail while still maintaining the integrity of the monumental structure.
What makes Rosewood Amsterdam truly unique though is the incredible quality of works of art scattered throughout. We’re not just talking about decorative pieces meant to add some colour and a touch of whimsy. Rosewood Amsterdam is filled with bona-fide museum-worthy art – a mix of commissioned works and loans from private collections – that seamlessly blends with the centuries-old space.
While you could spend hours admiring creations by the likes of Sterling Ruby, Frank Stella, Damien Hirst and Dutch artists like Maarten Baas, the blue-chip art doesn’t overshadow the design, but rather complements the lovely surroundings. After all, this is not a museum with an intimidating “do not touch” policy – but a happening place meant to welcome demanding luxury travellers.

Amsterdam-based Studio Piet Boon was responsible for the interiors, which nod to the location’s Dutch heritage while also infusing modern elements, resulting in a chic, contemporary look.
A soothing palette of soft browns, inspired by the hues of Dutch landscape paintings, dominates the private and public areas, where touches like ceramic tiles are another nod to the Netherlands. Hints of blue, such as in the carpets in the corridors of the upper floors, evoke the city’s canals.

The 134-key property offers rooms, suites and what it calls houses, named Huis 020, Herengracht House, Library House, Prinsengracht House and Keizersgracht House. They’re each one-of-a-kind apartments in the centre of one of the world’s most charming cities. Book one and you’ll feel like you’re the owner of a fabulous pied-à-terre overlooking Amsterdam’s quaint tree-lined streets and canals.
As you luxuriate in your bedroom or go for a swim in the basement pool, it’s hard to believe that these hallowed grounds were once home to courtrooms and holding cells, not to mention abandoned children.

In less than a year, the property has already become a destination in its own right. The Court is a day lounge that’s popular for afternoon tea, while Advocatuur is a lively bar where guests can enjoy cocktails and order a glass of Provo, the hotel’s signature Jenever, distilled on the premises.
Eeuwen, the main restaurant, offers crowd favourites such as beef tartare, bone marrow and Baambrugge breaded pork cutlet. Reflecting the meaning of its name – Eeuwen means “centuries” in Dutch – the menu follows the rhythm of the seasons.

Besides a small but well-equipped gym, a Pilates studio and the aforementioned pool, fitness fans should check out Asaya Spa, Rosewood’s signature wellness concept, where they can choose from a series of treatments performed with Ayurveda brand Subtle Energies and cult skincare label Dr Barbara Sturm.

The Gallery on the ground floor offers rotating exhibitions from local and international artists, while the book-filled Grand Library, formerly a courtroom, is perfect for intimate private events. Famed Dutch jeweller and sculptor Bibi van der Velden acts as the hotel’s “house jeweller”. She has created an immersive installation named Jewels on Wheels that guests can explore as part of their stay.

What Rosewood has accomplished with this project is more just than a renovation. This huge undertaking was a masterclass in how to transform a heritage building into a world-class five-star property. Eschewing the cookie-cutter approach of most luxury hotels, Rosewood Amsterdam feels more like a luxurious, cosy home.

Just as it did with another remarkable opening last year – The Chancery Rosewood, housed in the former American embassy in London’s Mayfair – Rosewood has set itself apart from the pack with another challenging project that, while not easy to pull off, has set a new benchmark.
The company has more in store with a series of openings in cities such as Rome, Milan and Venice, where it will hopefully work its magic as it did in the Dutch capital.
The author stayed as a guest of Rosewood Amsterdam


Anantara Siam Bangkok debuts a fresh look and Jim Thompson Suite

Style according to … Dior Maison and Baby Dior’s artistic director Cordelia de Castellane

Once the world’s most-visited city, Hong Kong now converts hotels into student dorms

‘Real experiences’: Mondrian Hong Kong general manager on why community matters

Luxury Hotels

Rosewood Amsterdam blends luxury and heritage in the heart of the Dutch capital

A bathroom in a suite overlooking a canal at Rosewood Amsterdam. Photo: Handout

The monumental facade of Rosewood Amsterdam, which is in Amsterdam’s Canal District. Photo: Handout

Artworks are scattered throughout the property. Photo: Handout

A work by Frank Stella in the hotel lobby. Photo: Handout

A beautifully appointed bedroom in a suite. Photo: Handout

Chefs at work at Eeuwen, the hotel’s main restaurant. Photo: Handout

The striking interior of Advocatuur, the hotel’s bar. Photo: Handout

The pool is part of Asaya Spa, Rosewood’s wellness brand. Photo: Handout

A grand staircase leading to the guest rooms. Photo: Handout

Inside Mondrian Gold Coast, the new luxury hotel in Australia with a stylish pool club and ocean views

The Mondrian Gold Coast suite has sweeping views of the ocean. Photo: Handout

The three-bedroom Beach House at Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

The Sky House at the Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

The Mondrian Gold Coast’s pool club. Photo: Handout

Lito at Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

Haven at Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

Steak frites at the Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

The Mondrian Gold Coast suite. Photo: Handout

Mondrian Gold Coast’s Beach House. Photo: Handout

The Pool Club at the Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo: Handout

Regent Bali Canggu brings coastal luxury to the island’s trendiest beach enclave

The main pool at sunset at Regent Bali Canggu, which opened late last year. Photo: Handout

An aerial view of Regent Bali Canggu. Photo: Handout

A living room overlooking the ocean in a Beach Villa at Regent Bali Canggu. Photo: Handout

The two-bedroom Penthouse Oceanfront with private pool is the most lavish accommodation at the hotel. Photo: Handout

Guests can enjoy some private time in one of the Reset Pods before a spa treatment. Photo: Handout

A crystal bed in one of the spa cabins. Photo: Handout

Those staying in higher categories of accommodation get access to the Regent Club. Photo: Handout

Park Hyatt Tokyo’s reopening brings back memories of Lost in Translation and a bygone era

The famous bamboo grove at The Peak Lounge & Bar at Park Hyatt Tokyo. Photo: Handout

Lost in Translation, starring Bill Murray, was famously shot at Park Hyatt Tokyo. Photo: Handout

Park Hyatt Tokyo occupies the top floors of Shinjuku Park Tower. Photo: Handout

Sunset views from The Peak Lounge & Bar. Photo: Handout

The lovely library where guests check in. Photo: Handout

The bright and welcoming Ambassador Suite. Photo: Handout

Girandole is now helmed by celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. Photo: handout

Night views of Tokyo from the pool. Photo: Handout

New York Grill is still one of Tokyo’s top hang-outs. Photo: Handout

The refurbishment has kept elements such as the Isamu Noguchi lamps on the nightstands. Photo: Handout

Luminara of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes luxury cruising to a whole new level

A pool overlooking the sea on the Ritz-Carlton Luminara yacht. Photo: Handout

The Ritz-Carlton Luminara is currently in Asia. Photo: Handout

Azur is one of the restaurants on the ship. Photo: Handout

A tastefully appointed suite on the ship. Photo: Handout

The Beach House Pool overlooking the ocean. Photo: Handout

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan introduces you to another side of the city on the New Bund

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan looks like a cruise ship when seen from across the Huangpu River. Photo: Handout

A view of the surrounding greenery and Huangpu River from the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan. Photo: Handout

A soaring marble staircase on the ground floor. Photo: Handout

A bedroom overlooking the river and greenery. Photo: Handout

Marble corridors exude elegance and refinement. Photo: Handout

An outdoor seating area at Peacock Alley. Photo: Handout

A wonderful dish of crab with glutinous rice at Fu Cheng restaurant. Photo: Handout

Magazines

Style

Lifestyle

Travel & Hotels

The historic building dates back more than 300 years, and has been restored to its former glory by the Hong Kong-based hotel group


The historic building dates back more than 300 years, and has been restored to its former glory by the Hong Kong-based hotel group.


Luxury travel

Tourism

Travel Destinations

Architecture and design

Food and Drinks

Luxury brands

Luxury Spend It

Wellness

Hong Kong

The Netherlands

An assessment or critique of a service, product or creative endeavour.  Film reviews, restaurant reviews, reviews of art exhibitions. (Eg. Crazy Rich Asians: an important film, yes, but a good one?)


Review

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The historic building dates back more than 300 years, and has been restored to its former glory by the Hong Kong-based hotel group

The historic building dates back more than 300 years, and has been restored to its former glory by the Hong Kong-based hotel group