26 Apr Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

The Lowdown

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam possesses a rich history that dates back to the 1500s. Over the centuries, the buildings that now constitute the hotel have been at different times convents and Royal Family residences. The complex was even the Amsterdam City Hall for nearly two centuries. But in 1988, city officials decided to relocate City Hall back to Dam Square, leaving the buildings completely vacant. Sofitel acquired the abandoned site several years later, converting the location into The Grand Amsterdam. Since late 2000’s, Sofitel has owned and operated the hotel, elevating it to its prestigious Legend brand in 2011.
Providing the utmost in quality and service is what the hotel continually aims for and as a result, The Grand has won various prestigious awards. In 2021, amongst others, the hotel received the Prix Villegiature Award for best service in a hotel in the world, the EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey and the Virtuoso Luminaries, Leaders & Legends Culture Award. Team The Grand would love to welcome you in the heart of Amsterdam and provide you with an unforgettable experience!

The Rooms

The Grand offers 178 luxurious rooms and suites with modern bathrooms and a rain shower. The 52 exclusive suites include butler service. The rooms and suites are a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary French design including typical Dutch style elements and are equipped with the advanced technology expected by today’s traveller.

Services and facilities

Gracious and attentive service, with an egalitarian Dutch touch. Bar staff were inventive with non-alcoholic options, and a buoyant maître d’ at breakfast helped start the day on an upbeat note. Butler service in the suites means one-to-one help, and that your stay can be tailored to your personal taste (you get a questionnaire beforehand).

The Grand trumps competition for the most attractive garden courtyard in town: think camellias and tulips in season, tables in shaded individual bowers. There’s a spa with a small (but well-equipped) gym, and a good-sized pool. The splendid Art Deco former council chamber and wedding chamber (ex-Queen Beatrix was married there) are still used for functions, and The Grand not only has bicycles, but also its own salon boat and horse-drawn carriage for city sightseeing.

Food & Drinks

• Bridges

Award-winning restaurant Bridges focuses mainly on fish, with a surprising à la carte menu and Chef’s menu. Chef de Cuisine Raoul Meuwese describes his dishes as « classic traditional French dishes, but with international influences and a modern twist ». A unique feature of Bridges is the Chef’s Table. In the heart of the kitchen, you can take a look behind the scenes with a party up to 6 people and enjoy the magic of the kitchen brigade. For private events, Bridges also provides a private dining experience, where you can enjoy an intimate dinner in the comfort of your own private space, with the cocktail station, cigar cabinet and a selection of speciality whiskeys. The private dining is suitable for parties up to 12 people.

• Oriole

Oriole is a casual, laid-back bistro, celebrating the most loved and recognized cuisines in the world, Mediterranean food. The seasonally rotating menu features recognizable Mediterranean dishes, that encompass simplicity, personality and flavour health. Enjoy a lovely aperitif on the terrace, a quick lunch or a festive Mediterranean dinner with a big group of friends in the relaxed and inviting interior, that takes you to the Mediterranean coast with its lush greenery.

• Library ‘Or’

The Library ‘Or’ is situated in the beautiful lobby, located directly by the entrance to the hotel. Sybille de Margerie drew inspiration from the colours of typically Dutch elements, such as the dark-grey street stones known as ‘klinkers’ and the deep, rich colours of the Amsterdam flower market. The Library ‘Or’ has a rich collection of books about local culture, architecture and French savoir-faire.

• The Flying Dutchman

A traditional Dutch brown café, serving an assortment of Dutch beers and snacks, alongside an extensive collection of whiskeys and spirits. Whether you read the newspapers over your daily cup of coffee, meet a friend for lunch or a quick bite, or imbibe a few beers after work, for many people their favourite bar inevitably becomes a home away from home.

• Garden Terrace

The Garden Terrace can be found in the beautiful and completely re-landscaped courtyard garden. It is one of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets. An oasis of peace and tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is the perfect location to savour culinary delights of Bridges or The Flying Dutchman if the weather permits.

Essential info

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Phone: +31 (0)20-555 3 111
Website: https://www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com/