The famous grand hotel in Amsterdam reopened in June as part of Sofitel’s new Legend brand. This collection from the French hospitality company includes the Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam, Egypt’s Old Cataract Aswan on the Nile, and other carefully restored historic hotels, a group to which the Grand rightfully belongs.
Dating to 1411—when two convents were built alongside Amsterdam’s oldest city canal—the structures that house Hotel Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam served as City Hall before becoming a hotel in 1992. In 2008 the property, which includes five historic monuments designated by Amsterdam’s city council, underwent an overarching yet respectful renovation led by French designer Sybille de Margerie.
Known for her whimsical flourishes, de Margerie adorned the Grand’s ceiling arches with handmade porcelain butterflies. The hotel’s 177 guest rooms include three sprawling Opera Suites, as well as 16 apartments spread across three canal houses. A canal-view restaurant, Bridges, serves seafood selections from French chef Aurélien Poirot in the former site of City Hall’s canteen.
Hotel Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam, +31.20.555.3111, www.sofitel-legend.com
