Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been chosen to manage an upcoming 134-key scheme in Amsterdam, which will be brought to life by an impressive design team featuring Kentie & Partners, Studio Piet Boon, Studio Concrete, Sagrada and Piet Oudolf.

Rosewood is expanding its European portfolio with the announcement that CTF Amsterdam has selected it to manage a historic property in the Dutch capital, due to reopen as an ultra-luxury hotel in 2023.

A rich history in a prime location

Marking the group’s 11th property in Europe, Rosewood Amsterdam will occupy the former Palace of Justice with quintessential views of Prinsengracht (the Prince’s Canal) in the Unesco World Heritage-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring and close to the museum district, high-end shopping on PC Hooftstraat and hip De Pijp neighbourhood.

Dating back to 1665, the stately pile, which was later expanded by Dutch architect Jan de Greef in 1836, was the city’s main courthouse for over 175 years. A fine example of de Greef’s multicultural style, thanks to his travels to Rome and Paris, the property’s meticulous transformation will honour the building’s original elements and is being executed by Netherlands-based firm Kentie & Partners together with the Bureau Monumenten en Archeologie (BMA) and The City of Amsterdam.

Fresh and vibrant interior design

These original elements will be perfectly balanced with a functional and contemporary interior scheme spearheaded by celebrated Dutch designer Piet Boon. Notably, decorative details throughout the hotel’s public spaces will nod to the spirit of the building and the city.

For example, beautiful legal books – which will double as art pieces – photographs and artefacts will sit alongside stylish furnishings in the hotel’s lobby library, where an Indian Business Club – meant to stimulate high-level business and networking – will also be hosted. All of the hotel’s public spaces will overlook internal courtyards too, landscaped by Piet Oudolf, who is also behind the High Line in New York.

Elsewhere, London-based Sagrada has been appointed to design the intimate canal-facing bar, which will wield a rich colour palette and high-end finishes, while Amsterdam-based Studio Concrete is creating a fresh and vibrant interior for the hotel’s main restaurant, located at the heart of the building and flanked by two courtyards with outdoor seating.

“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,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

Alongside the main restaurant and bar will be an Indian restaurant; 134 guestrooms and suites, many with views across the canals, lovely courtyards and quintessential townhouse rooftops; a series of event and meeting spaces, including a 3,000 sq ft ballroom; and a wellness offering that will include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and Sense, A Rosewood Spa offering ayurvedic treatments.

Cheng continued: “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.”