Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand

Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand Review

For captivating elegance, nothing tops the facade of the Grand, with its Neoclassical courtyard, white sash windows, carved marble pediments, and roof topped with chimneys and gilded weather vanes. If it seems lifted from a Rembrandt painting, that's because this hotel's celebrated city-center site has a long and varied history: it was built in the 14th century as a convent, then went on to house the offices of the Amsterdam Admiralty. After being rezoned by Napoléon, it became Amsterdam's city hall from 1808 to 1988, and then finally reopened in 1992 as one of the city's most deluxe hotels, where guests like Mick Jagger and President Jacques Chirac of France have made their home-away-from-home. The guest rooms here feature traditional-luxe furniture, fine fabrics, and quiet hues, plus every manner of business mod con. The Bridges, the newly refurbished bright and spacious restaurant ($$$-$$$$), sports a Karel Appel mural and some of the most stylish French dishes in town. The glorious garden is also a great place to enjoy afternoon tea.