Discover Rosewood Amsterdam, the new luxury hotel housed in the former Palace of Justice. Where Dutch heritage meets design-forward hospitality, this is the city’s most elegant new opening.
Where Heritage Reigns Supreme—and Gets a Luxe Makeover
Cue the canal views and the courtroom drama. Rosewood Amsterdam has officially opened its doors—and darling, it’s not just a hotel. It’s a love letter to Dutch excellence, reimagined inside one of Amsterdam’s most iconic historic buildings: the former Palace of Justice. After a decade of meticulous restoration (and we do mean meticulous), this 17th-century grande dame has been reborn as a cultural and design-forward destination. It’s a debut worthy of the Rosewood name—and the final hotel ever to open in one of Amsterdam’s classified monumental buildings.
Justice Served—on a Silver Platter
Let’s start with the address. Situated along the UNESCO-listed canals, Rosewood Amsterdam occupies the city’s historic Palace of Justice—a structure that has loomed large since 1665. Now, instead of legal proceedings, guests can expect martinis shaken in a speakeasy-style bar, botanical dining in a greenhouse-inspired brasserie, and a serene spa experience that feels more enlightenment than indulgence.
The hotel’s transformation marks more than an architectural glow-up—it’s a cultural reclamation. In the words of Rosewood Hotel Group President Radha Arora, “We are honored to give this historic landmark back to the people of Amsterdam—reimagined through the lens of purpose-led luxury.”
Design with a Dutch Accent
In a city known for artistic revolutions, design firm Studio Piet Boon strikes a masterful chord—one part old-world grandeur, one part modern cool. Think brooding greys and inky blues that feel like a Rembrandt painting after dark. Custom furnishings and curated Dutch art bring the interiors to life with just the right whisper of opulence.
And then there’s the garden. De Tuin, designed by landscape legend Piet Oudolf (yes, of High Line fame), is no ordinary backyard. It’s a biodiverse haven that dances with the seasons—a living canvas that reminds guests to slow down, breathe in, and be.
Rooms That Tell Stories
With 134 rooms, including five show-stopping Houses, Rosewood Amsterdam doesn’t just offer accommodation—it offers immersion. Each space nods to the city’s past and creative pulse, with big, airy windows à la Amsterdam, and enough character to make even the most jaded traveler swoon.
Among them, Huis 020 stands out—a private retreat perched beside the canal, embodying freedom, individuality, and the city’s open-hearted aesthetic. It’s Dutch domesticity with a designer twist.
The Culinary Court: From Eeuwen to Advocatuur
Eeuwen: Dining in the Rhythm of the Seasons
Let’s talk about Eeuwen, the hotel’s signature restaurant where “slow dining” takes on delicious new meaning. Helmed by Chef David Ordóñez, whose résumé reads like a Michelin map, the kitchen celebrates seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients with dishes that elevate the everyday into the extraordinary. Think: Zeeland oysters. North Sea lobster. Dutch-grown vegetables rendered sublime with Ordóñez’s signature sauces. The name “Eeuwen” means “centuries,” a nod to the timeless art of knowing not just how—but when—to cook.
Advocatuur: A Toast to the Legal Legacy
Then there’s Advocatuur, a sultry cocktail bar where the legal history of the building inspires more than the name. The drinks? Playfully rebellious. The setting? Velvet-cloaked and whisper-worthy. Hidden inside is The Distillery, a speakeasy where a custom Jenever—crafted by Master Distiller Alex Davies—pays tribute to the city’s bohemian past.
The Court: Where the Scene Unfolds
By day, The Court is a sophisticated salon for truffled omelettes and chic patisseries. By night, it’s the place for poetic nightcaps and people-watching of the most glamorous kind. With dishes ranging from vegan galbi sliders to imperial caviar, The Court ensures Amsterdam’s social butterflies have a perch worthy of their wings.
Asaya Spa: Wellness with a Capital W
At the heart of Rosewood’s wellness offering is the Asaya Spa—a 560-square-meter sanctuary featuring an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Pilates studio, and five treatment rooms that could soothe even the most jet-lagged souls. From Dr. Barbara Sturm facials to Eastern-inspired rituals, the spa is a holistic haven in the city’s most refined cocoon.
A Living Museum of Dutch Talent
Art here isn’t an afterthought—it’s the narrative thread. Over 1,000 pieces dot the property, ranging from works by Dutch Masters’ contemporaries to avant-garde installations. The hotel’s creative themes—Innovative Media, Urban Art, Re-Masters, and Next Generation Talent—transform every hallway into a curated gallery walk.
Highlights? Frank Stella’s riotous reliefs, Maarten Baas’ whimsical grandfather clock, and an Nxt Museum-powered digital art installation in the lobby that feels like stepping into the future.
Culture, Connection & A Touch of Couture
The hotel also hosts The Gallery, a rotating space for exhibitions, fashion events, and creative collaborations. Meanwhile, The Grand Library—a former courtroom turned reading salon—hosts intimate talks and bookish gatherings. Literary buffs can browse Ex Libris, a guest-sourced library where even the books tell a local tale.
Adding a final dash of dazzle is House Jeweler Bibi van der Velden, whose exquisite pieces are available for guests staying in the signature Houses. Because why not wear a little Dutch artistry while sipping Champagne in a canal-view suite?
Float Through the City in Style
And for those moments when you must leave the premises (we understand, but why?), guests can explore Amsterdam aboard a private Salon Boat, styled by Studio Piet Boon and topped with a lion figurehead by local artist Frankey.
See also:
12 Rooms with a View for 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Spectacular Stays Around the World
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
