We have just returned from a marvelous trip to Amsterdam to experience the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. Ideally located between two historical canals, The Grand offers a world of five star luxury and generous hospitality, a very peaceful oasis in the heart of Amsterdam. The hotel also boasts a notable history: from a 15th-century convent, to royal lodgings, to Dutch admiralty headquarters, and a former city hall of Amsterdam. Dating back to 1411, the bell tower is the oldest part of The Grand.

The hotel is a blend of French elegance and Dutch stylistic elements. The Grand is one of those rare places you feel honored to be a guest at. Rich heritage of the site has been carefully preserved: from marble staircases with rosewood handrails, beautiful stained-glass windows, the authentic courtyard, and the peaceful inner garden. In the elegant lobby, masses of tulips and colorful fresh flowers perfume the room. The staff have been beautifully trained. No request is too large to be fulfilled immediately. Doormen happily greet you at all hours.

After long walks we collapsed at The Library “Or” designed by French interior architect Sybille de Margerie, a very inviting place to relax. And we enjoyed savory delights and sweet delicacies at the Alice in The Grand. The hotel’s talented patissiers create an exceptional afternoon–Alice in the Grand Wonderland Afternoon Tea–inspired by Lewis Carroll’s novel, Alice in Wonderland.

The Grand is perfectly located for leisurely strolls on cobblestone streets to Amsterdam’s vibrant Dam Square and the Royal Palace, fascinating museums, and decadent pastry shops.

Elegant and charming Emmy Stoel, General Manager of the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, is this year’s winner of the prestigious award “European Hotel Manager of the Year” by EHMA, the European Hotel Managers Association.

Our luxurious Junior suite came with impressive canal views, a relaxing sitting area, and plush textiles in shades of plum and sienna. The king size Sofitel trademarked MyBed was a haven of pure comfort. More favorites: a deep soaking tub and a walk-in rain shower, European linens, and Hermes amenities. Junior Suite guests enjoy the privilege of refined service from The Grand Amsterdam’s butler team. Each request is met effortlessly. Butler service starts prior to the guest’s arrival, with a special “The Butler is expecting you” form asking about tailor-made service.

A taste of the Mediterranean is found at Oriole Garden Bistro. Executive Chef Raoul Meuwese creates dishes according to the season, with a focus on using local products and sustainably- caught fish. Vegetables and herbs are grown on the urban roof top garden of the Grand. This garden is also home to 30,000 honey bees, that provide delicious “The Grand Honey.”

Oriole Garden Bistro has been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Netherlands 2023. We enjoyed the Catch of the Day à la Grenobloise with a cream of white beans and kohlrabi; roasted little gem with Baba Ghanoush, Manchego and sumac; and finished with a delightful strawberry Romanoff. Locals come here for fries from the “Frietboutique”, served with truffle mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Limoncello Sour and Oriole’s Siciliano are popular signature cocktails.

Discover the flavors of Sofitel’s highly acclaimed restaurant Bridges with a five or seven course Menu du Chef. A unique feature of Bridges is the Chef’s Table in the heart of the kitchen, where you can experience the buzzing magic of the kitchen brigade.

We often retreated to The Flying Deer for Glenfiddich Scotch whisky and inspiring art from Tadej Oblak. It was a pleasure to discover three different types of Glenfiddich whiskies with their special whisky flights.

Don’t miss the Art Deco masterpiece of love and marriage, the Marriage Chamber. The refined mural drawings and wall fresco, designed by artist Chris LeBeau, and completed in 1926, symbolize the circle of life and love. Royal weddings and intimate ceremonies have been celebrated here.

The Sofitel SPA team pampered us with rejuvenating therapies. An indoor swimming pool and sauna are perfect spots to soothe tired muscles after a day spent exploring Amsterdam. Voted the Best luxury Hotel Spa in Netherlands in 2020 by International Spa and Beauty Awards.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam – The Netherlands, https://www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com/nl/homepage.html?utm_source=travelbyentree&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=heritagemeetsmodernity?