History

Amsterdam flourished in the Golden Age, and so did this property. World-renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived next door and used the hotel’s first floor to entertain aristocrats and draft sketches of his masterpieces. His most iconic work, “The Night Watch,” once adorned the very wall that now defines our Rembrandt Suite, where it hung for over 70 years before moving to the Rijksmuseum. That wall remains unchanged  – a silent witness to the making of Dutch art history.

Our grand lobby was transformed in 1880 into a stunning example of French neoclassical architecture  – a rarity in Amsterdam. Gilded detailing, decorative ceilings showing the regions of the Netherlands, and original Delft tiles give this space the elegance of a Parisian palace, right beside the Amstel.

Austrian Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” made the hotel her royal refuge during an extended stay in the late 19th century. With a booking of 40 rooms in total, she sought the healing Dutch sea air for her health and stayed in what is now the Empress Suite. Her presence still lingers in the refined interiors and timeless romance of the space.

In 1964, The Beatles chose our hotel for their only visit to the Netherlands. Staying on the first floor, their arrival caused a media frenzy  – fans swarmed the canals, climbed walls, and even leapt into the water just to catch a glimpse of the Fab Four. Today, you can still see their original reservation on display  – a moment where pop culture collided with classical heritage.

Next to our Signature Suites, which honor our rich history, also our in-house restaurant, Omber, is a culinary homage. Named after Rembrandt’s handmade golden-brown pigment “Umber”, the space blends art and gastronomy with an open kitchen, canal-side views, and a menu inspired by the master’s painting techniques based on color, texture, light, conservation, and volume, making every dish a masterpiece of its own.