SAPIENS TRAVEL SLEEPS: Rosewood Amsterdam

I had the opportunity to stay at the highly anticipated Rosewood Amsterdam, one of the most talked-about hotels in the city in recent times. And as promised, I’m sharing a full review of the experience: from the historic architecture to the curated art, from the rooms to the gastronomy, every detail of the hotel raises the standard of hospitality in the city.

Arrival and Check-in...

After passing through a carefully restored portal that leads directly into the splendor of Amsterdam’s former Palace of Justice, it becomes immediately clear that Rosewood Amsterdam has achieved its mission: to translate the historical weight of the building into an experience that is warm, welcoming, and profoundly sophisticated. In every detail, there’s a sense of history connected to the present, expressed through the hotel’s impressive contemporary art collection, spread throughout the property.

Check-in takes place in a spacious lounge overlooking one of the hotel’s internal courtyards. While waiting for the room keys, guests can browse a small library and admire one of the clock-artworks by Maarten Baas, one of my favorite contemporary artists. The hotel features two pieces from the series in which members of the artist’s family, in the case of the reception, his grandfather, appear on screen, hand-drawing the clock hands in real time.

This delicate and poetic intervention captures the spirit of Rosewood Amsterdam beautifully: time flows at a different pace here, and every detail invites reflection. It’s an experience where past and present meet with soul, precision, and elegance.

The Interiors and Design...

The internal courtyards are one of Rosewood Amsterdam’s great highlights. These green, open, and peaceful spaces invite moments of pause a coffee without hurry, a relaxed outdoor lunch. They are true urban sanctuaries, with the feel of a resort tucked inside the city.

As in other properties of the brand, art plays a central role at Rosewood Amsterdam. In addition to the striking works by Maarten Baas, the hotel features a curated collection of over 1000 artworks, ranging from Dutch masters to leading names in the contemporary scene. The result is a sophisticated dialogue between tradition and avant-garde, found throughout the corridors, salons, and even the suites where each piece seems perfectly chosen for its space.

The rooms and suites at Rosewood Amsterdam bear the signature of the acclaimed Studio Piet Boon, one of the most respected names in contemporary Dutch design.

In this project, Studio Piet Boon combined the historical grandeur of the former Palace of Justice with a contemporary perspective, celebrating local craftsmanship through a refined and modern reinterpretation. Noble materials, a serene color palette, and a minimalist, yet soulful, aesthetic create an atmosphere that balances the warmth of home with sophisticated touches.

The spaces exude calm, order, and authenticity, masterfully reflecting the spirit of Amsterdam. Staying in one of Rosewood’s suites feels like inhabiting a chapter of the city, reimagined through art and intention.

During my stay, I had the privilege of staying in a suite overlooking the Prinsengracht, perhaps the best view in the entire city. From the wide windows, even in the bathroom, it’s possible to take in a panoramic view of the Westerkerk, its iconic tower rising on the horizon. The light shifts throughout the day, transforming the room into an almost cinematic setting: intimate, silent, and profoundly gezellig (a Dutch word without direct translation, evoking a sense of deep coziness and contentment).

The space is generous and elegantly composed, with a palette reminiscent of the soft tones used by Dutch masters, natural fabrics, delicate lighting, and timeless furniture design. Every element invites well-being and quiet contemplation.

The amenities reflect the hotel’s philosophy: no plastic, everything conceived with environmental responsibility and excellence. Biodegradable materials and elegant low-impact solutions are an essential part of the experience.

Partnership with NXT Museum...

A gallery was specially created for the hotel in partnership with the NXT Museum, Amsterdam’s leading institution for immersive art and technology. From this collaboration, a dedicated space within the hotel was born, hosting rotating exhibitions open to the public. During my stay, the featured show was by Casper Braat, an artist whose work blends cultural critique with provocative design.

An extra touch of originality: next to the gallery, a vending machine offers limited-edition pieces from the featured artists, a unique, collectible way to take home a fragment of the experience.

And as if that weren’t enough, Rosewood offers a guided tour of its art collection, complimentary for guests. The guides are trained to provide context and enrich the aesthetic experience. I’m proud to say I am one of the invited storytellers and I can assure you: it’s an experience that turns your stay into a true cultural immersion.

THE CUISINE & THE BAR...

The hotel’s culinary program reflects the same level of sophistication seen in its architecture and art curation: seasonal ingredients, flawless techniques, and presentations that border on the cinematic but never feel excessive. Each dish strikes a perfect balance between flavor and concept, always with an air of lightness.

In the main restaurant, the menu celebrates European culinary heritage with contemporary touches, Asian influences, and the freshness of local ingredients. The service, as throughout the entire hotel, is impeccable: kind, attentive, and discreet.

But it’s in the hotel bar that the atmosphere becomes even more special. Housed in one of the former courthouse halls, the space blends dark wood, low lighting, and generous sofas in rich, deep tones. The walls are adorned with works by Anton Corbijn, the legendary Dutch photographer and filmmaker (one of my personal favorites!), known for his iconic portraits of musicians such as Nick Cave, Kate Bush, Joy Division, U2, and especially Depeche Mode. The presence of his work lends the bar a sense of sophisticated introspection, with a subtle rock’n’roll spirit.

The cocktail menu is creative and well executed, but one unmissable highlight is the artisanal gin produced on-site in a small copper still located in one of the hotel’s halls. Besides being delicious, it carries a storytelling element: each batch pays tribute to a chapter of the building’s or city’s history. Served neat or in signature cocktails, the gin has become, for many, a symbol of the hotel’s soul artisanal, elegant, and unexpected.

Rosewood Amsterdam is not just a new luxury hotel. It is a place where everything, from the art to the flavors, is designed to move you. A conscious and generous hospitality, where every detail conveys purpose and beauty.