Historic Amsterdam Hotel Completes Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – (June 13, 2024) – The College Hotel, Autograph Collection, has officially reopened, unveiling the completion of a multi-million-dollar renovation just in time to welcome summer travelers. Conveniently situated just south of downtown Amsterdam, the historic boutique hotel features a tastefully refreshed lobby, library, guestrooms and function spaces, along with a host of luxurious new amenities to offer an elevated guest experience. Corendon Hotels & Resorts worked with the internationally renowned design studio, Studio Piet Boon, for this unique adaptive reuse project, carefully preserving the property’s 125-year-plus history while creating a comfortable, stylish destination for locals and travelers alike to experience Oud-Zuid, one of Amsterdam’s most elegant neighborhoods.

“The College Hotel is a rare find within the city of Amsterdam, with its modern artistry, educational influences and prime location steps from the city’s most renowned museums,” said Atacan Uslu, managing director, Corendon Hotels & Resorts. “We’re excited for our guests to experience the history of this unique property while enjoying the new touches that have been thoughtfully added along the way. We’re grateful for our talented partners at Studio Piet Boon who were instrumental in preserving the hotel’s unique historical significance, balancing the past and present while also looking ahead, helping us anticipate the future demands of the world’s most discerning travelers.”

Artful Design Blending Historic Charm with Modern Elegance  

Every detail of the renovation was meticulously planned to elevate the guest experience. Housed in a former boys’ school that was constructed in 1894, The College Hotel offers a unique blend of 19^th century Neo-Renaissance architectural splendor and modern sophistication. Adorned with steeped gables, stained-glass windows and a natural stone façade, the newly renovated, 40-room boutique hotel holds decades of cherished memories.

For the refreshed interiors, Studio Piet Boon tapped into the building’s rich history, eclectic architectural style and centralized city location for design inspiration. Following a minimalistic approach, the new design concept uses a warm and calming color palette, welcoming guests into a cozy atmosphere. The intimate new spaces feature a harmonious blend of sleek, modern furniture, statement art pieces and polished light fixtures, all lending to the hotel’s vibrant character.

Originally classrooms for students, the hotel’s guestrooms feature subtle references to the old days of schooling with chalkboard math problems that identify room numbers and accents like a graffiti can, report card and tic-tac-toe etchings in a wooden table. Within the hotel’s hallway carpeting, guests may notice handwritten Dutch and English messages that could have been found in notes passed between friends during class.

Versatile Venues for Every Occasion  

The renovation also included enhancements to the hotel’s versatile function spaces. The three salons, each named after legendary Dutch artists (Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, Suzanna van Baerle and Jan Herman Coster), can be transformed to host a variety of events, from intimate wedding ceremonies and educational workshops to cocktail parties and seated dinners. Adorned with beautiful chandeliers and long mirrored walls, each salon includes access to modern audio and visual equipment, complimentary Wi-Fi and flexible seating arrangements. Additionally, hosts can reserve The Courtyard, a peaceful oasis comprised of beautifully landscaped greenery, a bubbling fountain, a private bar, lounge furniture and a shimmering chandelier.

Soulful Caribbean Culinary Twist to Surprise & Delight 

Adding to its plentiful amenities, The College Hotel features two on-site dining outlets – The College Hotel Bar & Bistro and Mondi Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant & Terrace. Inspired by the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire, both restaurants aim to bring the essence of island life to the city.

Mondi Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant & Terrace features an expansive dinner menu characterized by vibrant island flavors, craft cocktails and a global wine list. Highlights include the “Karni” or Caribbean beef stew tacos, ceviche verde, jerk chicken and risotto di stoba, as well as the “Dushi Vibes” cocktail made with rum, pineapple, mint and honey. Known for its lively atmosphere, Mondi hosts local DJs and live music on a regular basis. On the last Thursday of every other month, Mondi celebrates “Caribbean Night,” featuring dancers, a brass band, a DJ and more.  The Mondi Terrace, an outdoor patio that once served as the original building’s schoolyard, now offers visitors a spot to sit back, relax and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or light bite, while taking in the warmth of the sun and mingling with friends.

Also located within the hotel, The College Hotel Bar & Bistro is well-suited for a leisurely meal or a quick bite for those on-the-go at any time of day, offering international cuisine with a fusion of Caribbean dishes and classic French delicacies. Highlights include steak tartare with pan de cristal, beef, huancaina, cilantro and piccalilli; signature crispy oysters with fried spinach and hollandaise sauce; and tuna carpaccio with yuzu, pomegranate, crispy lotus root, red onion and capers.

Mondi Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant & Terrace and The College Hotel Bar & Bistro are both available to reserve for private occasions.

A Warm Welcome Like No Other 

Beyond the enhanced interiors and exteriors, the hotel relaunch has focused on incorporating new surprise and delight moments to create an unparalleled guest experience. Upon arrival in the lobby, guests will delight in enjoying a delectable, house-made chocolate truffle and choosing from a selection of hotel-exclusive room fragrances designed to evoke nostalgic memories of school days. Recently receiving its Green Key Gold certificate, the hotel has incorporated several new eco-friendly amenities including bamboo paper products and re-fillable bath products from Marie-Stella Maris, a Dutch hygiene brand focused on reducing environmental impacts through sustainable practices, packaging and philanthropy. Guests can visit the new hotel library, which contains floor-to-ceiling bookcases bursting with genres and subjects, including several on Dutch culture and history. As a nod to its art-centric surroundings, the hotel will regularly showcase rotating artistry, starting with its current featured pieces made of recycled sunglasses by Eelco Hilgersom.

“We are delighted to officially unveil our renovated hotel as we welcome our neighbors, as well as guests from abroad, to Amsterdam this summer and beyond,” said Jordi Majoor, operations manager at The College Hotel, Autograph Collection. “Our talented team has worked tirelessly to create a truly unique experience, in which our storied past is celebrated throughout each facet of the hotel. We cannot wait to share this special gem with the world.”

For more information on The College Hotel or to make a reservation, call +31 20 571 1511. To stay in the loop on The College Hotel’s latest news, follow the property on Instagram @TheCollegeHotel and Facebook @TheCollegeHotel. Read more about The College Hotel at TheCollegeHotel.com.