As Amsterdam enters its 750th year, the city’s Grand Dame, hotel De L’Europe, has unveiled a collection of suites created by The Netherlands’ greatest creative talents. Years in the making, an entire wing of the hotel has become ‘t Huys (which translates as ‘house’), home to 14 landmark suites designed by a curated roll call of the city’s leading lights; from the Van Gogh Museum to couturier Ronald van der Kemp and jewelry designer Bibi van der Velden.
Each suite offers a stay in the vision of each creative responsible for its design, creating a unique sense of total immersion like never before. The project cements De L’Europe as Amsterdam’s ‘living room’ – a gathering of creative minds and communities that are reflective of Amsterdam’s ever-evolving cultural scene and its visions for the future. The suite partners will see guests step into the worlds of art, film, design and fashion via each individual collaboration with De L’Europe Amsterdam.
Robert-Jan Woltering, Managing Director of De L’Europe Amsterdam, notes of the launch, “We are thrilled to be unveiling ‘t Huys; a new concept for hospitality in Amsterdam. We have selected 14 of The Netherlands’ leading creatives to design a unique collection of suites, marking a new chapter in the story of our legendary city landmark as our city celebrates its 750th anniversary. We hope that the project will further cement our position as one of Amsterdam’s true cultural hotspots, allowing our guests to immerse themselves in the world of some of our country’s finest talent and most inspiring minds.’
Coen van Dijck, CEO of D/DOCK, the creative studio which co-created the ‘t Huys concept, comments: ‘We conceived of the project as a way to introduce a new blended use concept to luxury hospitality, marrying our commitment to pushing boundaries in design with the unique story of each of De L’Europe’s ‘t Huys partners. The result is a collection of tailor-made suite experiences where local icons, entrepreneurs, creative talent, Amsterdam-based brand builders, hotel guests and city residents bring new life to this much-loved city landmark.
Highlight Suites
VAN GOGH MUSEUM: As part of an exclusive partnership between De L’Europe and Amsterdam’s iconic Van Gogh Museum, guests have the opportunity to embark on an unprecedented journey into the world of Vincent Van Gogh. Within the luxurious suite, a first-of-its-kind private gallery room has been designed to spotlight interpretations of the young Van Gogh’s masterpieces, while a museum space has been thoughtfully curated to display copies museum editions of personal letters, sketches, and cherished possessions of the legendary artist himself. The bedroom offers guests a captivating glimpse of the artist’s perspective with ceiling projections that evoke soft, landscape-like imagery to create a unique ambiance for relaxation. The bathroom, meanwhile, will engage the non-visual senses by translating some of Van Gogh’s most powerful inspirations – such as sunflower and almond blossom – into a collection of fragrances for guests to enjoy. The Van Gogh Suite serves as a collaborative space for hosting events, meetings, private dining experiences, and beyond, while paying homage to the enduring legacy of Van Gogh.
BIBI VAN DER VELDEN: The esteemed Dutch jeweler and sculptor – known for using unexpected materials and shapes in her creations – has designed a sanctuary which reflects her dynamic design world and draws inspiration from her atelier in the city. The suite boasts an array of tactile textures – wood, marble, velour – alongside semi-precious gemstones and the pièce de résistance; a magnificent, larger-than-life ceramic necklace which adorns an entire wall. Guests can take in tranquil views overlooking the Amstel River, whilst enjoying a curated collection of vintage furniture, including Dirk van der Kooij’s iconic melting pot table. Guests checking into the suite enjoy access to jewelry pieces hand-selected by Bibi van der Velden, which are theirs to wear for the duration of their stay.
RAVESTIJN GALLERY: Inquisitive, provocative and engrossing – like the Ravestijn Gallery itself, The Netherlands’ internationally-renowned Dutch gallery dedicated to national contemporary photography – this suite has been designed to capture both the eye and the imagination. The beguiling space has been curated by the gallery’s experts to feature treasures from some of the world’s greatest contemporary photographers, meaning guests will wake up to works by Michael Bailey-Gates, Ruth van Beek or Inez & Vinoodh. Giving the feel of experiencing a private art exhibition from the comfort of their bedroom, stays in the Ravestijn Gallery Suite are enriched with a visit to the gallery that these artworks previously called home.
SALLE PRIVÉE: Founded in Amsterdam, this luxury brand with a modernist sensibility has devised a stylish retro suite curated with a selection of personal belongings from Salle Privée’s founders, Patrick and Anna. Featuring classic mid-century design objects and bold colors, the suite includes a range of scents available to guests during their stay, allowing them to be fully immersed in the brand’s signature scents of ambrette, tonka bean and vetiver. Guests will also be offered a favorite fragrance of their choice to take with them as a keepsake of their stay.
RVDK: The remarkable force behind the world’s first sustainable couture label, Ronald van der Kemp’s (RVDK) creations strut the runway at Paris Couture Week and adorn VIPs from Zendaya to Lily Collins. In this unique suite created by Ronald himself, RVDK designs take center stage. As guests enter, they will be immersed into his atelier space, a vibrant hub designed with both work and creativity in mind. With a central work table against a backdrop of his couture collection mood board, it provides the perfect setting for artistic pursuits. Moving into the bedroom, a central bed encased by cascading fringing offers a contemporary take on the four poster, whilst a striking bespoke RVDK ceiling art-piece draws the eye upwards. By contrast, soft neutral tones throughout the suite provide a blank canvas for Ronald van der Kemp’s design finishes of mirrored accents and silver interventions, to create an atmosphere of refined elegance. Guests staying in the suite will be welcomed with a personal fashion illustration, created for them by Ronald.
SISTERS JANSSEN: Dynamic design duo Tisja and Ziarah Janssen, known as “Sisters Janssen” – who have worked with the likes of Ganni and Laasso – have created a truly immersive suite that unites the themes of connection and inclusivity in art. Divided into two parts; Mirror Of The Soul and The Womb, the suite is a feast for the senses. Stepping into the foyer – soft lighting radiates throughout the purple hued interior, while a bespoke mirrored artwork creates a moment for reflection before the main suite space. Beyond, guests enter the hybrid bedroom-living room, which has been designed to evoke the reassuring embrace of the womb, with soft padded walls and a combination of comforting red tones and textures from floor to ceiling. The raised bed takes center stage, while the room also features a striking mural created by Ziarah Janssen which celebrates the female form, alongside objets d’art which speak to the theme of femininity and inclusivity. Offering a true reset from the city outside, the Sisters Janssen Suite is the ultimate urban escape.
WOLFI PICTURES: Film fans are invited to experience the cinematic splendor of the Wolfi Pictures Suite; an enchanting homage to the world of film and television. A movie buff’s dream, the space has been specially-designed by Dutch film star Daan Schuurmans and his wife, actress and TV producer Bracha van Doesburgh, and includes a unique in-room cinema space, allowing for private screenings of both guest favorites and new releases alike. The living / dining room can be transformed into a boutique viewing room, complete with velvet furnishings and an art-deco inspired bar – a nod to the golden age of Hollywood – from which guests can enjoy expertly crafted tipples and elevated movie snacks for show stopping parties and private movie nights alike. The suite can also be rearranged by day to lend itself to lounging, hosting, and for taking in the panoramic views of the city beyond.
