Amsterdam, Netherlands
An award winning five-star hotel that combines modern luxury with historic features. In the heart of Amsterdam, it offers fine dining, spacious suites, spa, indoor pool and canal views
Our review
The hotel is situated right in the heart of the city, with most of the sights and attractions a few minutes away.
The Grand Sofitel Legend has been a landmark in the city for many years. Amsterdam was a Catholic town and there used to be a convent here. The tower on the site dates from 1475. After being a convent, it became a royal guesthouse and was then owned by the Dutch Admiralty. In 1992, it became a hotel and in 2002 a Sofitel. 2010 saw it rebranded as a Sofitel Legend.
The entrance is through a historic brick archway flanked with flowering shrubs to the inner cobbled courtyard. Look up here to admire the Georgian building with wooden shutters and intricate sculpture work. The reception lobby is stylish with terrific floral displays and modern art. Leading off here is an enclosed terrace garden with tables and seating.
We were in suite 252 overlooking the canal. Views from here were very pretty and the window opened too. However had we wanted it, the air conditioning was quiet and efficient. You may want to consider a room over the courtyard if you stay over a weekend and are a light sleeper, as the hotel really is in the centre of town, and occasional nighttime revellers walking below may bother you.
I’m always excited to be sleeping in a Sofitel ‘MyBed’. There is also a pillow menu to complement the marshmallow mattress and duvet. I especially liked the reading lights.
The bathroom, in subtle travertine marble, had bath with television, separate rain shower, Hermes toiletries, a good hairdryer with plug nearby and magnifying mirror.
Our large room also had a sofa with desk and charging sockets. Wifi was fast and free. There was complimentary water and coffee machine.
The hotel has a well regarded Michelin starred restaurant and a bistro, but with so many other options on your doorstep, you may want to explore. Our buffet breakfast was excellent and served in the gourmet restaurant. There was a huge self-service choice of fresh fruit, pastries, bread, cheese, cold meats and fish. Coffee and tea was brought to the table. We could have had a hot option if we had liked, but as usual, we had had plenty from the cold choices.
I’d certainly recommend coffee in the terrace garden and some time spent in the relaxing library, if you get a chance.
The spa is small but well equipped, as is the gym. There is an indoor pool and Jacuzzi too.
If you are interested, do ask to see the Art Deco lights in the meeting room and wedding room, that are unique and examples of a kind only found in The Netherlands.
This hotel is an excellent choice for a city break, combining French taste and charm with light touches of Amsterdam in the guest and public rooms.
Rooms
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam offers around 175 rooms and suites within a landmark building. Interiors blend contemporary comfort with historic details and feature Nespresso machines, luxury bedding and spacious marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. Select suites include separate living areas and personalised butler service.
Food and Drink
Dining is anchored by Bridges, a fine dining restaurant focused on seafood, led by Chef Raoul Meuwese. Oriole Garden Bistro serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting, while The Flying Dutchman bar is known for inventive cocktails. Afternoon tea is offered in the library lounge, and the garden terrace provides seasonal outdoor dining.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include Sofitel SPA, featuring a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre. A range of massages and therapies are available in a serene, contemporary environment.
Facilities
- Full-service spa and wellness area
- Indoor swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Fine dining restaurant and bistro
- Cocktail bar and garden terrace
- Meeting and event spaces
- Butler service for select suites
- Concierge services
Location
Situated in Amsterdam’s historic centre between two canals, the hotel is close to Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Nine Streets shopping district and the city’s UNESCO-listed canal ring.
Getting there
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arriving by air: Schiphol Amsterdam Airport – 10 miles (16km) – 25 minutes by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.