The Sofitel Legend The Grand occupies a sprawling group of historic buildings between the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canals, in the old centre, and it is one of the most centrally placed luxury hotels in the city. The address is Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, and the page lists Dam Square as only a three-minute walk, the Royal Palace as six and the Nine Streets as seven, with Amsterdam Centraal about thirteen minutes away on foot. The complex has served as a convent, an admiralty and the city hall over the centuries, and that history shows in its courtyards and public rooms. The hotel page lists a five-star class under the Hotelstars Union. There are 178 rooms, with twelve room options listed, so categories vary from standard rooms to suites. The facilities include an indoor pool that is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, a full-service spa with two treatment rooms, a gym, two restaurants and two bars or lounges, bicycle rental and boat tours. Free WiFi is provided. Check-in starts at 3:00 PM and check-out is before noon. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.
Who it suits
First-time visitors and couples who want to be at the centre of things without giving up space and quiet. The hotel has courtyards and gardens where the sound of the city fades, and it works for special occasions, business stays and families who can afford it. The page notes that up to two children under eleven can stay free using existing beds, and rollaway beds are charged separately. Dogs are accepted with a fee, with a limit of one per room.
Living in it
Because it sits in the heart of the old city, you are within walking distance of most of the main sights, from the Royal Palace to the Anne Frank House, which the page lists as thirteen minutes on foot. The area is lively, and parts of the neighbourhood are busy in the evening, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper.
Breakfast is charged separately and is listed at around 55 euros per person, and covered self-parking and valet parking are each around 100 euros a night, so consider public transport and skip the car. The local tax rate of 12.5 per cent applies.
Value
This is a top-end hotel, and prices rise sharply in spring and summer and on event weekends. The reward is the location, the history and the scale, which give it an unusual combination of grandeur and convenience. Guest ratings on the page are exceptional, and it is based on a large number of reviews. Compare rates carefully, check what your room category includes, and book early for peak dates, particularly if you want a larger room or a view over a courtyard.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Spa with treatment rooms
- ✓Gym
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓Two bars and lounges
- ✓Courtyards and gardens
- ✓Bicycle rental and boat tours
- ✓Free WiFi
Good questions
Where is the Sofitel Legend The Grand?+
At Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 in the old centre. The hotel page lists Dam Square as a three-minute walk and the Royal Palace as six minutes.
Does it have a pool and spa?+
Yes. The page lists an indoor pool open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and a full-service spa with two treatment rooms. Children under fourteen need adult supervision in the spa.
Are pets allowed?+
Dogs only, with a limit of one per room and a daily fee listed on the page. Service animals are exempt from fees.
