The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection — Photo by Marriott
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection — Photo by Marriott
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection — Photo by Marriott
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection — Photo by Marriott

The College Hotel Officially Reopens with Luxurious New Design, Modern Features & Fresh Amenities Complementing its More Than 125-Year History.

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.

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 19th 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.

About The College Hotel, Autograph Collection

The College Hotel, Autograph Collection, is a boutique hotel property steeped in historic value, creative design and chic indulgence that contributes to a guest's enhanced Amsterdam experience. Located just steps from iconic attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, the 40-room hotel is a unique option for adventurous and stylish travelers visiting the heart of The Netherlands. The hotel's thoughtful amenities and artful nods to its past fuses luxurious comfort and immersive locality. With an extensive 125-year history, the recently renovated hotel maintains the dated integrity of the building while providing additional indulgent services for its guests. Visitors can savor the vibrant cuisine of Mondi Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant & Terrace or enjoy refreshing handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites at The College Hotel Bar & Bistro. With over 3,700 sq. ft. of event space available for locals and guests, the property invites its visitors to revel in the beauty of extravagant chandeliers within the Rembrandt Ballroom or bask in the quaint peacefulness of the secluded courtyard garden.

Hotel website

Autograph Collection
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection
Roelof Hartstraat 1
Amsterdam, 1071 VE
Netherlands, The
+31 20 571 1511