Why this Dutch city should be on every agent's radar
What's the first place that comes to mind when you think of a Dutch city? Probably Amsterdam, right?
But with that city straining under the weight of mass tourism, it could be time to point clients in the direction of one of the country's more under-the-radar destinations. And with the opening of stylish new hotel De Plesman, there's never been a better time to visit The Hague.
Located in the former headquarters of Dutch airline KLM, this 103-bedroom hotel is named after KLM founder and Dutch aviator Albert Plesman – a statue of him gazing up to the sky graces the hotel's entrance as you arrive.
Plesman wanted to connect the world and bring people together – a legacy that continues today with the grand reimagining of this iconic Dutch institution.
Found in Scheveningen, equidistant from the city centre and the beach, the hotel is a masterpiece in mid-century design. Under the guise of the dynamic interior design team at Amsterdam-based Nicemakers, interiors have been meticulously restored to pay homage to the building's Art Deco origins when it was built by Dirk Roosenburg in 1939.
Modern art collections featuring photographs of the Dutch coastline adorn the walls, while bedrooms are designed for comfort and functionality with kitchenettes and muted brown, cream and burgundy soft furnishings.
The building's skeleton is a work of art in itself with intricate spiral staircases, curved white ceilings and light fittings that simulate the tip of an aeroplane propellor. Albert Plesman's office has been transformed into the Plesman Suite and showcases original wood panelling, silks on the beds and retro furnishings.
Dining with a twist
Downstairs, the vast rectangular-shaped communal space houses the reception, lounge and bar area. It's here that the impressive design really comes to life and it feels like no detail has been forgotten during the refurbishment.
Equally so in Suss, the hotel's buzzing restaurant, which was full every night of my stay. The locals have embraced the new kid on the block with aplomb and it's easy to see why.
Named after Plesman's wife and located in the former KLM staff canteen, Suss is warm and welcoming – a nod to Suss herself who reportedly appeased a group of disgruntled pilots visiting the house for a difficult meeting with Plesman. They were so wowed by her dishes and hospitality that the issue was settled never to be mentioned again.
Food is excellent and well-priced. Under the watchful eye of managing director, Willem van Emden, formerly of Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, staff are welcoming and service runs smoothly.
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