Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand Has The Best Interior Design In Europe

Dutch five-star hotel wins coveted international award

Hong Kong, 19 November 2010 – Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand has won the coveted Villegiature Award for Best Hotel Interior Design in Europe 2010. The jury, composed of prominent journalists and hotel managers, unanimously decided to award the title of Best Interior Hotel Design in Europe to Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand. “We have dedicated a lot of time and effort over the last few years to perfecting the interior design of our hotel. We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of our hard work,” explained Robert-Jan Woltering, General Manager of Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand.

The award ceremony took place earlier in the Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme Hotel in Paris, in the presence of all the nominees, the jury and a select group of dignitaries, including many sponsors and executive managers from leading European luxury hotels. Established in 2003, the annual Villegiature Awards honour the best hotels in Europe. The jury announced the 2010 winners in several different categories, including Best Hotel Architecture in Europe, Best Terrace in a Hotel and Best Service in a Hotel. In the category Best Hotel Interior Design in Europe 2010, The Grand saw off challenges from Le Meurice in Paris and Grand Hotel du Lac in Switzerland. The five-star deluxe Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand was the only Dutch hotel to be nominated in this category, as well as the only Dutch contender in the entire competition.

Special recognition
The interior of Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand was designed under the supervision of the French architect Sybille De Margerie. For the interior of restaurant Bridges, she drew much of her stylish design inspiration from the lively colours of the famous mural by COBRA artist Karel Appel, which is displayed in the entrance to the restaurant. The building’s rich history is also incorporated in architectural details. Students from the renowned Design Academy Eindhoven used famous persons from the history of the building as a source of inspiration for their creative contributions to the rooms, including 52 suites, all elegantly furnished and decorated. De Margerie infused the hotel with French elegance and grandeur, transforming it into a veritable city palace. General Manager Robert-Jan Woltering regards the prestigious Villegiature Award as a tremendous compliment. "It is a great honour for us to receive this award after working tirelessly for many years to renovate our hotel. We are delighted to have received this award in recognition of the exceptional and comfortable interior that sets The Grand apart,” Woltering said.

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