FIRST IN: De Plesman, The Hauge. Why this underrated Dutch city should be on your radar
This feature was originally published in TTG Luxury
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 head to one of the country’s more under-the-radar destinations. In all my years living and working in Amsterdam The Hague was never on my radar - too dull, nothing going on, no discernable features drawing me to it. Had the De Plesman hotel been there then things might have been very dirrerent.
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 chic modern 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 missed out 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. When I lived in The Netherlands food and service was notoriously bad, something else that’s clearly changed since my days living here.
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 food, charm 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.
Out and about
Known for being The Netherlands’ administrative capital, some might think The Hague is a little dull - I know I did once upon a time. But now I beg to differ. There’s so much more to the city, as I discovered when I hired one of the hotel’s bikes and headed out on a mission to find the best spots.
Around a 10-minute cycle ride from De Plesman is Scheveningen beach with its vast shoreline, hip beach bars, surf schools, pier and lighthouse. There are some excellent local restaurants that nail the art of creating the typically Dutch “gezellig” (akin to convivial) atmosphere too.
In the other direction is the city centre where visitors can find local neighbourhoods such as Zeeheldenkwartier, which is one of cosiest districts with independent shops, great restaurants and beautiful art nouveau buildings to admire.
Delft is an easy 60-minute flat cycle ride, taking you past canals and rows of cute typically Dutch houses. It’s a pleasant place to spend the day with Amsterdam-esque canals, windmills, brown cafes, churches and the famous blue and white pottery of the same name. If you can’t face the return journey by bike you can take the train back from here to The Hague, just remember to buy a bike ticket alongside one for yourself. Fired up on bitterballen and bierje I opted to cycle back.
Another plus when visiting De Plesman from the UK is the fact that you don’t have to fly. I travelled on Eurostar via London St Pancras to Rotterdam – the journey takes around three and a half hours, with a 30-minute car transfer to the hotel. For the ultimate Dutch trip, consider combining a stop in Rotterdam with a stay in The Hague. If you prefer to fly, De Plesman is around 30 minutes from Schiphol Airport.
For those keen to explore an alternative part of The Netherlands, The Hague is a fantastic choice, made even more appealing now by the arrival of De Plesman. I’m glad I finally made it to this underrated Dutch city, and think you will be too.
Rates at De Plesman start at £120 per night for a double room including breakfast.