In short… Once the command centre for KLM, the world’s oldest operating airline, this aviation-inspired stay is redirecting boutique-loving travelers from Amsterdam to The Hague.
The surroundings… Set between leafy parkland in the Hague’s Scheveningen district, golden sands backed by dunes and the city’s diplomatic hub are a short tram ride away in either direction from De Plesman.
The backstory… Designed in 1939 by aviation-obsessed architect Dirk Roosenburg for Dutch pilot and KLM founder Albert Plesman, this copper-roofed giant survived Nazi occupation, Cold War expansion, and government-grade bureaucracy. Fast forward to the present, and Amsterdam-based design studio Nicemakers (behind The Hoxton) were called in for a top-to-bottom makeover while preserving the building’s longstanding history. For example, the signature orange awnings are here to stay, thanks to heritage restrictions in place.
The vibe… Like stepping into the cabin of a vintage aircraft, without the hassle of having to take-off or land. In addition to hotel guests, it’s open to residents renting the hotel’s serviced apartments and the local community, so there’s an all-hours buzz about the place. The architectural bones—soaring ceilings, parquet flooring, terrazzo staircases shaped like wing tips, and monumental steel-framed windows—are layered with a warm palette of dusky pinks, rust, and Hague blue. From the checkerboard-floored lobby to the turbine-inspired ceiling of the bar, there’s a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of travel without feeling over-themed.
The rooms… Herringbone parquet floors, bespoke walnut cabinetry, velvet armchairs, and buttery-soft linens make each of the 102 rooms a cocooning crash pad, with Roberts radios and kitchenettes in some of the suites upping the ‘at home’ feel. The layout is minimalist but inviting, while clever zoning creates a sense of apartment-like intimacy. Photographic prints by artists including Soo Burnell and Casper Faassen were specially commissioned for the hotel, dressing the walls alongside black-and-white pictures of KLM crew members from the airline’s archives. For the ultimate upgrade, the Plesman Suite sprawls across the building’s original executive offices, with polished wood-panelling, Warhol prints, and a show-stopping green marble bar to fix yourself a jenever (the Dutch equivalent of a G&T).
The wellness… The fitness-conscious will appreciate the big gym, while bike rentals beckon you onto canal paths or beach trails.
The food & drink… Suus, housed in the old KLM staff canteen with an airport‑control‑tower aesthetic, is named after Albert Plesman’s diplomatic wife who calmed any rising tensions between the pilots over her dinner table. There’s a generous buffet breakfast on weekdays, and a weekend brunch menu drawing locals for its smoked salmon on sourdough and Gouda-cheese burgers. Long business lunches turn into leisurely dinners (European classics whipped up with seasonal ingredients) and late-night glasses of natural wine, from the comfort of plush banquettes. Next door, Albert Bar & Lounge is your go-to for barista-made brews and clever cocktails.
Extra tip goes to… Although we didn’t actually order any wine, sommelier Priscilla van der Voort took time out of a packed dinner service to sit down in our booth with a map, and mark out all her favourite spots (including some chic wine bars within walking distance of the hotel).
Be sure to… Borrow one of the blue-maroon striped towels from reception and bike to Scheveningen beach. There are surf schools, beach clubs with loungers to rent, and a quaint pier with a Ferris wheel to stroll along (ideally as sunset approaches).
Parting words… It’s easy to tag on a couple of nights if travelling by train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, but don’t discount visiting The Hague for a standalone sojourn. It’s a city that will pleasantly surprise you, especially with a base like De Plesman to come back to.
Date of stay… 2-3 July 2025
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