De Leeuw

“A medieval alliance forged between spirits and a ‘red lion’,” I begin, pausing for effect as we stand before De Leeuw. De Leeuw, a name whispered through Amsterdam’s history, a place where centuries intertwine. This isn’t just a hotel and brasserie. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s vibrant past, its story etched into the very bricks and mortar. De Leeuw traces its roots back to the 15th century, a prominent inn where weary travelers sought refuge. The earliest documented proof of ownership dates to 1454, when Simon Pietersz leased the building from a priest named Jan Damaesz. This connection between “Spiritualia” and the “red lion” hints at an intriguing medieval partnership. The original De Leeuw, sadly, no longer graces its original location. It once stood where Peeck & Cloppenburg and Madame Tussauds now reside, before being demolished in 1838. De Leeuw then reappeared on Vijgendam 22 as a coffee bar, until its demolition in 1911. The De Leeuw we see today rose from the ashes on Damrak in 1911. Designed by the sought-after architect Foeke Kuipers, it became one of Amsterdam’s first hotels. Its creation was orchestrated by Ernest de Pesters and Pierre H. Bicker, both board members of the Amstel Brewery. They established the N.V. to Exploitation of Hotel Café Restaurant De Roode Leeuw. The first director, Jos von Eugen, steered De Leeuw to profitability within its first year, thanks in part to the influx of business travelers and stock exchange traders. Initially boasting 35 rooms, De Leeuw expanded in 1918, acquiring adjacent buildings and stretching back towards Nieuwendijk. The ground floor on the Nieuwendijk side, however, remained dedicated to retail. World War II cast a long shadow over De Leeuw, with some employees tragically deported to Germany. Post-war, it served as the Canadian “Leave Center.” Through renovations and modernizations, De Leeuw has adapted to the changing times. It has retained its unique character and unwavering hospitality. The iconic terrace, a Damrak fixture, was enclosed in 1935 and further expanded in 1973, its striking pillars restored to their former glory. In 2011, De Leeuw marked its centennial in the Nieuwe Kerk, embarking on its second century of service. A large-scale renovation, completed in 2019, revitalized the brasserie, conservatory, reception, and cellars. Remarkably, De Leeuw remains in the hands of the founders’ descendants. This legacy, combined with its prime location in Amsterdam’s historic center, makes De Leeuw a truly exceptional destination.