There are hotels that serve as a place to sleep, and there are hotels that carry the weight of history, art, and timeless elegance on their shoulders. Hotel Des Indes in The Hague falls firmly into the latter category. Today, in 2025, walking through its revolving doors feels like stepping into a world that has perfected the art of hospitality for more than a century. A proud member of The Luxury Collection, this iconic hotel has welcomed royalty, heads of state, celebrities, and curious travelers like myself since 1881.
The hotel was originally built in 1858 as a city palace for Baron van Brienen, a counsellor to King William III, and its transformation into a luxury hotel in 1881 marked the beginning of a tradition of grandeur that continues today. Over the decades, Des Indes has hosted Russian tsars, Winston Churchill, Josephine Baker, and countless dignitaries. Its ability to retain historic prestige while adapting to modern expectations is what makes it stand apart in the luxury hospitality scene. After experiencing it firsthand in 2025, I can confidently say that Hotel Des Indes remains the jewel of The Hague.
Location – The Hague’s Beating Heart
The hotel is located on the leafy Lange Voorhout, one of the most elegant boulevards in The Hague. Its location could not be more perfect for exploring the city on foot. Within a ten-minute stroll, you can reach Paleis Noordeinde, the working palace of the Dutch king, set on the chic shopping street of the same name. Het Binnenhof, the seat of Dutch politics and the world’s oldest parliament building still in use, is also within walking distance. Around the corner, the Denneweg tempts with its antique shops, high-end fashion boutiques, and trendy cafés – ideal for wandering after a museum visit or business meeting.
The Hague is a city of international stature, home to the International Court of Justice and the Peace Palace, but also of understated Dutch charm. Staying at Hotel Des Indes allows you to immerse yourself in both sides of the city: its political gravitas and its artistic soul. The hotel’s location is truly one of its strongest assets.
First Impressions – Where History Meets Grandeur
Walking into the hotel lobby in 2025 still feels like an encounter with history itself. The interiors, famously redesigned by Jacques Garcia in 2006, remain breathtaking – a rich palette of autumnal tones, deep reds, golden accents, and grand chandeliers that whisper of 19th-century opulence. The sweeping staircases are particularly striking. At night, when the corridors are silent, wandering them feels like time travel.
On my first evening, I found myself pausing at nearly every corner just to take in the atmosphere – the carefully chosen furniture, the intricate wall coverings, the way each lamp casts a soft glow on velvet and marble. Even the scent in the lobby seems curated to remind you of elegance. This is not the sterile minimalism of modern hotels; this is a place where character reigns supreme.
My Room – A Superior Escape
I stayed in one of the Superior Rooms tucked away on the fourth floor, in a corner of the building. The first detail that caught my eye was how the room number was painted on a traditional tulip-shaped vase rather than a generic plaque. It’s these little touches that root Hotel Des Indes in Dutch culture while still offering international luxury.
The room had oval-shaped windows that overlooked the back of the hotel and the traditional Dutch houses of The Hague. I found myself drawn to these windows again and again – morning coffee in hand, watching the quiet streets come alive, or late at night when the rooftops glowed under the city lights.
Inside, the furnishings blended contemporary comfort with historical ambiance. The bedding was superb – crisp, white linens paired with plush duvets that seemed to cocoon me each night. A personalized turn-down service included not just chocolates but also a herbal tea designed to help me sleep. That thoughtful touch was a reminder that luxury is as much about the details as it is about grandeur.
The Bathroom – Marble and Modernity
As someone who loves marble interiors, I was immediately impressed by the bathroom. The stonework gleamed under the lights, and the design struck the perfect balance between classical and modern. The rainfall shower head provided a powerful and invigorating stream, ideal after a day of walking The Hague’s cobbled streets.
Toiletries came from Elemis, a brand that matches the hotel’s ethos of refined indulgence. The scents were fresh yet sophisticated, and I found myself looking forward to every shower simply for the ritual of using them. A well-stocked minibar and complimentary Nespresso coffee, tea, and bottled water rounded out the in-room experience.
Wellness – A Secret Sanctuary
Hotel Des Indes also houses a small but elegant spa, complete with a compact pool and treatment rooms. The spa continues the hotel’s philosophy of blending history with comfort. The treatment rooms are spacious, designed with the same richness of tone and texture as the rest of the property, ensuring that even wellness feels part of the larger Des Indes story.
I booked a massage during my stay, and the therapist struck the right balance between relaxation and deep tissue work. Afterward, I spent time in the pool area, which though not vast, offers a tranquil retreat from the energy of the city.
Breakfast
Service – Personal and Warm
The service at Hotel Des Indes in 2025 is both professional and personal. From check-in to check-out, I felt warmly welcomed. The staff were eager to share stories about the hotel’s history and gave excellent recommendations for nearby attractions. I particularly appreciated how they anticipated needs without being intrusive.
For example, when I mentioned I had a late meeting, they arranged for a quiet table at the lounge where I could review notes over tea. Later that evening, when I returned to my room, I found it softly lit, with my slippers neatly placed by the bed. These are small gestures, but they add up to a sense of being genuinely cared for.
A Living History – Why Hotel Des Indes Matters in 2025
What makes Hotel Des Indes stand apart is not just its grandeur but its resilience. In 1971, it closed its doors and did not reopen until 1979. Many hotels would not have survived such a pause. Yet here it stands, stronger than ever, more than 140 years since it first began hosting guests.
In a time when many hotels chase trends of minimalism, technology, or eco-chic design, Des Indes stays rooted in what it has always done best: providing a sense of place. When you stay here, you are not just booking a room; you are experiencing The Hague itself – its politics, its royalty, its artistry, and its history.
Cigar Room dedicated to Anna Pavlova
Dining – A Taste of Dutch Elegance
The Restaurant Des Indes and lounge are both culinary highlights. Breakfast was an indulgent affair, with options ranging from freshly baked croissants and local cheeses to eggs cooked to order. The coffee was excellent – strong, smooth, and served with an elegance befitting the setting.
In the evening, I tried a signature dish that celebrated Dutch flavors with a modern twist. What I loved most was that the dining experience reflected the hotel’s character: refined, rooted in tradition, yet adapted to contemporary tastes.
Final Thoughts – A Perfect Introduction to The Hague
Hotel Des Indes is more than a luxury stay; it is an immersion into Dutch elegance. Its location makes it the perfect base for exploring the city, from shopping at Denneweg to visiting the Mauritshuis museum or walking the halls of Het Binnenhof. Its rooms balance history with modern comfort, its spa and dining add layers of indulgence, and its service completes the circle of luxury.
As I checked out, I couldn’t help but linger in the lobby, letting my eyes sweep once more across the grand staircase and chandeliers. In that moment, I felt the pull of history – a reminder that places like Hotel Des Indes are rare, precious, and deserving of appreciation.
For anyone visiting The Hague in 2025, whether for business, politics, or pleasure, Hotel Des Indes is not just a place to stay – it is an experience, a tradition, and a story you become part of.
Details
- Room Reviewed: Superior Room – From €149 (breakfast not included)
- Website: hoteldesindes.nl
- Address: Lange Voorhout 54-56, 2514 EG Den Haag, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 70 361 2345
