TL;DR – The Amsterdam Andaz Prinsengracht Hotel isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a quirky design trip down the rabbit hole. If you’re staying in Amsterdam, the Andaz Prinsengracht needs to be on your list. Architect Marcel Wanders designed it to stop you in your tracks. It works. See inside. He transformed a former library into a surreal spin on Alice in Wonderland. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s wall-to-wall whimsy in the best way. If you’re into bold interiors, secret gardens, and a hotel that’s unforgettable, this one’s for you.
As a child, did you ever harbor a secret dream of becoming Alice in Wonderland and stumbling into a magical world? While those childhood days are likely far away in your rearview mirror, what if you still had the chance to escape and step into a surreal world of wonder?
I invite you to come take a whirlwind tour into the intriguing world of whimsical interior design that will captivate your imagination.
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A visit to the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel, Prinsengracht, is the perfect playground for your adult self to rediscover your sense of imagination. Quick question: When was the last time you stared off into the wide blue yonder and drifted off to a daydream?
If I had to guess, it’s likely been a long time since you tapped into your imagination and let your mind wander.
Like most adults, your imagination might feel squashed from far too many Zoom meetings, mortgage payments, and other nonsense that comes with adulting.
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The Wit, Whimsy, and Wonder of Wanders
Marcel Wanders is the Amsterdam-based genius behind the design for this Andaz hotel in his hometown. He masterfully blends the soul of a grown-up Alice with all the quirky eccentricities of one of my favorite cities in the world.
If you’re not familiar with the world of Wanders (a leading design personality), let’s get you up to speed. In fact, the New York Times has described him as the “Lady Gaga of Design.”
Intrigued?
The Andaz Hotel’s Architecture Story: From Public Library to Design Wonderland
Before the bell chandeliers and the floating eyeballs, this building had a much quieter life: it was Amsterdam’s public library. From 1977 to 2007, the city’s Openbare Bibliotheek lived right here on the Prinsengracht — until the books packed up and moved to their shiny new home on Oosterdokseiland.
Enter Marcel Wanders. The Dutch designer took the empty library and transformed it into the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, which opened its doors in 2012. And here’s the detail I love most: he didn’t erase the library. He designed a love letter to it. Those swirling murals you’ll see throughout the hotel? They’re drawn from illustrations found in books from the original library’s collection.
The stories never left the building. They just moved onto the walls.
Quirky Interior Design Style at the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel
You’ll be impressed upon seeing all these unforgettable, whimsical design moments within the hotel.
In interviews, Wanders has shared his motivations for the design of this hotel. He references his idea of “connected polarities” which sounds a bit deep. But it basically comes down to his unique perspective of creating mash-ups of random, disconnected objects. In other words, contradictions and juxtapositions.
Join me on a tour where I’ll share some interesting insights into the deeper meaning behind these decorative moments. You’ll gain an even greater appreciation for the art and history that’s beautifully represented in this quirky design experience.
The Alice in Wonderland Hotel in Amsterdam: Down the Rabbit Hole
Let’s take a magical journey down the rabbit hole to experience Amsterdam through the lens of an Alice who’s all grown up and living her best life.
Her playful spirit comes through in multiple focal points throughout the hotel. The most obvious moment is this larger-than life mural overlooking the Mad Hatter’s garden.
Amsterdam is undeniably one of the most inspiring cities in the world. And Wanders captures the heart of Alice and the essence of Amsterdam in a truly brilliant manner.
Upon first entering the hotel, you might not immediately notice all the local flair that’s been spectacularly woven throughout the space. So let me take you on a deep dive into some of these local touches, which can serve as inspiration for your own whimsical designs:
Disorienting Doors
Anyone who loved Alice remembers the initial disorientation she first experienced upon entering the Mad Hatter’s land. This moment is masterfully recreated here at the entry.
As you cross the threshold, you may also feel a similar dismay as you encounter a series of mystifying doors with charming cherubs frolicking above.
Delft Blue Porcelain
If you’ve ever paid attention to all the tourist trinkets behind various shop windows, you’ll know the fascination with the iconic Delft blue porcelain. It’s been popular since the 1700s and still is going strong today. This vintage tribute is on full display in the accessories and decor lining the shelves of the Andaz. And the bold splashes of blue are referenced again in the swirling carpet design.
Wanders decked out all the dark chairs, shelving, and the wood table in a somber shade of black. This genius move allows the white and blue porcelain decor to become a striking focal point within the space.
Red Light District
Speaking of color, no mention of Amsterdam would be complete without mention of the infamous red-light district. Not one known for subtlety, Wanders dials it up a notch with this provocative explosion of bright color. He covers every inch of space, from floor to ceiling, in this alluring red.
Alice’s presence takes a bit of a risqué and naughty turn here through the boudoir-inspired accent walls. These are tufted in a sultry crimson upholstery.
And the glittering chandelier – nearly invisible in the midst of all the Pantone-perfected tone-on-tone saturation – further heightens the drama.
Now, I would never recommend adding this level of color intensity to your home. However, stepping out of this elevator into this saturated environment is a sensation your eyes won’t soon forget!
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Lighting is the most powerful tool you can bring into a space. And when you blend that with an unconventional astronomy-inspired wallpaper and vast expanses of glass, you’ve got an impressive focal point in the center of the hotel.
Wanders created a stunning, iconic display with these tolling chandelier bells flanked by encircling spirals of light. It’s a beautiful atrium display both during the day, when washed with natural light, or glowing brightly late into the night.
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Through the Looking-Glass
This glass-enclosed dining area with a party-ready table setting overlooks the garden. It gives you that sense of being on the outside looking in, hoping to experience a new world of wonder.
The bulbous table legs feel both fun and serious. And that one lone white accent chair stands out among the other somber black elements, almost like an interloper who has crashed this soon-to-happen party.
Tulip Mania
Wanders design choices convey a sense of fun and whimsy. That expression is on full display here with his unconventional furniture designs. Check out these oversized, high-back chairs reminiscent of the speculative tulip mania that took over Holland, back in the day.
Mad-Hatter’s Garden
As a little girl, I was fascinated by the concept of secret gardens. So I was delighted to find this sequestered, private garden nestled within the surrounds of this hotel.
Venturing down the arched garden corridor, the charm of the warm glowing lights and lanterns invites you to enter a magical world, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Alice as Art
And under the watchful eye of the Alice artwork, you can bask in the warm glow from the mystical fireplace nestled amongst the roses. This is the perfect place to chill and let your imagination run free in this design wonderland.
For the grand finale, see if you can identify the brilliant artistry expertly woven into this multi-story mural including:
- An array of tempting libations
- The queen of hearts playing cards
- An iconic Dutch windmill
- And, most importantly, our dear friend, the white rabbit with his signature time piece reminds us that we mustn’t ever, ever be late for that oh-so-important date!
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Style Takeaways: How to Bring the Andaz Amsterdam Hotel Style Home
While the Andaz is a quirky and unconventional space that isn’t for the faint of heart, it can serve as pure inspiration for ways you can bring moments of delight and whimsy to your own decorating adventures.
Whimsical Interior Design Insights
If you’re going to convey a quirky and whimsical interior design style in your own space, you’ve gotta start with a strong overarching concept (hello, Alice!) and have a compelling point of view for your design selections. You don’t want to just be odd and unconventional without a purpose.
Here are a few ideas for how to create a sense of whimsy and wonder within your home:
1. Embrace your inner child.
Go back in your mind and unleash your imagination, allowing it to fully explore all the possibilities that exist within your home.
2. Look local.
What are some of your favorite local treasures that you could celebrate and showcase through design details within your home?
3. Get quirky.
Select special areas within your space to bring in a touch of whimsy. But don’t feel that every single nook and cranny has to make a statement or scream for attention.
4. Add some fun and flair.
Banish the beige and bring on a vivid color palette, bold patterns, and unexpected accents and accessories.
5. Unleash the power of art.
Opportunities abound with artwork, so look for interesting pieces that utilize unique shapes, patterns, and colors to liven up the walls of your room.
All the A’s to your Q’s on the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel
Q: Who designed the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht?
A: The hotel is the work of Dutch designer Marcel Wanders — the man the New York Times once called the “Lady Gaga of design.” He created every inch of the interiors, from the tolling bell chandeliers to the Alice mural in the garden. The hotel opened in 2012 inside Amsterdam’s former public library on the Prinsengracht.
Q: What makes the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel different from other boutique hotels in Amsterdam?
A: Unlike your average beige-on-beige boutique hotel, the Andaz is a full design fantasy. Legendary Dutch designer Marcel Wanders turned a former public library into a bold, art-filled escape inspired by Alice in Wonderland, complete with oversized lighting, optical illusions, and unexpected moments around every corner.
Q: What was the Andaz Amsterdam building before it became a hotel?
A: It was Amsterdam’s public library, from 1977 until 2007, when the library relocated to Oosterdokseiland. Wanders kept its literary soul: the murals throughout the hotel are based on illustrations from books in the original library’s collection.
Q: Is the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel part of a hotel chain?
A: Yes — it’s part of Hyatt’s Andaz brand, which leans into local culture and design. But this one? Totally one-of-a-kind. You won’t find another Andaz that looks like this, anywhere else in the world.
Q: Is the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel inspired by Alice in Wonderland?
A: Yes — but not in a theme-park way. Think less teacups and more surreal visual storytelling. The design nods to Alice’s sense of curiosity, scale, and strangeness, layered with Dutch art history and a healthy dose of Marcel Wanders’ signature drama.
Q: What are the most Instagrammable spots inside the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel?
A: Start with the lobby’s floating eyeball installation (trust me), the secret garden in the courtyard, and the oversize bell lights in the lounge. But honestly, even the hallways are photogenic. Make sure your cell phone has a full charge – you’ll be taking lots of pics!
Q: Can I visit the Amsterdam Andaz Hotel just to see the interiors?
A: Technically, it’s a hotel, but if you grab a drink at the bar or book a table in the restaurant, you can soak up the surreal interiors without checking in. Highly recommend for design scouting or content shooting.
Next Steps
If you’re looking to create a memorable trip to Amsterdam, I hope you’ll consider staying at the Andaz. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. And also, you can either earn or cash in your Hyatt points to stay here.
Click here to check current room rates and availability. at the Andaz Amsterdam hotel.
If you enjoyed learning about this unique design hotel and want more interior design tips, be sure to sign up to join my free Designer Insider group here.
And also check out my interior design style quiz to help you determine the best look for your home.
Explore more Aesthetic Amsterdam Design Destinations:
Check out a few of my other favorite Amsterdam spots:
Pluk is the most charming cafe within the canals of Amsterdam. Come for the cappuccino and stay for the retail therapy you didn’t know you needed!
Also be sure to get in on the secret and grab a cocktail at Door 74 – my favorite speakeasy in the city.
More Aesthetic Travel Guides
I love sharing my favorite aesthetic hotels, restaurants, and bars in cities all around the world. If you’re jetting off to one of these cities in the near future, check out these guides to make the most of your travels!
