100 years of legacy
The story of City Hotel Rembrandt Square
EST. 1926
Right on the corner of Rembrandtplein, in the heart of Amsterdam city-center, stands City Hotel Rembrandt Square - rebuilt and reborn into luxury in 2025, and ready to welcome a new generation of curious travelers. City Hotel unfolds the story of the building and the city within its interior.
Behind its tall windows, wrapped in rich materials, moody lighting, playful art, and a warm atmosphere that nods to the city’s golden past while inviting you to write your own story in the present. However, the City Hotel didn’t just appear—it has lived many lives and so has Rembrandt Square.
A square with a history
In the 17th century, the area was known as De Botermarkt (The Butter Market), where dairy traders gathered. The farmers were bringing their butter, dairy and poultry products to sell in the city.
By the mid-1600s, it had evolved into a place of entertainment—circus acts, dancers, and traveling performers filled the square with color and life. A fair was hosted in the square and the farmers' stalls were replaced by orchestras and circus tents.
In 1876, the square was renamed to honor Rembrandt van Rijn, and his statue was placed at its center. Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) was born. In 2006, bronze figures recreating The Night Watch joined him, captivating the visitors of Amsterdam until their removal in 2020. Yet the square remains a magnet for creativity, performance and entertainment.
A building with a story
The building was designed in 1893 as the headquarters of De Nederlandsche Verzekeringsmaatschappij (The Dutch Insurance Company).
With its red-brick façade, sculpted stone details, and grand Neo-Renaissance style, it embodied permanence and prestige that much to become a protected ‘Rijksmonument’ (national heritage site).
In 1919, the City Hotel has transformed into a high-end women’s fashion boutique, reflecting the glamour and energy of the time.
Then, in 1926, City Hotel was established. Since then, it has welcomed guests from all over the world.
Decades of evolution
In 1952, the ground floor became home to the legendary Café De Doofpot - a smoky, cabaret-style bar where artists, locals, and wanderers whispered secrets late into the night.
In 1967, Café De Doofpot became The Old Bell Pub, which still exists today on the ground floor of City Hotel Rembrandt Square.
City Hotel Rembrandt Square - today
A century after its doors first opened, City Hotel Rembrandt Square remains the place where the real Amsterdam experience begins. Rooted in history, shaped by its neighborhood, and designed for modern explorers.
The City Hotel inspired by the rich heritage of Rembrandtplein and the building’s notable history, brings Amsterdam’s history to life through a collection of uniquely themed concepts—each telling its own chapter of the city’s vibrant narrative:
- The Art of butter
- Fashionista
- House of Orange
- Circus your mind
- Canals by Night
This is more than a hotel- it’s a living piece of Amsterdam, waiting to be part of your story.