For over two centuries, the Kurhaus has been a symbol of elegance, luxury, and a unique experience on the coast of The Hague. This iconic hotel combines an impressive past with modern hospitality. Discover how the Kurhaus evolved from a simple bathhouse into a monumental hotel that has welcomed countless celebrities and royals.
Let yourself be carried away by the story of grandeur, cultural events and unforgettable moments by the sea.
The origins of the Kurhaus date back to 1818. Because of the belief in the healing properties of seawater, people were pulled into the sea by horses on a cart to combat rheumatism, nervous diseases or obesity.
Jacob Pronk then opened a wooden pavilion with a bathhouse on the Verlengde Badhuisstraat. In 1828, this was replaced by the ‘Stedelijk bathhouse’, designed by Zeger Reyers. The success led to an extension in 1856. In 1884-1885, Johann Friedrich Henkenhaf built the Kurhaus on the same site. After a fire in 1886-1887, it was rebuilt by Friedrich Ebert.
In the 1960s, the popularity declined due to foreign holidays, causing the Kurhaus to fall into disrepair. Threatened demolition led to fierce protests. In 1972, it was decided to restore and renovate. The side wings were demolished and rebuilt, and in 1974 the building was given monument status.
The reopening took place on 8 May 1979. Since 2014, the hotel has been part of the Amrâth Hotel Group. After the restoration, the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus offers 270 luxurious rooms, each with a story, elegance and a beautiful view of the North Sea.
Numerous celebrities stayed at the Kurhaus, including members of royal families, political figures and artists such as Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn and Bon Jovi. The guestbook contains hundreds of signatures, including those of the 13-year-old Queen Wilhelmina and the Hague writer Louis Couperus.
The Kurzaal served as a concert hall for the Residentie Orchestra with conductors such as Carl Schuricht and Herbert von Karajan. Internationally known artists such as Maria Callas, Duke Ellington and The Rolling Stones performed there. Television shows such as “Één van de Acht” and “VI Oranje” during football events were also recorded there.
Nowadays, guests and organizations can host their events in the majestic Kurzaal, with space for up to 600 people. Dining, dancing, exhibitions and receptions are all possible here.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus is thus a unique meeting and event location by the sea, and also an official wedding venue.