Aviation headquarters transformed into luxury hotel

Hotel De Plesman

In the iconic, former KLM headquarters dating from 1939, routes are no longer plotted or tickets booked. Since March 2025, Hotel De Plesman has been a place where guests stay overnight in stylish rooms and enjoy hospitality in the Albert Bar & Lounge and Restaurant Suus.

Hotel De Plesman in The Hague, named after the former aviation pioneer and KLM chief, is a place where history, art and design come together, a place to come home to. To experience the former and current pioneering spirit, HOTELVAK checks in, at this already legendary hotel. 

Heroes

A long history lurks in the architectural masterpiece from the New Hague School period. As soon as you enter the steps of the building, you know, history has been written here. In the nearby Zeeheldenkwartier, men like Piet Hein, Jan van Kinsbergen and Admiral Zoutman are honoured. Between the greenery of the Scheveningen groves and St Hubertus Park, it's all about just one name. One man. Albert Plesman. A statue, a street name and a hotel, all in honour of Albert Plesman, aviation pioneer and the first president of KLM. That this flying Dutchman liked to think big is evident today in the hotel. Nothing has been left to chance here. Among the original elements of the building, careful thought has gone into the furnishings, design and art on the walls. 

An American couple checks in for us. This gives us an immediate opportunity to feast our eyes. And there is a lot to see, from wood panelling to aviation-related books in the robust cabinets in the lobby to handy souvenirs, such as beach towels - Scheveningen beach is around the corner, after all - to impressive paintings with or without the building as the subject of the canvas. 

Welcome home

"Ma'am," sounds from behind the reception desk, "ma'am, what can I help you with?" The American couple received the keycard and left the room. Distracted by all first impressions, we pardonably forgot about the receptionist. "Check-in, please." Routinely, the procedure proceeds and not much later, we are at the door of our temporary home. Behind the orange blinds, radiant weather smiles at us through the high windows. It is summer in our room. The sunlight plays with the furnishings that are midway between retro and Scandinavian design. In the fully equipped kitchenette, we make coffee and take a seat at the bar. "This feels like coming home."

Feasting at Suus

The bench in front of the bed, the pictures of The Hague railway station, the soft bed linen, the luxurious care products, it gives a feeling of security. Luxury wrapped in well-being with a bow of comfort around it. Though the inclination is great, we would be selling the hotel, and ourselves, short by staying only in the room. The stately spiral staircase takes us back to where reception and lobby merge. Some read a book, others play games, we order one of signature cocktails in the Albert Bar. It tastes like more.

Afterwards, we join Suus, named after Plesman's spouse, for an evening of dining. The place is bustling with a mix of hotel guests and locals. We order sourdough bread with spreads, buratta and ceviche as a starter. Followed by a tender T-bone steak completed with grilled vegetables, fresh fries and a fresh salad with pomegranate seeds. To finish, we opted for the a raspberry-based dessert. What a top evening.

After a wonderful night, we again join Suus, this time for a sumptuous breakfast. Fresh orange juice, freshly baked bread, delicious toppings, you name it and it's on the breakfast buffet. Suus knows how to keep the inner man satisfied. If you are not so hungry or have less time to have an extensive breakfast, during our visit Suusje is working hard. A to-go concept with the same quality and flavours experienced in the restaurant. 

That pioneering spirit is still alive and kicking. Hotel De Plesman we are going to hear a lot about that. So the word is happy to add.