The original name is still on the facade, above our country’s coat of arms. Official government documents were printed there from 1814, the year in which the Netherlands received its first Constitution, marking the end of French rule. Among these were publications such as the Government Gazette and national laws.

Today, The ALD has been revived as a four-star hotel. After a thorough restoration, the building now features 91 hotel rooms of varying sizes. There are eight studios with kitchenettes for longer stays; maisonettes with internal staircases leading to mezzanine floors where the bed is located; and other rooms with four-metre-high ceilings. This listed building has been transformed into a modern and comfortable hotel, while respecting its historic value.

Each of the rooms is a nod to the rich history of The Hague and The Netherlands, all containing a print of Huis ten Bosch Palace on the wall. There are references to classic serif fonts, Dutch postage stamps, and the Dutch lion, which has subtly left paw prints throughout the hotel. The lion is said to have leapt from the facade and has made its way around the building. Also notable are the hints of this location's lesser-known past as a velvet weaving company. The upholstered velvet furniture and pillows on the beds serve as reminders of that history.

LBG Hotels

Maxine Hofman, marketing manager of LBG Hotels, the group behind The ALD and other special concepts in Maastricht, Eindhoven, Amsterdam and The Hague, says: “One of our hotels is Townhousealso in The Hague. Its motto is: 'Come as a local & leave as a friend.’” The hotel group is passionate about everything that makes The Hague such a special city. Maxine explains, “The Hague has a lot to offer: a long coastline perfect for a breath of fresh air, for an hour or two, a historic city centre with boutiques and a rich cultural life. Some rooms offer views of the Torentje (the Prime Minister’s Office); you can feel the charm of the city here.”

Marketing manager Maxine Hofman: “This is where everyday things are made special.”

She continues enthusiastically, “In this old printing house, where history was once printed, we now offer a place for both silence and experience. The ALD is a hotel built on the foundations of knowledge. Today, it’s a home for the modern thinker and traveller. Business guests stay for work in a place where the Netherlands was designed, and every culture enthusiast stays in The ALD among the footnotes of history.”

Warm ambience

The boutique hotel welcomes international business travellers, city trippers and design enthusiasts. “We believe the difference lies in the smile you didn't see coming — precisely because service and concept come together seamlessly. This is where everyday moments become something special,” Maxine promises. “Our Bar Ink’d is a classic cocktail bar, a meeting place where you start with an aperitif or relax after dinner. It’s an iconic spot in the hotel that breathes the building's rich history. The classic design combined with the dark blue interior creates a warm yet metropolitan atmosphere. It’s an intimate place to be proud of. Here, guests come together, celebrate their success and connect with new business associates. The Hague has many wonderful crowd-pleasers, and we encourage guests to discover the stories and history behind the royal city.”

The heart of The ALD: Bar INKD, a classic cocktail bar.

Sting Mulders will become the new general manager of both The ALD and Townhouse, starting at the end of 2025. He faces the challenge of connecting the hotel’s teams with the city and further developing hospitality in The Hague. Mulder: “The ALD is centrally located and opens up opportunities to collaborate with great partners. We want the hotel to buzz with energy,” he says. “In short, The ALD is rewriting history with a nod to the Landsdrukkerij. In our former printing house, we blend statement design with attention to detail and shake up tradition through our cocktails.”

www.thealdhotel.com