For now, the scaffolding and constant flow of builders still disguise the beauty beneath. Since early 2024, passers-by have barely been able to see the restored palace taking shape. But the work is nearly complete. Once finished, developer RE:BORN – also known for owning the Pier in Scheveningen – will hand this centuries-old monument back to the city.

Het Spaansche Hof, Westeinde 12

Het Spaansche Hof is a listed national monument, formerly known as the House of Assendelft and once home to the Spanish Embassy. Step through the grand entrance and the building's history greets you immediately. Even more surprising: at its heart lies the largest private courtyard garden in the city – over 400 square metres of calm. A quiet oasis, perfect for sunny days. And when it rains, there’s a beautifully lit stretch tent.

And a hotel, too

The renovation had quite a lot to do. "We even took the roof off. The building has been made completely sustainable. I know for sure: we can easily handle another hundred years," agrees Werners, who works from people@places is responsible for the operation and rental of Het Spaansche Hof. The venue is not only a meeting and event location and official wedding venue. In the second quarter of 2026, the hotel at this location will also open under the Numa Group banner. There will be 51 bedrooms, equipped with all conveniences: each hotel room will also have a kitchenette. And in spring 2026, wine bar The Philosopher - owned by Ofran Badakhshani, a Molenstraat acquaintance - will expand here with a third location. The wine bar will settle in the vaulted cellars under the period rooms of Het Spaansche Hof. Interesting for groups: the rooms can be hired separately for those who want to enjoy an evening with friends or colleagues.

“We’ll have everything you need,” says Werners. “The beautifully restored period rooms with their ornate high ceilings will be perfect for multi-day events.” And even during renovation, the venue remained in use. “From December it’ll be completely finished. If you stay with us after a long day of meetings, Dirk, our regular caterer, will make sure you’re well fed – whether that’s catering during an event or simple room service.” Guests are encouraged to visit the bakery around the corner or enjoy a coffee on the Torenstraat, helping connect the venue with its neighbourhood.

Catering in every shape and form

By the way, the hotel will soon have no restaurant, but there can be wine thanks to The Philosopher. And thanks to Dirk Karsten, all forms of catering are imaginable. Together with Werners, Karsten is the face of Het Spaansche Hof. He, born and bred in The Hague, is one of the people of Karsten & Kuiper, the deli and catering shop on the corner of Van Diemenstraat and Prins Hendrikstraat in the trendy Zeeheldenkwartier. Eleven years ago, he started making delicious and healthy meals for takeaway in his shop every day. From salmon from the oven to meatballs and from couscous to jacket potatoes, always with different vegetables, mostly of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cut.

“Karsten & Kuiper started as a neighbourhood shop, and it still is, but now we also cater weddings, sports tournaments and embassy events,” Karsten explains. “From simple dishes for large groups to chic four-course dinners. And the feedback is instant – that’s not something every job gives you. You make people happy with food, every single time. That makes this work a joy. Hospitality is such a rewarding field. I could happily keep doing this for years.”

A perfect match

It is no coincidence that Werner and Karsten found each other, they say. “Imagine the cross-pollination at a location where you can soon meet, eat, drink wine and stay overnight. The space is versatile. You can hold meetings and weddings there, among other things.

From early 2026, people@places will have 22 branches offering flexible workspaces and meeting rooms. The latest gem is located on Mauritskade, in the former Oxfam Novib office. With 6,500 square metres, it is a fantastic location with beautiful authentic meeting rooms and fully serviced offices. ‘We will soon have several tenants who will be completely taken care of in terms of services and all kinds of technical matters such as video conferencing and live streaming. We take care of everything, all you have to do is work.’

And back to Het Spaansche Hof. “Everyone is playing to their strengths, and we can’t wait to make something beautiful here,” says Karsten. Werners adds: “This building has so much to offer. During the renovation, the feedback from event guests – even wedding parties – has already been fantastic. So imagine how it will be once it’s fully open. We’re opening the doors to the city so everyone can discover this remarkable gem. We want people to walk away saying: ‘I hosted my event there – what an extraordinary place!’”

www.spaanschehof.nl