Monkeys, Ballerinas & Barons: The Stories of Hotel Des Indes
Tucked beneath the leafy canopy of The Hague’s Lange Voorhout stands Hotel Des Indes — the city’s most historic luxury hotel. With its striking yellow façade, this former palace is anything but discreet. It dares to be grand, colourful, and unapologetically opulent — and that’s precisely why Hotel Des Indes belongs on every traveller’s list.
From the moment you approach its golden exterior, framed by centuries-old trees and art installations like the surreal BlowUp Art exhibition, the experience begins. The surrounding avenue feels almost Parisian, while just steps away, the Escher Museum adds a surreal twist to this classic neighbourhood. Even closer: the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, one of the most iconic paintings in the world.
Why Hotel Des Indes Is Still The Most Iconic Stay in The Hague
Hotel Des Indes was once a private palace. In 1858, Baron van Brienen commissioned this residence at number 7 Lange Voorhout. In 1881, it was transformed into a hotel — and by the end of its first week, over 2,200 curious locals had walked through its doors. It soon became a magnet for the world’s elite.
Winston Churchill slept here. So did Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Paul Kruger, and later, Richard Gere and Michael Jackson. Hendrik Willem Mesdag was the hotel’s very first guest. Franz Ferdinand stayed here just years before Sarajevo. The King of Denmark checked in.
“Get my swan costume ready.”
And in 1931, famed Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova died in one of its salons. Her final words: “Get my swan costume ready.”
That same year, a fire destroyed the original lounge. It was rebuilt with a dramatic glass dome — now one of the hotel’s signature features. The dome bathes the central salon in light, creating a stage-like atmosphere where past and present blur.
Not all stories are so sombre. One famous guest arrived with a monkey — and reportedly requested a separate room for it. While the hotel declined, the moment became legend. Their playful mascot “Binky” was named after that monkey. The guest? None other than Josephine Baker, who famously travelled with her beloved pet and stayed at Hotel Des Indes in 1955.
Timeless Elegance Behind a Yellow Façade
Inside, the hotel leans into its heritage. Think deep red velvet, Louis XVI furniture, oversized mirrors, and gilded details. It’s a palette of decadence that may feel overwhelming to some, but if you appreciate historical drama, it’s absolutely irresistible. The bathrooms, partially redesigned by Jacques Garcia, alternate between classic bathtubs and modern walk-in showers. A stay at Hotel Des Indes is always comfortable — but never bland.
It was also the first hotel in the Netherlands to feature a working elevator — one of many details that set this landmark apart.
A Setting for Celebrations
Hotel Des Indes isn’t only about sleeping. It’s a stage for celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Roaring Twenties party, an elegant high tea, a luxurious wedding or a diplomatic meeting (yes, those happened here too), the setting elevates every moment. The ballroom, with its mirrored walls and chandeliers, feels like something out of a European period film.
Cultural Highlights Around Every Corner
For the culturally curious, the hotel’s location is unbeatable. Besides the Escher Museum and Mauritshuis, you’re also close to Madurodam — a charming miniature version of the Netherlands — and just a short ride from the beaches of Scheveningen, perfect for a refreshing afternoon walk or sundowner by the sea.
Who is it for?
This isn’t a place for the minimalist traveller. But if you appreciate stories, textures, eccentricities and character, you’ll feel right at home. Couples looking for an atmospheric getaway, lovers of the arts, and fans of classic luxury will find plenty to love. It’s also a fabulous spot for multigenerational trips — even teens will be intrigued by its drama and celebrity legacy.
Practical tips:
- Best time to visit: spring or early autumn for ideal weather and outdoor art shows
- Transfer: Easily reachable by taxi or tram from Den Haag Centraal
- Don’t miss: High Tea under the glass dome; the Anna Pavlova plaque; Binky the monkey; Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis
- Short trips nearby: Madurodam and Scheveningen beach
Final thought
Hotel Des Indes doesn’t just offer a place to sleep. It offers a story to inhabit — one painted in bold colour, gilded memory, and unapologetic grandeur. One night here, and you’re part of its legacy.
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