Hotel Rumour

As the oldest structure in Leiden, dating back to 1060, the Burcht van Leiden castle is one of the most evocative places in the city. Just down the hill is a carriage house that itself dates back to 1657. Studio Modijefsky has brought this humble building into the 21st century as Hotel Rumour: a vibrant social hub that can host everything from lively dinners to intimate drinks, private gatherings and dance nights – anything, in fact, apart from a sleepover. Despite the vitrine in the hallway that sells giftshop staples like bathrobes and keychains, this isn’t really a hotel. It’s all part of an elaborate personality created by Studio Modijefsky, who worked on everything from the name and brand identity to the merchandise and postcards.

The studio’s design concept draws inspiration from the rich history of this iconic landmark, seamlessly integrating and enriching original elements including high ceilings, grand arches and wooden beams. A surprise awaits around every corner and on every visit: whether it’s a different painting that catches the eye, an alluring daybed for enjoying a cocktail in a tucked away room, a mysterious objet trouvé or the decoration on the floor.

Terrace
The first thing guests see when descending from the Burcht van Leiden is a large terrace, whose boundaries are marked by two wooden corner benches with a custom round bench encircling the tree between them. A brasserie ambiance is exuded by the collection of tables and chairs, while a large communal table hosts larger groups. Playful tan-coloured parasols, pigeon blue metal furniture, bespoke wooden seating elements and captivating graphics set the tone for the experience awaiting inside.

Ground Floor
The downstairs space at Hotel Rumour can be whatever you desire: a place for a meal, a drink or a dance at the end of the night. It’s filled with an attractive array of art, seating options and custom lights that offer something to suit every mood.

Guests are welcomed by two monumental wooden doors that lead to a vestibule lined with artwork and a suspended royal light fixture. Art pieces guide visitors through the space together with custom light elements.

Three benches serve as a focal point for the main dining space: one is located by the side of the entrance, where it sits next to a plastered wall (featuring more vibrant artwork) and is complemented by warm brown terracotta floor tiles; the second is situated in the centre of the wall facing the bar, highlighted by framed mirror pieces arranged in a geometric composition; the third is underneath high windows that look back up the hill towards the Burcht. In a nod to the original use of the building, the bench legs feature graceful details inspired by the carriages that would have been housed here hundreds of years ago.

The bar is a key feature that delineates the dining space. It fits seamlessly into the space while grabbing attention thanks to the counter with a beige terrazzo top and bevelled edges. On the back bar layers of reflective curved metal embellish a central arch, reflecting the arched light line onto the horizontal lines of glass racks on both sides. Custom wooden bar stools have beautiful sage green leather seats and offer a more casual place to eat than the numerous small tables or the one large dining table. These feature wood or blueish marble tabletops in round, square, and rectangular shapes and are complemented by an eclectic collection of chairs that includes vintage and design classics.

Upstairs
Hotel Rumour’s top floor is primarily used as a lounge cocktail bar, but part of it can be partitioned off for private gatherings. A panelled and ornately decorated hall leads the way, via a blue tiled arch and a graphically finished staircase.

The space here is split naturally into three areas by the staircases and wooden ceiling beams. As guests climb the stairs they first arrive in a ‘blink and you miss it’ casual lounge area that invites deep conversations thanks to velvety seats and a funky curtain. Crossing the other side of the staircase reveals yet another hidden gem: ‘La Suite Petite’, a small area for intimate dining that sits up to eight people.

The versatility and playfulness of this floor encapsulate the essence of Hotel Rumour: a historic building given new life by a design aesthetic at once playful, refined and grandiose with a galaxy of details that reveals more of itself on every visit.

Design: Studio Modijefsky
Design Team: Esther Stam, Agnese Pellino, Felicia Ureña, Ivana Stella, Beau van der Schoot, Mathilda Legrand, Marie Pierron, Sofia Masselli, Christel Willers
Photography: Maarten Willemstein