Project: Hotel Rumour
Architecture: Studio Modijefsky
Team: Esther Stam, Agnese Pellino, Felicia Ureña, Ivana Stella, Beau van der Schoot, Mathilda Legrand, Marie Pierron, Sofia Masselli, Christel Willers
Location: Leiden, The Netherlands
Area: 386 m2 interior, 150 m2 exterior
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Maarten Willemstein
Located near the iconic Burcht van Leiden castle, Studio Modijefsky designed Hotel Rumour by transforming a historic carriage house from 1657 into a vibrant social hub. Despite its name, Hotel Rumour is not a place for sleeping but offers spaces for dining, drinks, private gatherings, and even dance nights. Studio Modijefsky crafted not only the interior design but also developed the brand identity, including merchandise like bathrobes and keychains.
Historical Design Inspiration
The design concept draws heavily from the building’s rich history, seamlessly merging original architectural elements—such as high ceilings, grand arches, and wooden beams—with a modern twist. Bespoke furniture, custom lighting, and carefully selected materials and fabrics further enhance the building’s charm. Visitors discover new details with every visit, including hidden paintings, tucked-away daybeds, and intriguing objects throughout the space.
Terrace
As guests descend from the Burcht van Leiden, they encounter a spacious terrace, marked by custom wooden benches encircling a central tree. The brasserie-like setting, complete with playful parasols and pigeon blue metal furniture, invites groups to gather and enjoy. A large communal table adds to the welcoming outdoor atmosphere, setting the tone for the experience awaiting inside.
Ground Floor
The versatile downstairs area offers spaces for meals, drinks, or even dancing. Visitors enter through monumental wooden doors and step into a vestibule lined with artwork and illuminated by a grand light fixture. Inside, custom lighting and curated art guide them through the space. To the right, a vintage wine cabinet stands near high tables, while patinated mirrors and lights adorn the walls, adding to the ambiance.
In the main dining area, three bespoke benches create focal points. The benches, inspired by the carriages that once filled the building, sit near windows overlooking the Burcht. Each bench, blending rich wood with muted blue leather, is paired with geometric wall panels and artistic ceiling installations. In addition, framed mirror pieces behind the benches contribute to the room’s dynamic visual appeal.
The bar, central to the space, seamlessly fits into the room while standing out with its beige terrazzo top, brass panels, and bold veneer wood pattern. Reflective metal embellishments behind the bar echo the building’s historical arches, adding depth and sophistication. Additionally, a secluded niche behind the bar, painted in darker hues, provides a cozy space for drinks, perfect for enjoying the picturesque square outside.
Upstairs Lounge
The top floor of Hotel Rumour serves primarily as a cocktail bar, though it can also be partitioned for private gatherings. An ornately decorated hall leads to a casual lounge area that invites deep conversations. Beyond the staircase, La Suite Petite, a small dining area for up to eight people, offers an intimate space with a private bar and elegant decor. Furthermore, a curtain adds both privacy and improved acoustics to the secluded area.
At the top, Salone Royale offers an expansive attic space ideal for larger groups. Poufs, chairs, and daybeds create a comfortable yet sophisticated setting beneath the tall wooden ceiling. Modern sculptural lights hang from the exposed beams, adding contemporary flair to the room’s historical architecture. The cocktail bar, designed with elements from the ground floor, features suspended travertine light fixtures and mirrored walls that create an open yet intimate atmosphere.
Conclusion
Hotel Rumour exemplifies Studio Modijefsky’s ability to blend historical charm with modern design. Its versatile spaces—filled with bespoke furniture, carefully selected materials, and thoughtful details—invite visitors to explore and discover something new each time. The hotel’s playful yet refined aesthetic breathes new life into this historic building, transforming it into a vibrant social hub where history and modernity coexist beautifully.
