Interior designers Heinzel De Vries were commissioned by Efteling to design the interior of the new Efteling Grand Hotel. The luxury hotel has 140 rooms, two restaurants, a coffee bar, retail spaces, and a swimming pool. The result is a striking and luxurious design that translates the magic of the park into a surprising hotel experience.
Inspired by the park’s rich history and the visual style of Wes Anderson’s classic film The Grand Budapest Hotel, Heinzel De Vries—in close collaboration with the Efteling design team led by Sander de Bruijn—has created a refined and timeless design. Organic shapes, bold color combinations, and authentic materials such as marble, terrazzo, wood, and brass come together in a warm decor full of details and references to the theme park. Design classics such as Verner Panton’s Cloverleaf sofa and Arne Jacobsen’s Mayor sofa are flawlessly combined with custom-made furniture, giving each space its own identity. Comfort, luxury, and functionality are central, with child-friendly solutions such as the low sink in the Brasserie 7 toilet area, smart upholstery, and playful accents. The design reflects the past and present through subtle references to iconic attractions: a visual quest for those who look closely.
The seven-story hotel has 140 rooms and suites, divided into four main colors inspired by the view of the amusement park. The green rooms are based on the fairytale forest, while the red variants are inspired by the colors of the Pardoes Promenade. From headboards to loose furniture and passageways, organic shapes are reflected throughout the interior. The soft lines are inviting and complement the architecture. The same goes for the clean graphic lines, which are a recurring element in the checkered floors.
The interior is not only an aesthetic translation of the Efteling enchantment, but also a stage for storytelling. The lobby is designed with burgundy wooden walls, mint green arches, and black and white diamond-shaped marble floors, which together form a theatrical entrance. Despite its large size, Brasserie 7 feels cozy with dark red and light pink elements. Restaurant-Bar Mystique, located on the first floor, overlooks Aquanura. For this, the designers chose midnight blue and aged brass accents to create a mysterious atmosphere. Materials such as velvet, marble, and smoked wood become more beautiful with use and provide the intimate look and feel that premium dining requires.
About Heinzel De Vries
Heinzel De Vries is an interior design firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2020 by Tinka Heinzel and Barbara de Vries. With over twenty years of experience and a shared passion for design, they create functional and aesthetically strong spaces. Their work ranges from hotels, restaurants, and museums to shops, offices, and residential projects. Each design is tailor-made and reflects the unique identity of the client. Their style is refined, with timelessness being an important value.
Photography: Chantal Arnts
