History of Algemeene Landsdrukkerij
The ALD: Where the past and the imagination come together
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From government printing works to boutique hotel – The story of The ALD Boutique Hotel
Where once the royal printing press stood, now hosts a refined and welcoming hotel its guests. Welcome to The ALD Boutique Hotel, where heritage and hospitality come together here, and the historical atmosphere is still palpable.
The origins – Algemeene Landsdrukkerij
The story of The ALD Boutique Hotel begins in 1814 with the establishment of the Algemeene Landsdrukkerij, the official state printing office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1828 the stately building was acquired on Fluwelen Burgwal in The Hague acquired from King William I. In 1910 it acquired its distinctive form thanks to a refurbishment by Chief Architect D.E.C. Knuttel.
This is where paper gained power and where Dutch identity was printed into existence. Laws, royal decrees, birth certificates, ID papers, and even newspapers were created here. From political pamphlets to personal documents, this building printed the language of the nation.
During World War II, the building became the site of one of the most daring acts of Dutch resistance. On April 29, a group of resistance fighters stole over 10,000 blank identity cards from the Landsdrukkerij; a heroic act that saved countless lives.
The Architecture – Then and now
You can still feel the quiet order of the printworks in every corridor. The classical proportions, arched windows, and long hallways recall the precision of typesetting and the grace of serif fonts. The building’s very bones echo the artistry of print.
Inspired by the shapes of type, the flowing forms of the building evoke both stateliness and subtle imperfection. Rounded edges mirror the arches of the façade; warm tones and rich textures nod to the inks and papers once handled here. No detail is accidental, just as no letter in a legal document could be misplaced.
Original elements such as floor patterns, signage, and materials have been lovingly preserved, offering a tactile link to the past.
The transformation into The ALD Boutique Hotel
Today, The ALD is a place for stylish travellers and culturally minded explorers. The hotel is not a break with the past, but a reinterpretation with new meaning.
We drew on the site’s legacy of precision and process to shape a hospitality experience rooted in detail, calm, and clarity. Each room and space reflects a commitment to design that is intelligent, subtle, and grounded in heritage.
In collaboration with architects, designers and typographers, we breathed new life into the building, one that honors the rich history of The Hague. Statement design meets silent storytelling.
A hotel with character
The Ald rewrites luxury with a tribute to power, paper, and prestige. In our former royal printing house, we blend statement design with meticulous detail, and stirr tradition into our cocktails. Every stay is a page from a richer story; written in ink, elegance, and memory. This is history, reprinted for the curious, the brilliant, and the well-travelled.
The Ald brings the former Algemeene Landsdrukkerij back to life and transforms its rich history into intimate, personal experiences. Where ink once met paper, we now create lasting impressions through atmosphere, design, and genuine hospitality. Every guest becomes part of a living story, one where the soul of the building is felt in every moment of their stay.
The interiors are inspired by the craft of printmaking: layered, tactile, and full of meaning. You’ll find subtle references to typography, printing techniques, and paper textures throughout the design. Every element is intentional and tells its own story.
Our offers
A privileged location in the heart of the city centre
The ALD Boutique Hotel is located right in the center of The Hague, just a seven-minute walk from The Hague Central Station and five minutes from the Binnenhof. With easy access to streetcars, buses and trains, and parking at Q-Park Muzenplein, this is the ideal base for exploring the city.
The Hague is a city where history, art and modernity come together. Just minutes from the hotel you will find museums such as the Mauritshuis, lively shopping streets, cozy cafes and top restaurants – everything for a lively and unforgettable city break.
