Sander de Brujin joined Efteling in 2005. He has led the design team since 2018 / Efteling
What was the vision for the new hotel?
Efteling Grand Hotel was the natural next step for us – it was important to create a unique concept for our hotel, offering a new level of premium accommodation. We wanted to evoke the romantic atmosphere of a traditional grand dame hotel with all its iconic elements, while also making sure it was in keeping with the feel of the theme park.
What were your main design inspirations for the hotel?
The park itself provides a range of inspiration. The Anton Pieckplein Square, for example, with the fairytale of the Golden Goose, was inspiration for the architecture. These elements were combined with the aesthetics of a grand-dame hotel such as those found in Scandinavia. This combination formed the basis for the development of the design concept of the Efteling Grand Hotel.
How has the atmosphere of Efteling been incorporated into the hotel?
As soon as guests arrive at Efteling Grand Hotel, they will feel that the rich history of the theme park and its stories are subtly woven into the hotel.
The lobby is an atmospheric, inviting reception area with elegant interiors and sophisticated design elements. A bellhop greets guests on arrival, a grand piano plays in the corner, and the ceiling glimmers with the light of countless magical keys.
Fairytales and storytelling inspire every element of Efteling and this hasn’t been forgotten with Efteling Grand Hotel. Brasserie 7 for example, pays homage to familiar fairytales in a unique way by incorporating seven magical ingredients into its menu, such as Dragon’s Breath, Princess Tears and Fairy Dust. As the icing on the cake, we publish all of these beautiful elements in the form of a fairytale book about the hotel, which is available in the guestrooms.
I most liked
combining the
romantic world of a
Grand Hotel with an
Efteling storyline,
which really delivers
a unique experience
that you won’t
see anywhere else
in the world
How has sustainability been taken into account in the design of the hotel?
Since 2023 the Anderrijk Park area has been heated and cooled gas-free using geothermal heating and cooling. Efteling Grand Hotel will also be connected to this system.
What were the biggest challenges of this project? And what did you enjoy the most?
The biggest challenge was creating a new addition right in the heart of Efteling, with all its logistical challenges and different visitor flows. I most liked combining the romantic world of a Grand Hotel with an Efteling storyline, which really delivers a unique experience that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
Do you have a personal favourite part of the hotel?
The lobby is my favourite part; it is the beating heart of Efteling Grand Hotel, providing guests with the most welcoming atmosphere. The lobby opens the doors into a world of wonder and enchantment that captures the true essence of Efteling – it is where visitors’ Efteling journey begins.
What are you proudest of with this project?
I am incredibly proud of the team and everyone who helped make Efteling Grand Hotel a reality. The project has been years in the making, completed alongside the reopening of our original hotel Efteling Wonder Hotel – it has been a real challenge, and I am proud to have completed the project. We have created a new grand residence designed to capture the essence of Efteling as well as the hearts and imaginations of our beloved visitors.
We have created a
new grand residence
designed to capture
the essence of Efteling
as well as the hearts
and imaginations of
our beloved visitors
