Founded in 1865, the hotel has 402 rooms, a convention center, restaurants, and a pier for boats on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal.

The original owner of the hotel, Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, purchased the building in 1865 and turned it into a restaurant in 1866.

He expanded the property by acquiring adjacent buildings and adding rooms between 1879 and 1880.

Salm, was constructed, featuring modern elements such as glass, steel, and electric lighting.

After World War I, more buildings were purchased and the hotel was extended to Pijlsteeg.