ABOUT

Concept
Pestana Group needed a creative solution for the inauguration of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, a 5-star luxury hotel located in a neo-Renaissance building, once Europe’s largest municipal archive. The goal was to capture the building’s historical and cultural essence while aligning it with the group’s brand identity. To achieve this, a storybook titled “A Story of Stories” was created, exploring the building’s heritage and transformation. The book is divided into three themes: old stories, which highlight the building’s history and neighborhood; new stories, which focus on its transformation into a luxury hotel, including testimonials from Dionísio Pestana; and borrowed stories, which showcase Portuguese brands like Viúva Lamego, Castelbel, and Bordallo Pinheiro, bridging Portuguese culture with Amsterdam.

Execution
The project involved extensive research, interviews, and the capture of videos and photographs. The result was a beautifully designed 50-page storybook (20x15 cm) with sewn binding, featuring historical and modern illustrations. Each story was presented in a unique format, such as poems, essays, letters, and recipes, making the content engaging and dynamic. To enhance the guest experience, staff uniforms were also designed in collaboration with Bainha de Copas, creating a cohesive visual connection between the team and the hotel’s storytelling. The storybook was placed in public areas and rooms, offering guests an immersive way to experience the building’s rich history and transformation.

Results
The project successfully positioned Pestana Amsterdam Riverside as a “Hotel of Stories,” creating a strong emotional connection with guests and a unique brand identity. The storybook became a standout feature, enhancing the guest experience and distinguishing the hotel. Its success led to the concept being adopted in Pestana Hotels in Madrid and New York. Additionally, the publication served as a key credential for commercial and institutional partners, reinforcing the hotel’s reputation by blending historical heritage with modern luxury.