THE HAGUE - Walking along the beach in the playful Scheveningen section of this lovely Dutch capital, it’s not hard to spot the Grand Amrâth Kurhaus Hotel. It rises like a giant sandcastle along the shore where thunderous North Sea waves crash against the hard-packed sand.

Once you walk into the historic Kurhaus, though, you realize it truly is a castle, where many a king and queen have danced under its opulent domed ballroom ceiling, the one adorned with frescos fit for a royal palace.

Not just royalty have filled the rooms of this legendary Dutch hotel, though — kings and queens of stage and screen have also occupied its lavish rooms, the ones that look out on the breathtaking sea vista. Superstars from Monet to the Rolling Stones have all slept here, but that was before a multi-million-dollar facelift, started a few years ago, saved the hotel from the wrecker’s ball and transformed this grand old lady into one of Europe’s most beautiful properties again. It’s now recognized as a “monument” building by the Dutch government and forever will remain a part of this country’s history.

Most of the 250 rooms at the Kurhaus have been updated and luxuries like a world-class spa and a new restaurant, appropriately named Waves, have been added to help enhance a guest’s stay.

From my seaside terrace table at Waves, I look out on the twinkling lights of ocean-going ships headed for port in nearby Rotterdam while enjoying the sumptuous offerings of Chef Marc Smeets, whose’s culinary genius draws foodies from near and far. When the North Sea calms and the evenings get warmer, diners move outside for drinks and chef’s famous barbecues. After dinner, I swing open the double doors of my seaside room and let the soothing sounds of the waves lull me to sleep.

Each room at Kurhaus is elegantly appointed and jammed with all the five-star amenities a luxurious property of this nature is famous for supplying guests.

The mini-bar is free so you can toast your good fortune of securing a room at the Kurhaus before jumping into one of the hotel’s oversized beds.

The Kurhaus originally opened in 1885 as a hotel/concert hall — that explains its beautiful ball room — but was destroyed by fire a year later. It reopened in 1887 and was saved from bankruptcy in 1979 by the Amrâth hotel group, which has spared no expense in bringing it back to its original glory.

The Kurhaus is just a short ride from downtown The Hague, so it’s a favourite with dignitaries who visit The World Court of Justice.

Staying true to its concert hall roots, the Kurhaus hosts a number of important musical events each year.

The Kurhaus makes everyone who stays there feel like royalty.