Idea

The idea was to create a storybook, “A Story of Stories,” organizing narratives of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside into three categories: old, new, and borrowed. The old stories include the origin and uses of the building, such as the Town Hall and City Archive, as well as neighborhood stories. The new stories detail the building’s transformation into a hotel, with testimonials from Dionísio Pestana and other key figures. The borrowed stories highlight Portuguese brands like Viúva Lamego, Castelbel, and Bordallo Pinheiro. The editorial design includes historical and contemporary illustrations in an elegant format (20x15cm), with 50 pages and a sewn binding, available in the hotel’s common areas and rooms. Each story is written in a unique style, such as poems, essays, tips, letters, fables, and recipes. GMA Creative Firm and Bainha de Copas also designed the staff uniforms, creating a visual and emotional connection between the team and the guests.

 

Result

The strategy of valuing and telling the story of the heritage resulted in an idea adopted by Pestana Hotels in Amsterdam and later in Madrid and New York, with GMA Creative Firm. This project positioned Pestana Amsterdam Riverside as a “Hotel of Stories,” strengthening the connection with guests and creating a unique intimacy. The publication became a distinctive element in the hotel’s public areas and rooms, as well as an important credential for commercial and institutional partners.