There’s a laidback Dutch quality that permeates the luxury of The Dylan Amsterdam, a boutique hotel that favors comforting ambiance over flashy décor. From the moment you step through its discreet off-street entrance, there’s an overwhelmingly inviting, cozy atmosphere that encapsulates one of Holland’s favorite words: gezellig.
The hotel is housed within a former 17th-century theater on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht canal. Audiences once traveled far and wide to attend its plays by the likes of Shakespeare and Voltaire. Having been rebuilt after a fire in 1772, the building that remains today combines the drama of its thespian heritage with a modern design aesthetic, affording this inner-city sanctuary its unique character.
You’ll encounter more gezellig in the hotel’s tucked-away leafy courtyard, where you can linger over a steaming cup of coffee, as well as in the sophisticated rooms, where you can gaze out the window and take in views of the canal or the charming garden.
The hotel is housed within a former 17th-century theater on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht canal. Audiences once traveled far and wide to attend its plays by the likes of Shakespeare and Voltaire. Having been rebuilt after a fire in 1772, the building that remains today combines the drama of its thespian heritage with a modern design aesthetic, affording this inner-city sanctuary its unique character.
You’ll encounter more gezellig in the hotel’s tucked-away leafy courtyard, where you can linger over a steaming cup of coffee, as well as in the sophisticated rooms, where you can gaze out the window and take in views of the canal or the charming garden.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The atmosphere of the Amsterdam hotel is best experienced in the lounge. With a high ceiling and antique paneled walls, distressed leather sofas and a glowing fireplace, the space invites you to dissolve into relaxation.
- One of the city’s top restaurants resides in the hotel. Restaurant Vinkeles serves fantastic contemporary French cuisine in a warm exposed brick dining room.
- Forget high tea, The Dylan Amsterdam prefers High Wine: four fine vintages paired with savory delicacies created by the team behind Restaurant Vinkeles.
- And when the weather permits, enjoy breakfast in the peaceful courtyard, tucked away at the core of the hotel’s four buildings.
- Architectural highlights from the original building remain intact, including the stone arch across the entrance. This is the work of Jacob van Campen, who also designed the Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square.
Things to Know
- The luxury hotel is in a prime location for exploring Amsterdam, at the cross section of the city center and stylish Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) shopping district.
- To ensure you can enjoy The Dylan’s signature eatery, book your table at Restaurant Vinkeles at least six weeks in advance for weekend dining.
- Every guest is personally guided to their room, ensuring that everything from the temperature to the music meets their requirements.
The Rooms
- The 40 rooms at the boutique hotel follow one of four design themes, ranging from the soft-hued Amber collection to the bright white and minimal lofts.
- The Serendipity rooms were added most recently by architect Remy Meijers, who combined Zen-inspiring gray tones with natural wood. The airy spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows and 20-foot ceilings.
- An impressive selection of suites offers extra space and comfort. The Dylan Thomas Suite (the hotel’s namesake) is perhaps the most decadent, with shuttered windows overlooking the garden, a silver-leaf makeup table and plush, textural furnishings.
- All rooms come with Bose sound systems with Bluetooth connections; Frette linens, bathrobes and slippers; and James Heeley bath products.
The Restaurants
- Acclaimed Restaurant Vinkeles is an absolute must-try. Executive chef Jurgen van der Zalm reinvents the menu according to seasons, along with recurring favorites like the Anjou pigeon served with preserved blackberries.
- The Amsterdam hotel’s signature restaurant is housed in a historic bakery, surrounded by ovens that date back to the 18th century. It’s an unforgettable experience for the setting alone.
- If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, opt for classic dishes such as Dutch rib-eye with béarnaise sauce at Bar Brasserie Occo.
- You can either begin your day with an intoxicating blend at Bar Brasserie Occo — known for its great coffee — or end it there with one of its creative cocktails.
até is the property’s new six-seat chef’s table. Diners watch as the tasting menu is being prepared while the chef explains how Mexico, Japan, France and other places have influenced the dishes.
Getting There
Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB, Amsterdam
TEL31-020-530-2010
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
AMS
