Located behind a historic seventeenth-century gate, the only surviving fragment of Amsterdam’s first stone theatre where Vivaldi once conducted stands The Dylan Amsterdam.
HOTELS
Set along the Keizersgracht in the charming Nine Streets district, this boutique hotel blends centuries of heritage with contemporary refinement. It is a place where design, comfort, and warm hospitality come together with extraordinary ease.
A Warm Welcome in a Historic Setting
Arriving at The Dylan feels less like checking into a hotel and more like being admitted to a quiet, well-kept secret. Bicycles lean casually along the entrance, and once you slip through the seventeenth-century gate, the city noise drops a notch. A member of staff appears almost immediately, takes your luggage without fuss, and speaks to you as if you have stayed there before. It is not the exaggerated warmth you sometimes get at luxury properties, but a calm, confident welcome that makes you slow down a little.
Inside, the atmosphere is soft and composed. Natural materials and muted colours dominate, with wooden and marble floors, fireplaces that feel genuinely used rather than decorative, and tall windows that pull in the canal light. Fresh flowers are arranged in a way that feels closer to a florist’s studio than a hotel lobby. The recent work by Studio Linse and Format Furniture has sharpened this sense of quiet control. In many of the rooms and suites, custom oak cabinetry and quartzite finishes sit comfortably next to freestanding Vallone bathtubs and pieces chosen as much for how they feel to the touch as for how they photograph. You notice it when your hand runs along a cabinet edge or when you sit down and realise the chair is more generous than it looks.
Rooms Filled With Character
The Dylan offers a thoughtful selection of rooms ranging from cozy doubles to spacious suites, many with views of the inner garden or the canal. All are beautifully maintained and equipped with Aesop amenities, coffee and tea service, a minibar, slippers, and crisp embroidered linens.
Our suite felt calm and beautifully put together, filled with soft light and a sense of quiet spaciousness. The living area was arranged with a mix of contemporary and classic touches, including tall exposed beams painted in soft grey, floor-to-ceiling windows that brightened the entire space, and a palette of gentle neutrals that made everything feel serene. Plush seating, fresh flowers, and a small dining table created a warm and inviting atmosphere, while carefully placed lighting gave the room a cosy glow as the day faded.
The sleeping area felt tucked away yet open, separated just enough to make the suite feel thoughtfully designed. The bed was large with crisp white linens and generous pillows, and the whole space felt restful and refined. A small sitting corner offered another place to relax, perfect for reading or enjoying a quiet moment. Throughout the suite, the décor felt natural and elegant, with a blend of wood, textured fabrics, and soft carpeting that added to the sense of understated luxury.
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The bathroom continued the same feeling of quiet sophistication, finished in soft stone tones with clean lines and warm lighting. It featured a freestanding bathtub and a large shower, with a dark wood vanity topped with light stone and an illuminated circular mirror adding a gentle contemporary touch. Everything was pristine and thoughtfully arranged, from the rolled towels placed on the floor to the simple selection of glass bottles on the counter. The room felt calm, warm, and beautifully designed, with an emphasis on comfort and ease.
Suite overlooked both the tranquil garden and the historic gate. Soft classical music greeted us as we entered, and fresh flowers together with Van Stapele cookies welcomed us warmly. High ceilings, natural textures, and spacious design made the room feel like a quiet retreat. An iPad provided hotel information, recommendations for restaurants and local activities, and everything needed for an effortless stay.
Perfectly Located for Exploring Amsterdam
The Dylan’s setting is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the most charming and cultural parts of Amsterdam. The Nine Streets area is within easy walking distance of major sights including the Anne Frank House, canal tours, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Dam Square, and other key attractions. For travellers who appreciate style, food, culture, and picturesque streets, the location is exceptional. Those visiting specifically for nightlife may prefer staying closer to the city centre, but for beauty, tranquillity, and character, The Dylan is the perfect choice.
Bar Brasserie OCCO: A Highlight of the Stay
Dinner at Bar Brasserie OCCO was the moment The Dylan shifted from being a beautiful place to sleep to somewhere you actively want to linger. The brasserie looks onto the courtyard, and in the evening the space feels warm and slightly theatrical: velvet seating, marble tables, exposed brick, and a copper chandelier that pulls the room together without shouting for attention. Designed by Studio Linse, it has that particular Amsterdam mix of polish and ease; you can arrive dressed for a tasting menu or in a sweater after a long day of walking, and both feel appropriate.
We chose a three-course dinner that read classic on paper but felt more personal in execution. A creamy celeriac soup with pheasant leg confit arrived first, rich but not heavy, the kind of dish that makes you slow down your pace of conversation. The jugged hare with tagliatelle, baked sprouts, bacon, and gingerbread followed, a plate that sounded almost too autumnal but turned out to be the most memorable dish of the evening, with the gingerbread adding a quiet sweetness rather than dominating. Dessert was a stewed pear with mascarpone, pistachio, and cinnamon ice cream, restrained and clean, the opposite of an overworked finale.
More to Discover
The Dylan is home to a variety of exceptional culinary and event experiences. Restaurant Vinkeles offers two Michelin-starred French cuisine in an eighteenth-century bakery where the original ovens create an unforgettable setting. até presents a completely different experience as an intimate six-seat chef’s table where Japanese, Mexican, and French influences are woven together in a creative tasting menu. The secluded garden offers a peaceful place to enjoy lunch, drinks, or a quiet moment during the warmer months. The hotel also provides beautiful venues for weddings, private dinners, and corporate events including the Ariana and Atrium rooms, the Regents Room, and Barbou.
For guests wanting to stay active, The Dylan has a small gym with a treadmill, cross-trainer, exercise bike, and free weights, ideal for a quick workout before exploring the city. Even without experiencing every culinary or fitness offering personally, their presence adds to the sense that The Dylan is a small world of its own where history, artistry, and hospitality are deeply intertwined.
Sustainability Woven Into Luxury
Part of The Dylan’s charm lies in how thoughtfully it embraces sustainability. The hotel is already Green Globe certified, and recent upgrades include high-performance insulation glass in the Serendipity building, interior façade insulation that preserves the historic exterior, heat recovery ventilation systems, and work toward a thermal energy storage system. These enhancements ensure the hotel respects its heritage while reducing its environmental impact and improving guest comfort.
The Dylan Amsterdam
Address: Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 530 2010
For more info and booking visit dylanamsterdam.com
