The Dylan Amsterdam Review
The Dylan Amsterdam Hotel is a five star Small Luxury Hotels of the World property located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. When the hotel opened in 1999, it was one of the worlds’ first boutique hotels. The Dylan Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city center, minutes away from the Anne Frank house, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmusem, the Canal Museum, De Negen Straatjes trendy shopping district (The Nine Streets) and the Red Light District. The site of the Dylan Hotel dates back to 1613 at one of the most historic locations in Amsterdam, the “Keizersgracht” (canal). At one period, the location was home to “Duytsche Academie” theatre.
The Dylan Amsterdam has 40 beautifully designed room and suites. Each room and suite has an individual style and hand painted in a variety of colors. To add to the uniqueness, the hotel started a project in January 2014 that would consist of 16 rooms being completely renovated by well-known Dutch interior designer, Remy Meijers.
Check-In: The check-in process was fairly quick and simple. When I arrived, I was greeted by the reception staff and concierge. Before the process began, the check-in receptionist asked if I wanted any water or coffee. Within seconds, I had a cup of cold fruit infused water. Talk about hospitality! This has been the first time I was asked if I wanted a beverage before checking in. The check-in office is not like typical lobbies. It was very comfortable and homey. No high ceiling or an expansive room. The lobby felt warm and inviting, as if I was in the living room of a friend’s estate. While I was waiting to receive my room key, the baggage attendant took my bag to my suite.
Luxe Scale: 9.5/10
Hotel Room (The Superior Suite): The attic suite was truly that, a sprawling suite located in the attic section of the hotel. This is not your grandparent’s attic! After getting off the lift, I arrived at my door. When I opened it, there were steps that led to the main suite area. This little area before the steps was a great place to leave shoes, umbrellas and jackets. On first site, I was immediately impressed with the size and interior design. It was absolutely stunning! The first thing I did was take photos to post to Instagram. I had to show the world this suite. It was unlike any hotel I’ve been in. The vaulted attic ceiling and open floor plan was the perfect setting for resting in serenity. Although the floor plan was open, the room was divided into several parts: foyer, sitting room, office, bedroom, and bathroom.
Sitting Room: The sitting room featured two sofas, an arm chair and ottoman, a table and an entertainment center with a plasma TV, Bose sound system and iPod connection. The room was decorated in muted earth tones that help set a calm mood. The sofas were soft as pillows; perfect for a quick nap. The space was large enough to entertain a few guests over cocktails, while still being able to maneuver around the room effortlessly.
Bedroom: The bedroom featured a plush king size bed, mounted flatscreen television, two wall lamps, a bench and two large floor pillows. This area of the suite was very modest, that was the charm. There was no mistaking that this area was for one purpose only…sleeping. It seems as if all the focus went into making sure the bed was uber comfortable, as I was able to drift off to sleep in no time.
Bathroom: The bathroom was large and airy. The unique feature about the bathroom was the layout. There were two “hallways” leading to the back of the bathroom. On the right hallway, there was a sliding closet that housed the Frette bathrobes and slippers. Adjacent to the closet, was a door that led to the toilet room and large walk-in shower with frosted glass that peeked out unto the left hallway. In the back of the bathroom was a large stand alone tub, with his and her sinks and bathroom products from Miller Harris. The bathroom was absolutely amazing! It felt so freeing, from the frosted glass in the shower to the standalone tub. I can definitely see how this bathroom would be perfect for a couple. *wink wink*.
Luxe Scale: 9.4/10
Customer Service: The staff was extremely pleasant and generous. When heading out to explore, the concierge and front desk receptionist were very eager to give me great suggestions on restaurants, bars and attractions.
Luxe Scale: 8.8/10
Amenities:
- Long Gallery & Lounge
- Brasserie Occo
- Bar Barbou
- Secluded garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- In-room spa treatments
- Bike rental
- Boat Tours
- Limo service
- Free WiFi
The Dylan Amsterdam is perfect for the luxe traveler that wants to be in a central location with great food, shopping and attractions. I recommend this hotel for couples of any ages or a solo vacation. The grounds and interior are quite romantic and sophisticated. For the history buff, the hotel location would be great for walking the canal and taking in some of the historical features that makes it so great.
Starting rates:
Double room – 325 €
Superior suite – 695 €
Overall Luxe Scale: 9/10
The Dylan Amsterdam
Keizersgracht 384
1016 GB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Author
