Who's Going
London Fashion Crowd, Art Elite, German Pop Stars
Reason to Stay
Design Hotel, Michelin Star Eatery, Canal Location
Hotel Type
Luxury Design Hotel
Formerly known as Blakes Amsterdam, the Dylan is the mastermind of Anouska Hempel (Blakes, The Hempel London) and current owner FG Stijl who conjure up this romantic and stylish hotel fantasy on the site of a 17th Century theater where Vivaldi once played personally and Shakespeare was performed. Along a shaded pathway of grand Keizersgracht canal-front close enough to walk to the city's posh shopping district De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), The Dylan make a dramatic curbside impression with a Greek-revival walled entrance leading to a gravel courtyard lined in whimsical street bikes and single door into a grand lobby lounge with hundred-year beam ceiling and seating area arranged in emerald-green club and leather-clad chairs near ornate 4-person upholstered sofas.
Since opening and passing ownership, the popularity of the Dylan has simply escalated. The hotel is home to newly Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles by chef Dennis Kuipers who composes delicate French cuisine from a darker space of ebonized walls and windows with linen-slip covered chairs and white glove service. A more casual food scene can be found at Bar Barbou with its brighter palate and lighter hardwood floors that connects to a covered courtyard and adjoining Long Gallery, with its lounge and bar scene flanked by double fireplaces. Without a real spa to speak of, the hotel offers it's own boutique gym but we suggest hitting one in the neighborhood to feel more like a local.
The Room
With just 41 rooms, the Dylan is small by big city standards but relatively large by Amsterdam standards. Entry-level garden rooms are pure-Hempel design with horizontal green stripes on walls juxtaposed with vertical lines on pillows and columns. A Zenstaion room offers choice of white or red color palette in two-story loft spaces with matching wood floors and views of the canal. A Kimona Suite on the upper level of the hotel features dark wood canopy bed with crisp white linens and bathroom under pitched roof ceiling with heavy wood detailing above a Japanese-style soaking tub trimmed in black marble and shiny lacquer. Rooms vary substantially, so be sure to checkout the website is planning a longer stay. Visitors of the Dylan are offered private transportation on the in-house barge as well as access to rental bikes for around 25-Euro per day
Preferred Room
Kimona Suite
Special Features
1-Star Michelin Eatery 2010, Hip Clientele, Private Boat, Bike Rental
Amenities
Bar, Lounge, Restaurant, Spa, Gym
