Reviewed July 2023

The best townhouse hotels in Amsterdam are those that sit directly on the canal and The Dylan, Amsterdam's best kept secret is one of them, sitting on the Keizersgracht in one of the best locations in the city. Once Amsterdam's first theatre, it was burned down in 1772 leaving just the 17th-century arch and gateway through which leads a cobbled pathway of flower-filled copper tubes to the unassuming entrance of this luxury boutique hotel. It's not big and bold, more subtle, softly luxurious with plenty of charm and character. Expect a mix of wooden and marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and natural flower arrangements reminiscent of wildflower meadows dotted throughout the hotel. It's clear that The Dylan is loved by the team of staff who work here, led by the lovely GM René Bornmann. The air-conditioned suites are large with high ceilings, louvred shutters and plenty of light.

It’s all about the detail here at The Dylan; big beds feature big pillows and crisp embroidered bedlinen, complimented by comfy slippers and a caring and generous turndown service which includes new towels, a replenishment of Aesop products, and a surprise edible treat, different each day. In fact, the stroopwafels you are treated to at The Dylan from Lanskroon Bakery are to die for (the shop only sells one of a kind and once they're sold out they close their doors). The marble bathrooms are immaculate, featuring bath and shower and modern fixtures and fittings.

The healthy choice at breakfast includes fruit salad, Bircher muesli, granola and boiled eggs but there are delicious and irresistible croissant, freshly baked muffins and pain aux chocolat too. The breakfast menu includes pancakes with maple syrup and caramelised bacon, avocado toast, coconut porridge, eggs florentine and bagels, all as delicious as they sound. The bar/brasserie OCCO has an all day menu which includes excelled Chicken Gyoza dumplings and The Dylan burger which we thought, for a signature dish, was rather underwhelming. We didn't try it but the hotel's new restaurant até, is a new dining concept by Chef Filip Hanlo whose cooking philosophy is a mix of three influential cuisines that he has seen through his career, taking bits from each one of them to create his own style.

Some of the best shops, cafés and restaurants are within walking distance of The Dylan however you might like to dine in the intimate and historic setting of the hotel's 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles, which is situated in an 18th-century bakery.

The Dylan is ideal for a weekend break for romance, food-lovers and culture vultures and there are plenty of Roetz bikes for you to use during your stay, no helmet needed!

Rating

9/10