The Dylan Amsterdam
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
From Rembrandts theatre to the first boutique hotel in continental Europe, The Sybarite speaks to Robbert van Rijsbergen, the Director of Sales and Marketing of Amsterdam hotspot hotel The Dylan, for a Q&A session on this lovely hotel and city.
Tell our readers a bit about The Dylan, it has a really interesting history.
The Dylan is located in the Nine Streets area of Amsterdam, close to the Anne Frank House, right on the Keizersgracht. The building dates back partially to the 17th Century, when the canal was first excavated and it was actually the location of the first theatre in Amsterdam. And we still have the original stone gate from that time.
The famous painter Rembrandt was a production assistant at the theatre back then. So we have some sketches that he made while he was working here. A lot of the building was lost in a fire in the 1800s. Upon rebuilding, it was turned into a Catholic institution for the elderly and poor. We took over in the 90s as the first real boutique hotel in continental Europe.
We opened initially as Blake's, a sister property to the famous Blake's in London, known for its very iconic interior designer. In the early 2000s, the hotel became the The Dylan Amsterdam that we know and love today.
The Dylan has been called the best kept secret of Amsterdam - how did it get this accolade?
I think we have a very specific point of view at The Dylan, in terms of design and style. We choose a specific tone of voice and a way to present ourselves online. We do not need to be loud or make a lot of noise about who we are. It is rather elegant and specific to us as a brand. It is more about being under the radar and being a location for those in the know. A boutique product is a very specific kind of product.
We have a good balance of design and original features from back then. As an independent brand, we do not deal with a head office, so our service is very bespoke, very flexible to meet our guests' needs, and we are very agile in making decisions. It is a very pleasant environment to stay in as well as work in.
What makes the style and look of The Dylan so special?
We only have 40 rooms, in four different room styles. For the size of our property we have a lot of maintenance staff, because we are so set on upkeep and restoration of the property. The different styles of rooms represent the different facets to the hotel's identity. We have loft style rooms, with wooden beams, quintessential Amsterdam style like the beautiful old townhouses in the city. Our other rooms have a softer or more masculine side, to reflect the personality of the hotel.
What is your favourite part about The Dylan?
Now that the sun is coming out, we have a gorgeous garden, which is an absolute hidden gem. To have a quick coffee, a lunch, it is literally the perfect place. You are in this beautiful 17th Century courtyard which is so incredibly unique, and it has an intimate feel. So that is definitely a favourite in the Spring and Summer.
And you truly feel like you are in Amsterdam with the beautiful high windows and the hoists on top of the building. In the winter, I would say my favourite place is the lounge, it has a beautiful iconic fireplace.
What makes Amsterdam so special?
Walking around Amsterdam is almost like walking around a movie set, with the mix of the 17th Century building style, the proximity to the water with the canals. It is such a calm, beautiful place, which might not necessarily be what people think of Amsterdam.
Combine that with the cultural offering of Amsterdam, all the museums and beautiful concert halls, some of the most famous in the world.
Blend that with out liberal culture, our openness - electronic music festivals, nightlife etc - make it such a metropolitan village. And we are a village, which also has so many advantages as it is a great walking city for tourists. And great for biking for us Amsterdammers.
What is your favourite part of Amsterdam?
At The Dylan we currently have a walking competition with the team - who walks the most steps in a day - so I have been exploring and walking round the area of The Dylan much more. And I have to say, perhaps surprisingly, that the red light district is actually so beautiful. With everything that it normally has currently being closed, you see it from such a different perspective.
And this is a trend I am seeing in Amsterdam and in many cities worldwide - people are rediscovering their own hometowns and going to places they might normally not, and appreciating some of the beautiful architecture their cities have to offer.
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
British Bubbles
As the English winemaking industry continues to blossom, Olivia Bennett takes a trip to Wiston Estate in the Sussex Downs.
-
In Conversation With The Duo Behind Chiave, Shoreditch
Named after the Italian word for 'key,' Chiave is unlocking the door to London's best night out yet.
-
A Curation Of The Best Private Dining Rooms In London
From cosy enclaves to lavish long tables, London’s restaurant scene caters to private parties by offering intimate spaces which can be yours for the evening.
-
The Most Innovative Menus In London
London, a city pulsating with creativity and culture, boasts a culinary scene as diverse as its inhabitants.
-
Featuring Christmas Markets In The UK That You Have To Visit This Month
Now that the Christmas season is officially underway, we have curated a list of the best Christmas markets in the country.
-
Meet The Chef: Sabrina Gidda Of BAM Karaoke
The Consultant Culinary Director at London's chicest karaoke haunt is injecting fun back into food.
-
Portella Palma: A Mediterranean Haven of Elegance and Tranquillity
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Portella Palma is a destination that defines understated luxury.
-
Women Who Launch: Jen Fuller from Etta Loves
It’s not often that the idea for your next big venture comes from the smallest of business consultants.
-
The Best Destinations For Winter Sun
As winter sets in and the chill creeps across the UK, many travellers are dreaming of sun-soaked escapes to warmer destinations.
-
Zulal Wellness Resort —The Pinnacle Of Health and Family
Situated as a pioneering wellness destination in the Middle East, Zulal Wellness Resort offers a rare blend of holistic health and luxury, curated by the renowned Chiva-Som group.
-
Meet The Belgravia Expert, Cally Squires
Cally Squires could have never predicted that getting her hair done would change the course of her life so drastically.
-
Meet The Equine Expert — Georgina Springall of Operation Centaur
Horse riding may be seen as a luxury to some, but the team behind Operation Centaur have built an inclusive haven where everyone is welcome to enjoy the therapeutic benefits that come with spending time with these magical creatures.
-
UM Beach House Portals Is Mallorca’s Playground For Grown-Ups
Afternoons here pass in a haze of sun, music and delicious food and drink.
-
GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ: A Legend Reborn
GRACE LA MARGNA is breathing new life into St. Moritz — the undisputed playground of the rich and famous. Olivia Bennett sleeps over to discover more.
-
The Ultimate Guide to Luxurious Stays and Dining in Doha, Qatar
Doha, Qatar, has rapidly become a beacon of luxury, blending modernity with the warmth of Arabian hospitality.
-
Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé: Serenity in the Loire Valley
Comfortably nestled within the Loire, the Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is not merely a place to stay – it is an experience which pivots between the parallels of history and contemporary luxury.
-
Why ZEL Mallorca Is A Sunchasers Paradise
This chic, beachfront hotel in Palma is the perfect fusion of luxury and liveliness.
-
The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2025
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those experiences that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
-
First-Class Design
Meet Landmass, the leading design and property development company behind some of the world’s most visually arresting properties.
-
August: The Future Of Luxury Holiday Property Ownership
The Sybarite sits down with August Co-Founder and CEO Mélie Dunod to learn more about the pioneering luxury lifestyle and real estate company.
-
Historic Garden Tours of England's Secret Stately Homes
Explore the verdant beauty and hidden histories of England's lesser-known stately homes through their exquisite gardens.
-
Five Minutes With Celebrated Interior Designer, Rayman Boozer
With a flair for the colourful and a background in commercial and residential projects, Rayman Boozer has established himself as one to watch in the interior design world.
-
Featuring 15 Best Luxury Couples Retreats in 2024
We all know that setting time aside to clear your mind and recharge is good for your mental health and wellbeing.
-
In Conversation: Brendan OConnor, General Manager of Adare Manor
For Brendan OConnor, Adare Manor is more than a job; its a passion intertwined with the very essence of Irish hospitality, and as he reveals the secrets behind the historic estates unique blend of grandeur, sustainability, and personalised service, youre invited into a world where every stay feels like a cherished homecoming.