A Dutch boutique hotel icon: The Dylan Amsterdam

Where history meets contemporary design: one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in the Dutch metropolis is set in a historic location in Amsterdam's canal belt. With carefully designed interiors and discreet luxury, The Dylan offers a stylish retreat in the heart of the bustling city centre. Tara fixtures by Dornbracht add style and distinction to the bathrooms of the rooms and suites.

Hotel in a location steeped in history

The 5-star boutique hotel is not only located on Keizersgracht, in the heart of the 9 Streets with its numerous boutiques, galleries and cafés, but also in a location of historical importance: one of the most influential and important theatres in the Netherlands was opened here in 1638. For almost two centuries, the so-called "Schouwburg" was the cultural heart and entertainment centre of the city. After a devastating fire, the stately building was replaced by a building with classic Amsterdam canal architecture in the 18th century. Only the imposing stone entrance gate still recalls the legendary theatre of yore - and today serves as a gateway to an icon of a very different kind.

Monumental renovation in 2024

Opened in 1999, The Dylan features 41 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, each in a distinctive style. The rooms in the 'Serendipity' building were renewed in 2024 as part of an extensive refurbishment. Brasserie 'Occo' and the Michelin-starred 'Vinkeles', two of the hotel's culinary highlights, have also been elegantly modernised in the process.

Interior designer Paul Linse of Studio Linse, known for projects such as London's Royal Opera House, led the redesign of these spaces and the public areas. "Creating something new in a historic building from the Dutch Golden Age is not something to be taken lightly," Linse says of the project's challenges. "But my design team and I ended up doing what we think is most important: creating a timeless atmosphere that respects the past and welcomes the present."

Historic elements and modern minimalism

The interior design of The Dylan is characterised by an expert interplay of historical elements and modern minimalism. In Brasserie 'Occo', for example, there are custom-made velvet sofas and quartzite tables with subtle textures. The green courtyard is also reflected in the lush mirrored surfaces, making the space look light and spacious. In restaurant 'Vinkeles', a grey velvet curtain refers to the famous theatre that once stood here. The same attention to detail can also be found in the rooms and suites. The lofts under the historic roof are among the most striking: with their steep staircases and sharp corners, they are typical of the architecture of their time, with the 17th-century wooden beams in particular emphasising the age of the building. They are complemented by minimalist furniture in beige and black, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Tara in Brushed Platinum provides subtle accents

All bathrooms at The Dylan have a light, airy design: exposed roof beams, some with ancient inscriptions, white walls and light-coloured floors create a sense of space and brightness. Depending on the room or suite, the bathrooms unfold in different ways - sometimes in a compact design, sometimes as an open structure that flows seamlessly into the sleeping area. Tara by Dornbracht is used in all variants, for example as a free-standing bath mixer or in combination with washbasins made of wood and quartzite. The matte finish in platinum brushed provides subtle accents and gives rooms an understated elegance.