The Dylan, Amsterdam
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This is the hotel's front entrance, and the property's most historic architectural relic. A stone theater built in 1637 by the architect Jacob van Campen once stood here. It was a famous theater, visited by celebrities and crowned heads of that era. In 1737, Vivaldi conducted a concert there for the theater's 100-year anniversary. But the place burned down in 1772 during a performance by a Flemish operetta company. A tin full of candle wax caught fire and set the side-scenes alight. Only the hotel's present-day doorway (pictured here) and the hall where the landlord lived, where guests now check in, were spared. -
Here's what the surrounding neighborhood looks like. The hotel overlooks the center canal, the Keizersgracht, and is set within the "grachtengordel," the city's central canal-ring, within walking distance of the charming shops of the Nine Streets district. -
This was my room, set into the upper floor of a historic canal house. A very cozy and appealing spot to land after a long transatlantic flight. -
A very steep and narrow flight of stairs led to my favorite part of the room: a big bathroom tucked into the attic, with original wooden beams arching overhead. -
Even better—a big bathtub with views of the surrounding rooftops. -
A window in the bathroom overlooked the surrounding neighborhood, each house with a now-familiar roofline. It was a cool experience to be standing in one of those peaked-roof attics, looking out at a sea of similarly historic structures—experiencing local architecture on a visceral level. -
Here's another attic suite: a peaceful and minimalist space. -
Throughout the hotel are original historic details, including this steep twisting staircase that led from the main floor of the hotel to the second floor (yes, there is also an elevator!). -
The hotel's elegant Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, was formerly a bakery, in operation between 1787 to 1811 and run by the "Catholic Old and Poor People's Office." The sunken dining room is surrounded by original 18th century ovens. -
The breakfast buffet was one of the nicest I've seen—quite a spread. -
A special Dutch treat—chocolate sprinkles, best eaten on toasted, buttered bread. -
This was my favorite single space in the hotel—a lounge with a big marble fireplace, gilt mirror, and weathered wooden floor boards. -
While I was staying at the hotel ten rooms were still under renovation, but I stole a peek into one of them—very much still a work in progress... -
Here's an "after" shot of one of the renovated suites. The designers at FG stijl created this distinctive floor-to-ceiling headboard, upholstered in metallic green leather and shiny gray fabric, with a jade ring in the center and a mother of pearl border. Antique mirrors on either side of the bed reflect light and add a warm glow and sense of dimension to the room. -
Here's room eight, with a custom-made "drinks cabinet" on the left. The inside is lined with silver leaf, with chrome and mother of pearl handles. -
And here's one of my favorite photos from my trip: a swan-filled canal in the red light district, illuminated by the glow of crude neon lights emanating from a place called "Sex Palace." So bizarre! So Amsterdam!Don't miss a word of Dwell! Download our FREE app from iTunes, friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!
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