Amsterdam – by night or day – is an OutThere city just begging to be explored. The luxury boutique hotel that’s the Dylan Amsterdam makes a perfect base for doing just so, but its vibe also embodies the spirit of the Dutch capital.
Arriving back at The Dylan Amsterdam at dawn, wide-eyed after a night at a queer warehouse party at Spielraum, one might have expected a certain level of disapproval from the desk clerk. But this is Amsterdam, the capital city of one of the most liberal countries in the world, whose unofficial slogan might well be ‘anything goes as long as you are respectful’. So, instead of scornful looks, we were greeted with welcoming smiles and asked if we needed refreshments before we went up to our suite.
Situated in the heart of the historic ‘Nine Streets’ area, this oh-so-stylish 40-room hotel boasts one of the best addresses in the city. Our surprisingly generously proportioned Serendipity junior suite overlooked the Keizersgracht canal. Others at the rear of the building give on to the hotel’s secluded garden. Despite the age of the building, the decor – a mix of understated contemporary design features incorporating subtle palettes and clean lines – prevents it from feeling stuffy while accentuating the historic architectural features.
Emerging from our room in the early evening, we made our way down to the property’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles. Here, the clean modern meets heritage vibe continued in both the interior design and the food, which is a fresh take on French cuisine, where ingredients are masterfully combined to work their magic. We then enjoyed post-dinner drinks at the slightly more casual but equally inviting Bar Brasserie OCCO, before heading out for a romantic late-night walk along the lamp-lit side streets of the canal.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Hedonist | AMS | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| For the best cookies in Amsterdam (albeit not THAT kind), turn right out of the Dylan Amsterdam to the end of the block where the bridge crosses the canal and you’ll find Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje – a mouthful in so many ways. Their delicious confectionary will make fabulous souvenirs, but that is only if you can resist eating them all before you get home! |
Photography by Roel Ruijs, courtesy of The Dylan
