The Dylan Amsterdam

Don’t stay in Room 21 or any of the Loft Rooms! We had treated ourself to the Dylan for four nights at the end of a two-week trip. Even though we reserved a double delux room and checked in just after noon we were given Room 21. To get to the room you must navigate several treacherous steps between the elevator and within the room. The beams in the room are so low that I thwacked my head within two minutes. The bath is minuscule holding only a small stand-up shower and toilet. The sink is outside in the bedroom and lacking a mirror or outlet. The service at the front desk is excruciatingly slow. When we asked for a different room the response was neither apologetic nor compensatory until tears were shed. And even then we were only given a smaller traditional room and not the delux room we had reserved. So disappointing and definitely not worth the premium charged.

What I liked: All staff members were uniformly exceptional. I don’t think I’ve encountered such outstanding service from every staff member I met – reception, food & beverage, concierge. The breakfast buffet & dinner in the Bar Brasserie OCCO were outstanding. Very high quality food & service. The location is great. What I wish had been different I am sympathetic to the challenge of converting an old building into a luxury hotel. I didn’t do my homework on my room & discovered too late that the bathroom was up a steep stairs from the bedroom & it was not possible to have a mirror over the bathroom sink. Fortunately, I navigated the stairs successfully, but I came downstairs every morning with shaving cream still on my face. I would enjoy staying here again, but only if I could get a room with a traditional bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom. I will check more carefully next time.

A Leading Hotels of the World property discreetly located on the prestigious Keizersgracht Canal in the scenic 9 Streets neighborhood, the Dylan is centrally located for easy access to Amsterdam’s high end shopping, and top tourist attractions (Anne Frank’s house, Dam Square, museums, etc.). The luxury boutique hotel is housed in a classicsl-fronted historic building with 40 uniquely furnished commodious modern accommodations, further equipped with a full spa and fitness center, business/banquet facility and courteously attentive 24-hour front desk and concierge support. Happily smoke- and pet-free, it offers free Wi-Fi throughout and dry cleaning, laundry and parking service is available. Excellent all day casual dining and bar service is offered at the handsome Bar Brasserie OCCO and their formal restaurant Vinkeles is Michelin star lauded. An inner courtyard provides a relaxing seated setting. Above all, the entire establishment staff is extremely attuned to guests’ needs and comfort, all with a welcoming friendliness and pleasant smiles. A lovely place to stay indeed.

Honestly, I am trying to be as generous as possible. I was looking forward to my stay but at every moment there were challenges. In advance I had requested a quiet room away from the elevators as I am a light sleeper. They confirmed before my arrival they could accommodate this request. When I checked in, my room was opposite the elevator. I did not sleep with all the traffic. Then little things— like the service from staff (getting laundry done or ordering a cab took 10 minutes because they had already ordered three??) etc— just did not live up to the SLH brand. I have stayed at many SLH around the world. The Dylan does not live up to its reputation. A disappointing stay overall.

The Dylan provided exceptional service from arrival through departure. Our guest room was beautiful and well appointed. The location was perfect with boutique shopping and quaint dining all around. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed The Dylan’s gorgeous lounge for cocktails and cafe for a bountiful breakfast each morning. The entire staff was friendly and accommodating. We felt at home during our first visit to Amsterdam! Thank you for a memorable experience.

Stylish boutique Hotel with the charme of a family home. Very good service . Comfortable beds. Perfect location because everything is in walking distance. Very nice and elegant district of Amsterdam with lots of nice restaurants and boutiques

The Dylan is now my favourite European city hotel. Exemplary service, comfort and food. Perfect location for visiting restaurants, shops and sights. The best hotel breakfast too with everything beautifully presented and super fresh. We couldn’t fault a single thing!

Beautiful location, hotel, bar, food etc. etc. This was a charming hotel during Xmas time. The staff at the bar were courteous and recommended things to my liking. I found it comfortable and perfectly located as well.

I will start with the positive. The common areas are very beautiful. A lovely mixture of historic character and modern updates. I enjoyed the artwork and other decor. It is also in a great location. Close to lots of shopping and restaurants and easy to get to the museums. Also felt very safe. I rated it 2 stars because of the service. I was not what I would have expected from a luxury hotel. First, the hotel authorizes your credit card for $200 per night for incidentals. I, and other travelers checking in at the same time, all expressed confusion about this. Keeping a credit card on file for incidentals is standard. No issue there. This was new and made me feel like I was at a cheap spring break hotel where we were expected to wreak the room. Then, I asked to borrow an electricity converter and was told they would put a deposit on my credit card until it was returned. You have already authorized my card for $200 per night. How is that not enough?? And, do you really think I'm going to steal a converter?? I don't need it at home, and no one in Amsterdam needs it. there was also a very underwhelming attempt at celebration. Hotels love to help you celebrate. Scroll through TripAdvisor photos, and you will see cake, cookies, wine, and signs from hotels for birthdays, anniversaries, babymoons. It is a pretty inexpensive and easy way for them to make guests feel really special. We were celebrating a milestone, and as part of the hotel form, we were asked if we were celebrating. When we arrived, the staff member told us that they would like to offer us 2 free glasses of champagne to celebrate. Ok. My experience is that high-end hotels offer everyone champagne upon arrival. But, fine. We were told to go to the bar at our convenience and given two drink vouchers. We went to the bar and ordered one glass of champagne and one beer. When we presented the vouchers, the bartender told us that they didn't cover the champagne. I explained that the hotel offered us two glasses of champagne to celebrate a milestone. She then told me that it was only supposed to cover the CHEAPER bottle. She then had to escalate it to a manager. It was so embarrassing and put a huge damper on our celebration. What luxury hotel has to have a management coversation and make a guest feel horribly uncomfortable over a $30 bar bill??? After you offered us the glasses of champagne. Overall the staff seemed either unwilling or unable to help. We asked they about the process for tax free shopping. Americans don't pay taxes on certain items, but there is a process you must follow. We were told they had never heard of it and couldn't help. Google and a waitress at a local restaurant walked us through it. I spent the trip feeling very nickeled and dimed and that there was a true lack of customer service. I've stayed at two other hotels in Amsterdam. One was more expensive and one was less expensive than the Dylan. Both had much better and kinder service. My final information is to remind gues