Travel

Checking in: The Dylan, Amsterdam

What

Set in a 17th-century former theater (where Antonio Vivaldi actually conducted the orchestra in 1737), this 40-room, canal-front hotel oozes plenty of historic charm while also sporting sleek, contemporary design touches. It boasts the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Vinkeles (which doubles as the breakfast area) and an oasis of a courtyard that’s ideal for relaxing with a glass of wine.

Where

Ideally located steps from one of the hippest shopping and dining areas of the city — “de negen straatjes,” the nine streets — the hotel is also less than a 10-minute bike ride (free rental!) to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum.

Why

In March, 16 of the rooms and suites were reimagined by Dutch designer Remy Meijers (and are now referred to as the Serendipity Collection). Outfitted with wenge floors, modern gray and beige furnishings, plush area carpets and leather accents, the new sophisticated accommodations are quite a departure from the eclectic style of the hotel’s original designs, which date from 1999.

Working well

The updated, Keizersgracht Canal-facing rooms have gorgeous views of the surrounding architecture, and the noise from street and busy waterway below never intrudes.

James Stokes

Needs work

The petite Bar Barbou is secluded and quiet — and not necessarily in a good way. Though attractive, its awkward position, sandwiched between a hallway and an event space, is likely the reason we didn’t see a anyone at the bar on our weekend stay — odd, given the buzzy nature of the hotel’s other common spaces.

Don’t miss

The hotel just announced a collaboration with the local Morren Galleries to host a rotating collection of contemporary artwork, which will also be available for sale.

Details

From $435; dylanamsterdam.com