The best hotels in Rotterdam, for an alternative Dutch city break
Culture, history and a vibrant arts scene are just a train ride away in the Netherlands' second city
Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second largest city, was once cast aside in favour of its charming sibling Amsterdam for a European city break. But now with a wealth of cool design hotels, a fast-growing contemporary art scene, vibrant cafe culture and centuries of fascinating history it's become the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, and one which is easy for eco-conscious travellers to get to from London by Eurostar. So, we've curated this guide to the best hotels in Rotterdam.
If you're planning to get there by train, you'll be pleased to know that trains from London to Rotterdam Centraal take just three hours and 13 minutes.
Still home to the largest port in Europe, the city was severely bombed in World War II which means unlike Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht, Rotterdam is not awash with cobbled streets, medieval churches and quirky canal houses. But it's reinvented itself as the so-called 'Manhattan on the Maas', and become best known for its Modernist architecture.
It's because of this forward-thinking city planning, that Rotterdam has now become a pilgrimage for modern architecture aficionados. The Cube Houses, the Euromast and the Avant Garde-influenced Van Nelle Factory, now a UNESCO Heritage Site.
But there's also a hint of old Rotterdam in Oude Noorden, in the form of pre-war houses and brick-laid streets lining the waterway, where you'll find a glut of cool bars, brewpubs and restaurants.
Rotterdammers are renowned for their love of coffee and contemporary art. Visit the Kunsthal Rotterdam, part of Museumpark cultural quarter, which hosts some incredible exhibitions from works by Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone to projects by Haus-Rucker-Co, a Vienna-based collective of architects and artists. Catch a contemporary German play at the New Luxor or eat your way through Foodhallen, a cool new warehouse turned covered food market.
From minimalist rooms in a 19th-century building to spacious penthouses in Kop Van Zuid, these are our favourite places to stay in Rotterdam.
Mainport Design Hotel
Overlooking Rotterdam's oldest harbour, and a five-minute wander from Erasmus Bridge, book a room at Mainport, one of the city's luxury design hotels for a little bit of pampering. It has the rare advantage of blending striking views over the waterfront but still being within a 15-minute stroll from the main attractions.
Treat yourself to a room or suite with a sauna or a whirlpool bath with a view over the Nieuwe Maas river. Alternatively, make the most of the sauna in the spa on the eighth floor, which has a floor-to-ceiling window looking out on the city – brave, considering swimwear is prohibited.
The Slaak Rotterdam
Housed in a 1950s former newspaper building, the stylish The Slaak Rotterdam is a real scoop for the city. Near to Oostplein metro – a 15-minute hop from Rotterdam Centraal and the Eurostar – it makes an easy and comfortable base to explore the city, even if it's just a wander around the restaurants and boutiques on nearby Hoogstraat.
Rooms have a cool retro vibe thanks to the huge windows, exposed brick and Fifties-inspired decor. Breakfast is a real treat – omelettes, pancakes and endless platters of meat and cheese – served in Didot34, the cool restaurant named after the paper's favoured font.
nhow Rotterdam
Designed by renowned Rotterdam architect Rem Koolhaas, the glass-fronted nhow Rotterdam in the trendy Kop van Zuid district faces the river and Erasmus Bridge. Like many buildings in modern Rotterdam, it has an urban chic appeal with exposed girders and acres of glass and polished concrete across its 10 floors.
On the seventh floor there's a stylish bar with a terrace for watching the boats glide back and forth, and there's a rooftop restaurant, Gastrobar Elvy, where you can dine out on street food and cool cocktails overlooking the city skyline.
Room Mate Bruno
For more river views, check into Room Mate Bruno on Kop Van Zuid, just south of Erasmus Bridge. Housed in a pre-war tea warehouse, it has a fun, industrial vibe with plenty of exposed brick, concrete and pops of colour, and fabulous views over the river. It's about a 20-minute walk into the city centre, but there's plenty to do around the harbour area too.
Rooms are decorated in a Mediterranean colour palette – a nod to the brand's Spanish heritage – and have floor-to-ceiling windows and cloud-like beds. Don't forget to take full advantage of the generous breakfast buffet, which is served until a very civilised 12pm.
CitizenM Rotterdam
Overlooking Rotterdam's Oudehaven harbour, this bright modern hotel is just the ticket for an art-filled weekend in the city. Moments from the vast, glass-arched Markthal and the iconic Cube Houses in the Laurenskwartier, the CitizenM is handy for the the main city centre. With floor-to-ceiling windows, parquet flooring and shelves laden with design-led objet d'art, it feels like you're staying in a trendy riverfront penthouse.
Try to bag a room with a view of the water, and don't forget to make use of the hotel's cool 24-hour bar which serves cocktails, sushi and sandwiches around the clock.
Hotel New York
Perched on the harbour, the grande dame of Rotterdam hotels was the former HQ of the Holland-America Cruise Line. Built in 1901 and opened as a hotel in 1993, Hotel New York is stacked with old-school charm; steam trunks turned into tables, grand iron staircases and original cruise line memorabilia abound.
After exploring the city, catch a water taxi back to Kop van Zuid and relax with a drink on the terrace, which has almost 360-degree river views. Grab some fresh oysters and a glass of champagne from the Oyster Bar before dining out on an impressive menu in NY Basement, which has the vibe of a smoky Manhattan lounge.
Savoy Hotel Rotterdam
Smack bang in the centre of the city in the hip Hoogkwartier neighbourhood, the Savoy Hotel Rotterdam is also close to the Cube Houses and Markthal, the contemporary market place with more than a hundred food stands, food shops and restaurants underneath its colourful glass arches.
Rooms are bright and modern with a funky retro vibe. Book a suite with a cinema screen or one of the double rooms on the top floor which has a balcony and sweeping views of the city. Breakfast is of the Dutch variety, so expect plenty of pancakes, cured meats and cheeses, all served in the ground floor cafe-bar.
The James Rotterdam
Located close to Centraal Station where the Eurostar gets in, The James is one of the city's coolest design hotels and a prime spot from which to get to the museums and galleries of Rotterdam for the weekend. It's stacked with style; think acres of velvet drapes and mid-century modern furnishings, but with blasts of quirky colour from giant murals of Rolex watches.
Rooms are simple but smart, and while breakfast is not included, guests can grab and go from the 24/7 shop or relax over brunch in the numerous neighbourhood bars and restaurants along the Coolsingel, Meent and Lijnbaan streets nearby.
Pincoffs
Once the city's 19th century customs office, this elegant boutique hotel is all arched windows and vintage glamour, with plush velvet loungers and leather Chesterfields in the bar. Again, being on the riverside, it's a 20-minute walk – or a five-minute water taxi – to all the attractions in the city centre, and it's closer still to the hip Katendrecht district which is packed with cool restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
All its rooms are individually styled with upcycled furnishings and statement wall coverings, Pincoffs offers a more intimate stay than the larger hotels. The rest of the hotel has original high ceilings giving a real feel of space. Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or coffee on the harbourside lounge bar.
Hotel âme
This is a rarity among Rotterdam's rare hotels, being housed in ornate Art Nouveau building which dates back to 1867. From the outside Hotel âme looks elegant and demure, but step inside and it's packed with Scandinavian and Japanese design bringing some cool minimalist style to Rotterdam.
All rooms have high ceilings and simply decor, and often come with sky or garden views, which all add to the Zen vibe. Book a Monumental suite and relax in the room's free-standing bath overlooking the city after a long day out and about.
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