Known as the “Gateway to Europe,” Rotterdam is testament to Dutch resilience and innovation. This dynamic city is home to the largest port in Europe, a title that underscores its pivotal role in global commerce and logistics. But Rotterdam is far more than just a bustling harbour. Following the near-total destruction it faced during World War II, the city has reinvented itself as a canvas of modern architecture, cutting-edge design, and cultural diversity. Its skyline is punctuated by daring structures such as the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge meanwhile, its streets buzz with a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and a culinary landscape that mirrors the city’s multicultural fabric. Rotterdam’s relentless drive towards the future, while deeply rooted in its rich maritime heritage, makes it an endlessly fascinating city for visitors and residents alike.
Mainport Hotel
Book a central stay at this hip, ten-floor, five-star address. Overlooking Rotterdam’s oldest harbour with its vintage barges, the aluminium and glass frontages of Mainport present a stark contrast to its surroundings. Inside, there’s artsy wallpaper themed on the world’s continents, clean lines, moody colour palettes and refined furnishings. The ‘Spa Heaven’ has two treatment rooms, two hammams, a sauna (with a view), a steam room – and around half of the 215 bedrooms even have their own private saunas. Guests can sip cocktails on the hotel’s swanky riverside terrace and dine at the open-plan restaurant. With extensive meeting facilities, Mainport is an excellent choice for the business traveller and tourist alike.
nhow Rotterdam
The ‘h’ remains silent when pronouncing the name of this cutting edge hotel. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas (himself born in the city), it’s found in the Kop van Zuid district. The 275 rooms are housed in what resembles three industrial glass boxes, with a crisp white-centric internal colour scheme, halo lighting and neon signage designating room numbers. Once in your private abode, you’ll find a massive mirror that doubles as a TV, Nespresso coffee makers, blackout curtains and modular furniture. Guests can take the air from nhow’s terrace and early risers will appreciate the crack of dawn breakfast service (which opens from 5.30 am onwards).
Rotterdam Marriott
Found in the heart of the financial district right opposite the central station (to which the property has a direct link), this two-decade-old five-star hotel received a fresh restyle in 2016. But ambient city sounds needn’t be a worry if you’re a light sleeper. Its 228 rooms are all soundproofed, while pillow menus, Egyptian cotton linen and optional hypo-allergenic bedding provide an enhanced level of overnight comfort. As you might expect from an international chain hotel, facilities are plentiful. Two restaurants, a 24-hour fitness centre, salon, coffee shop/café, a deli, bar, electric car charging points, airport transfers, limo service and a business centre are all available for guests’ use.
