Best Design Hotels in Zuid-Holland

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.

This cool and quirky hotel provides a refreshing change with its colourful and playful décor and plenty of places for guests to unwind for a while. Located just a short stroll from Rotterdam Blaak railway and overlooking the pretty Oude Haven, the CitizenM Rotterdam boasts an excellent location. The traditional lobby has been replaced by a series of stylish living rooms where guests are encouraged to linger, while guests are invited to use one of the Apple Macs during their stay or inspect the large library that contains books on just about every subject imaginable. Guests lean towards the minimalistic side of things with furnishings in neutral tones. Guests can start their day with fresh salmon and bread in CanteenM and end it with an expertly mixed cocktail from the extensive list that offers plenty of exotic surprises to sample.

Formerly the Dutch National Bank, this is now a 63 bedroom boutique hotel. There are many nods to the building’s past life, including the original lifts, minibars housed in small safes, a brasserie named Stocks and Bonds and the Gold Bar in what was once the bank’s vault; Indigo’s speakeasy bar is distinctly 1920s, accessed via the old vault doors. The design is contemporary yet retro, with a mid-century colour palette and lots of chestnut brown wood panelling, brass and marble in the mix. The 19th-century property is located right opposite the Royal Palace Noordeinde.

If Dutch old-world charm is what you seek, stay at The Collector Hotel. Each room has been individually designed by artists and named The Wallet, The Canvas, The Cabinet, The Frame, The Gallery and The Collector Loft (a double level duplex apartment with a standalone bathtub.). The hotel contains items that have been carefully curated – a selection of unique furniture and decorative objects. Hence each room contains an explorer’s ‘collection’, which will delight those who enjoy creative detail. Tan and deep green leather, pops of mustard yellow, gilt hardware, Persian rugs, banana plants, modern art come Elizabethan portraits and Zenology toiletries are found within, alongside an onsite bar and restaurant.

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).