Location

Location! Location! Location! Can’t stress this enough about The James Hotel Rotterdam. We arrived in Rotterdam by train to Central Station, just a short walk to the hotel. Centrally located, the property is walking distance to many attractions such as the Markthal and several museums.

The Rooms

We had a deluxe room with a lovely view of the city. It was spacious enough for baby Dining Traveler’s cot. We also liked that the bathroom was separate from the shower. The room also had an Illy espresso coffee maker which was a lovely touch. The décor is modern minimalistic with some luxurious pops of color with green velvet and gold accents.

The Food

There is no bar or restaurant at The James Rotterdam Hotel which I was a bit disappointed about. However, the staff gave me a great explanation. The management wants to encourage guests to explore the city, especially the local owned bar and restaurants. Here are a few places we recommend walking distance from the property: Dudok for breakfast or coffee (you must have the Apple pie!), Sugo for pizza, and one of my favorite places in the city, the Markthal which has a variety of food offerings. Bonus: upon check-in you get a 10% off coupon at Dudok.
The hotel also has a lounge where you can purchase self-serve items like bread, cheese, and yogurt for breakfast. You can also buy beer, wine, and snacks and hang out at the lounge.

Amenities

The James Rotterdam is a small boutique hotel, but it has all the essential amenities and a little extra. The gym is small, but it has a solid selection of machines and free weights. The high-speed Wi-Fi works like a charm and love that there’s a lounge area where you can catch up on work in a calm, stylish environment. If you’re traveling on business, you can book a meeting room. You can also borrow a bicycle or scooter to discover the city.

The James Rotterdam: The Verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable yet stylish option, The James Rotterdam is the place for you. Great location, comfortable rooms, and beautiful design make it a top choice for my return trips to Rotterdam.

The James Rotterdam Hotel, Aert van Nesstraat 25, 3012 CA Rotterdam, Website 

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A look at Dutch Owned Hotels in Rotterdam

And then of course there are locally owned hotels. Not necessarily always ‘boutique’ but properties owned and operated by a local individual or family. They may run multiple hotels, in multiple cities but each has a distinct look and feel. The common denominator being a warm and honest mission to be the traveler’s ‘home away from home.’
The city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, has a number of striking properties that fall in this category. Here is our list of five Dutch owned hotels in Rotterdam:

ss Rotterdam

What better way to start our list with an actual ship? The ‘Grande Dame’, as the ship is lovingly known was christened in 1958, the era where the bulk of transatlantic travel was still done by ship. For 10 years her owner Holland America Line, had her sail between Rotterdam and New York, until commercial air travel on the route became the predominant mode of transport. After serving as a cruise liner for 32 years the ship changed ownership  a number of times before she was finally purchased by WestCord Hotels, who had her renovated to serve as the unique hotel it is now, permanently moored in Rotterdam.

We had the pleasure of spending the night aboard this beautiful, iconic ship in 2015, and we were mesmerized by the romance of her interior, her lido deck, and her beautiful bow. Despite being a modern hotel with modern amenities, staying on this ship will invoke visions of a time when travel seemed romantic and grand, and really make your stay in Rotterdam extra special.

ss Rotterdam, 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25, 3072 AM Rotterdam, Netherlands. Website 

citizenM

Many architecture students flock to Rotterdam to admire the city’s remarkable structures: the flying saucer shaped roof of the Blaak train station, the centre-George-Pompidou-like design of the public library, the iconic cube houses on stilts, and one of the newer additions, the multi-functional, multi colored arch shaped canopy that is the ‘markthal’. Literally right around the corner of this cluster of sights you’ll find one of Rotterdam’s oldest port inlets, the ‘Oude Haven’.  Barges ‘docked’ here as early as the year 1350. Lined with cafes, bars and restaurant patios, the area now is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

This is where you’ll find another Dutch owned hotel in Rotterdam,  the citizenM hotel. The glass and steel façade hardly screams that this is a hotel, but once inside you’ll recognize what a great job the designers have done in combining a welcoming atmosphere with modern functional design. Our friends went on a weekend trip to Rotterdam and kept raving about their stay at citizenM. On our list to try for our next trip home!

citizenM Rotterdam Hotel, Geldersestraat 50, 3011 WZ Rotterdam, Netherlands. Website

Hotel New York

Owned and operated by the same company that owns the SS Rotterdam, Hotel New York is another very characteristic building. Formerly the head office of the Holland America Shipping line, the building prominently sits at the top of the Wilhelmina pier. This is where thousands of European families boarded a vessel in search of better economic times in the United States of America. Hotel New York is the epitome of a Dutch owned hotel in Rotterdam.

The hotel, and its excellent restaurant have been beautifully repurposed without losing the nautical heritage of the building. The hotel is served by ‘watertaxi’ and I cannot think of a more pleasurable and quintessentially Rotterdamer way to cross the river Maas. Even when we don’t have the opportunity to stay the night, we make it a point to visit Hotel New York every time we visit the city.

Hotel New York, Koninginnenhoofd 1, 3072 AD Rotterdam, Netherlands. Website 

Hotel ‘Stroom’

Repurposing old warehouses and other industrial structures is part of the revitalization of many industrial cities. I for one love the combination of modern, urban design with the history and character of those buildings and their original purpose. Many moons ago I – fresh out of business school – had my first job interview at a shipping and logistics company at the Lloydkwartier area of Rotterdam. My new leather shoes killed me as I walked the cobble stone streets past warehouses, trucks, and a power plant.

Fast forward to 2017 and an amazing stay at the uber cool Hotel Stroom. ‘Stroom’ means ‘(electrical) current’ in Dutch as this is part of the old power plant that has been transformed into a hotel, brasserie, and bakery. The hotel has studio rooms (some split level) and amazing urban lofts. Our urban loft had a beautiful long wooden conference table with an old (yet functional) typewriter on it, a design fridge, stylishly colored exposed ventilation ducts, floor-to-ceiling windows and classic rotary dial phones. Good thing it did not have a full sized kitchen or we would have never left and permanently moved in. Seriously, Jessica would’ve in a heart beat. Jokes aside though, Stroom is one of the great Dutch owned hotels in Rotterdam.

Stroom Rotterdam, Lloydstraat 1, 3024 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands. Website 

Mainport Hotel

Part of the Dutch Inntel Hotel group, Mainport Hotel is their very sleek and very comfy 5-star design hotel. When looking for luxury hotels in Rotterdam, this makes the top of our list. The term ‘Mainport’ refers to the fact that Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and as such welcomes visitors from all of the world’s continents. The hotel’s interior design reflects this perfectly as every floor of the hotel represents a different continent. Five star hospitality stands for luxury, comfort and high-end amenities.

If you have the chance, stay at one of the rooms with an in-room sauna, or alternatively book a session at the award-winning spa , ‘Spa Heaven’. This Dutch owned hotel in Rotterdam is perfect for business travelers or tourists looking to be pampered yet be in walking distance of downtown’s main attractions. (Kunsthal museum, Erasmus bridge, Markthal, Cube houses). Read about our stay this summer in our earlier post.

Mainport Hotel Rotterdam, Leuvehaven 77, 3011 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands.  Website 

The Verdict

If you want a deeper look into the culture of the Netherlands, consider staying at one of the many Dutch owned hotels in Rotterdam. If you are a lover of great design and hospitality, you will not be disappointed.

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Location

Let’s begin with this: it has its own water taxi stop! The river Meuse (Maas) divides the city between North and South and connects it to the North Sea.  Mainport Rotterdam Hotel finds itself right next to one of Rotterdam’s (and indeed the country’s) most iconic bridges: the ‘Erasmusbridge’.

A water taxi will take you to other hotels, restaurants, and museums along the river. The property is a short 5-10 minute walk to the shopping heart of the city. Just watching ships of all shapes and sizes go by I find incredibly relaxing – and yet, you are in walking distance of many of the main attractions. In short: a great location!

Style:  Rotterdam & the World

The story of Rotterdam simply does not let itself be told without that one, fateful event: the  bombardment of May 14, 1940. German war planes bombed and leveled large parts of the inner city with its ornate, classic buildings. The result is that today Rotterdam is a city of modern buildings, and Mainport Hotel fits right in.

Entering the hotel lobby, you’ll see clean, sleek minimalistic lines yet the colorful furniture and artwork avoid it being sterile.  As said, Rotterdam is Europe’s biggest port, a “Mainport”, this is where the seven continents meet. Therefore, every floor in Mainport hotel represents a different continent.  We’re not quite sure whether it was coincidence or not but our room just happened to be on the floor representing….North America. We loved the symbolism.

The Rooms

Not to be missed was the wallpaper in our room, images of dollar bills and the Statue of Liberty. You may cringe at the words “wallpaper” but the designers at Mainport Rotterdam knew what they were doing. Although not a huge space, this was a very comfortable room with a clever lay out. Modern luxury bathroom with a walk-in shower and bubble bath, a very comfortable bed, a desk and chairs to make the business traveler (or blogger) feel right at home.

The hotel also has some rooms that have an in-room sauna, should you want to indulge in total relaxation.  As a matter of fact: the hotel has an award winning spa and wellness program!

The Food

With lots of people to meet in and around Rotterdam, this time we only enjoyed breakfast at Mainport Rotterdam. And enjoy it we did. A great buffet with all the breakfast staples; egg, sausage, plenty of fresh bread, a separate omelet bar, salmon, granola, yogurts,fruit and coffee and tea.  And don’t be too shy to ask for a glass of champagne!

The Spa

Although we did not get to experience the spa, we did have the opportunity to tour the spa area. With an eclectic decor of funky lounge chairs and colorful artwork, the spa at Mainport Rotterdam keeps up with the rest of the property. I highly advise to book your spa experience ahead of time as it gets booked quite quickly. Jessica tried to book during our stay but was not able to get a last minute slot.

Mainport Rotterdam Hotel: The Verdict

I have to say: I felt right at home from the second we walked into Mainport Rotterdam Hote’sl 5 star design atmosphere.  It’s comfortable, bright, modern, and at a great location. We were so lucky to have mild evenings for a lovely walk across the bridge and along the water.  The staff is friendly and helpful and the rooms have all you need. With this level of comfort, you’ll see a healthy mix of business travelers and tourists, adding to Rotterdam’s cosmopolitan vibes.

Mainport Rotterdam Hotel, Schiedamsedijk 140, 3011 EN Rotterdam, Netherlands, Website

Disclaimer: we received a media rate for the hotel, but opinions are our own.

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Getting There

A weekend trip to Rotterdam is logistically easy. You can get there fast by Thalys (high speed train) from Brussels or Paris. You can also take the Belgian or Dutch rail from Brussels. It’s a bit more economical than the Thalys, but you will encounter a bit more stops. It’s an hour train ride from Amsterdam Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal, respectively. More on how to get around in Holland here.

What to Do

There’s plenty to do during a weekend trip to Rotterdam. Here are some of my favorite stops:

• Water Taxi: Rotterdam being the largest port in Europe, is surrounded by water. My Dutchman recommends to take the water taxi, it’s part of the public transportation system. At 4,50 EUR per person for the city center area, it’s a steal to take in the city by water.
• Boat Tour: During my last trip to Rotterdam this winter, my in-laws, the piccola, and my hubby took a boat tour via Spido, a boat tour along the river Maas.  We sat around the table with delicious Dutch apple pie and coffees and took in the view. Bonus: the space is very baby friendly with ample space for a stroller. Price: 13,25 EUR per person. 
• Museums: There are several museums in Rotterdam, however, if you are spending a weekend in Rotterdam, there’s one museum I recommend. Although there are I’ve been to the Kunsthal Rotterdam several times, I never get bored with the collections. Tip: take the time to discover the garden that surrounds the museum grounds.
• Witte de With: This street is one of my favorites in Rotterdam. Lined with cute coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries, it’s a cool slice of Rotterdamer culture.

Architecture

From the moment you step out the Rotterdam Centraal station, you get to admire the creative architecture of the city. I recommend wandering across the city and taking in the architectural wonders. Some of my favorite buildings include: Markthal, the Cube Houses, Hotel New York, the Maritime Museum, and the “Pencil” Building. More info on architecture on the Rotterdam Tourism website.  If you are short on time during your weekend trip to Rotterdam, consider an architectural tour. Bonus: you can stay at one of the cube houses via AirBNB!

Where to Eat

The Netherlands has a bad reputation when it comes to its cuisine. However, when you dive deeper, you see that there are two components that make Dutch cuisine special: fresh ingredients and creativity. Rotterdam is a shining example of this. Being a very international city, the city has a global flair when it comes to its cuisine.

My Picks: Restaurants in Rotterdam

Markthal: For the lovers of food: the weekend trip to Rotterdam is worth it in just the Markthal experience! This architectural gem is one of the most creative food markets I have ever experienced. Indulge in chocolate covered stroopwafels, traditional Dutch herring, Spanish tapas, among other delicacies at the Markthal. Here’s my detailed guide to the Markthal.

Ceviche y Maas: My Peruvian friend Jimmy took me to this place when I visited last year. From all the Peruvian restaurants in Holland, Jimmy says it’s his favorite. From the perfectly cured ceviche to their passion fruit cheesecake, I highly recommend adding Ceviche y Maas to your weekend in Rotterdam itinerary.

Fenix Food Factory: This smaller market is the antithesis of the massive Markthal. It has small, local stalls with cheese, charcuterie, mediterranean tapas, among other vendors.  Make sure to bring cash as many of the vendors only take Dutch debit cards.

Ayla: If you want to get your Mediterranean fix in a modern setting, this is the place. We loved the inventive cocktail list, the sizzling skirt steak, and the stuffed aubergine. Like the Dutch would say: Lekker!

Dewi Sri: No trip to The Netherlands would be complete without a visit to an Indonesian restaurant. At the recommendation of my Dutchman’s best friend who is married to an Indonesian woman, it’s a culinary experience. I am a fan of the rice table as it has small plates of all the classic Indonesian dishes such as beef rendang, satay, and gado gado.

Hotel New York: The restaurant at Hotel New York is loved by visitors and locals alike. On the weekends it gets quite busy, so I recommend that you make a reservation. Indulge in Dutch seafood such as oysters freshly caught from the North Sea. Here’s my detailed review of Hotel New York.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels to choose from for your weekend trip to Rotterdam. These are my picks based on experience. If you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, I recommend SS Rotterdam. A former Holland America cruise liner, it is now a hotel. Hotel New York is also a great place to stay, in a great location as you have access to both Water Taxi and the City Center. We recently had drinks at the nhow Hotel, the views from the hotel bar are amazing. One of my friends recently stayed there and was impressed with the modern rooms and service. Another great choice is Citizen M.  This boutique hotel focuses on comfort and design with limited space.

Weekend Trip to Rotterdam: The Verdict

You may think I am biased because of my family ties to Rotterdam, but I must say, I love this city. When we move back to Europe, we’ve discussed either moving to the Dutchman’s hometown or to Den Haag.  I believe that Rotterdam provides a glimpse to modern Dutch life with a diverse angle. There are not many tourists compared to Amsterdam which gives you the freedom to move about quite easily in the city. Whether you’re in the surrounding cities or coming from abroad, I recommend you take a weekend trip to Rotterdam.

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For many Rotterdamers (my Dutchman included) the iconic Hotel New York is a source of pride of a city that was destroyed during World War II and reinvented as one of the modern architecture pioneers in Northern Europe.  In the midst of avant  garde structures, Hotel New York clings to the magic of the past, it was the head office of Holland-America line, at the time not a cruise liner but a regular ship service between Rotterdam and New York.  A hundred years later, the hotel and restaurant still preserves that distinct nautical theme.

Hotel New York still remains as a functioning hotel, part of the Dutch hotel brand WestCord , which has a portfolio of unique boutique hotels throughout the country (I previously posted about SS Rotterdam).  However, the restaurant is quite popular with locals and travelers alike.  I’ve been there several times and highly recommend it for a Dutch experience.

Dining at Rotterdam’s Hotel New York Restaurant: 

The Scene: Especially on the weekend the restaurant at Hotel New York can be crowded.  I recommend to make reservations or be prepared to wait.  There, you see a mix of people: large group of friends, families, and occasional tourists.  The dining room is grand with large glass chandeliers intertwined with their classic nautical theme.

The Food:  I’ll give it to the Dutch, they have great seafood.  The cold waters of the North Sea give way to great oysters, mussels, and herring.  As a seafood lover, I enjoy to dive into a platter of oysters to start the meal.  They are usually sourced from the north part of the country with a nice briny finish.  If you love seafood, order the Hotel New York platter with all the highlights of the raw bar.  End the meal with their extensive selection of desserts (we love the lemon cake).

When in Rotterdam, schedule a meal at the Hotel New York restaurant for a snapshot of Dutch culture and cuisine.  Walk off the calories with a stroll along the promenade and take in the view of the Erasmus Bridge, a key identifier of Rotterdam, and the modern skyline of the city. Local Tip:  you can arrive by water taxi,  the ‘taxi stand’ is right next to the hotel. Makes the nautical experience complete.  Info: http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl

Hotel New York, Koninginnenhoofd 1, 3072 AD Rotterdam, Netherlands www.hotelnewyork.com/restaurant 

More about Rotterdam dining: The Markthal experience.

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SS Rotterdam Hotel Facade

Our Classic Room at SS Rotterdam Hotel

The Food & Bar: We went to the bar for a night cap and loved the relaxed atmosphere of the bar and the retro decor with plush velour chairs and gold trimmings. We noticed the bar and restaurant are also pretty popular with locals and Dutch tourists. They also have event spaces that according to the Dutchman and his family are pretty popular in the city for corporate events and parties. The breakfast was delicious and quite popular (we noticed non guests at the restaurant for the buffet).  There’s everything from custom made eggs to the traditional dutch pancakes.  Local tip: Make sure to check out its sister hotel, Hotel New York for lunch and lovely views of the city. 

The Bellman at SS Rotterdam Hotel

The Location: Although not centrally located, there are many ways to get to the SS Rotterdam Hotel. If coming from Rotterdam Centraal Station, take a metro and then a bus to get to the hotel (the hotel has also shuttle service from the metro to the hotel).  We decided to take a taxi from the central station. The taxi from the station to the hotel was around 25 Euros.  There is ample parking if you’re coming by car (15 Euros per day). Another way to get around is by water taxi. Wish we could have done that, but we were too short on time, it’s an affordable way to catch great views of the city!

View from SS Rotterdam Hotel Lido Deck

Verdict:  The SS Rotterdam Hotel is a unique experience with its original decor and fascinating story. You get to experience history in every corner of the property (tours are available to guests and visitors at a fee).  I truly enjoyed the experience and its character, it felt as if I was stepping into history. You can feel the old glamour of those who crossed the Atlantic or sailed in the blue waters of the Caribbean.

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Markthal Exterior

Ol

Tapas at Markthal

Food Stand at Markthal

Interior of the Markthal (Windows are of Residents)

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