by Staying in Rotterdam without emptying your wallet is easy. The second largest city in the Netherlands is one of the country’s top destinations, offering hotels for every taste and budget. We’ll tell you about the best areas and hotels to stay in Rotterdam. We’ll also give you 25 things to do in the city so you can make the most of your visit.
Centrum, the Best Area to Stay in Rotterdam
If your visit is purely touristy, staying in the city center is the most convenient option. Rotterdam’s heart is large and varied, with districts that change completely within it. Most attractions are located in Stadsdriehoek, the Triangle of Rotterdam. Here you’ll find the famous Cube Houses, Markthal, Oude Haven, the Maritime Museum, and many more interesting sights. Therefore, we believe this is the best area to stay in Rotterdam. Within the center, the Cool district is also very interesting. It’s primarily residential but also features shopping streets and large stores. Regarding prices, there’s no need to worry. Rotterdam offers all kinds of accommodations. In the city center, you’ll find everything from luxurious options to modern hostels perfectly suited to tourists’ needs. Our recommendations in Centrum:
- The James Rotterdam
- Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam – Central Station
- ibis Rotterdam City Centre
I recently stayed at The James Rotterdam, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Located in the heart of Centrum, this hotel offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and convenience.
Hotel Name: The James Rotterdam
Location: Centrum, Rotterdam
Promotions: They currently offer a special 15% discount on direct bookings for stays of three nights or more.
Room Rates: Prices start at €120 per night for a standard room, inclusive of breakfast.
Recommendation Index: 9/10
Check-in Experience: Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the reception staff who provided efficient service and a seamless check-in process. The lobby area is contemporary and inviting, setting the tone for a comfortable stay.
Room and Amenities: My room was spacious and elegantly designed, featuring a plush king-sized bed, a well-appointed work desk, and a stylish seating area. The decor was modern yet cozy, with thoughtful touches like complimentary Wi-Fi, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a selection of teas.
Services and Facilities: The hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, perfect for maintaining your fitness routine while traveling. Additionally, guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast served in the stylish dining area, featuring a variety of fresh and delicious options to start the day right.
Transportation: Getting to The James Rotterdam from Rotterdam The Hague Airport is convenient via taxi, taking approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a direct train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, followed by a short tram ride to the hotel.
Booking Platform: I booked my stay directly through the hotel’s official website, which offered the best rates and exclusive promotions. The booking process was straightforward, and I appreciated the flexibility to customize my reservation based on my travel dates and preferences.
Overall Experience: My stay at The James Rotterdam was nothing short of excellent. The combination of stylish accommodations, top-notch service, and a central location made it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers alike. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a memorable stay in Rotterdam.
To book your stay at The James Rotterdam, you can visit their official website or use popular booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.
Staying in Feijenoord, Across the Erasmus Bridge
Feijenoord is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, partly because it’s home to one of the country’s most famous football teams. Aside from sports, it’s diverse and enormous in every aspect. Over 70,000 people from about 70 different countries live here. Approximately only 36% of Feijenoord residents are native Dutch. It’s the multicultural hub of Rotterdam, boasting Europe’s largest mosque.
The neighborhood is diverse and intriguing. With its modern buildings, Rotterdam projects an image of wealth and prosperity it doesn’t entirely possess. Its port, Europe’s largest, has made it an important city. However, parts of Feijenoord like Bloemhof or Hillesluis face significant poverty and are considered some of the country’s most dangerous districts.
Nevertheless, the northern part of the neighborhood, near the Erasmus Bridge, features super-modern and renowned hotels. In fact, we stayed there and were delighted despite some problematic areas. We believe the northern part of Feijenoord is one of the best areas to stay in Rotterdam: centrally located, well-connected, and very safe.
Good hotels in Feijenoord:
- nhow Rotterdam
- Hotel New York
- Room Mate Bruno
Noord, a Good Alternative to Stay in Rotterdam
True to its name, this neighborhood is located north of Rotterdam and not far at all. In fact, when you exit the beautiful central station from the back, you’ll already be in the neighborhood. So if you’re looking to be well-connected, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Rotterdam. It’s a comprehensive neighborhood with everything: good transportation, quiet streets, and green spaces. It’s generally a highly popular residential area in the city, although it has increasingly opened up to tourism over the years. Therefore, several hotels can be found in the neighborhood. The positive side is that prices are significantly cheaper than in the center. Best accommodations in Noord:
- a&o Rotterdam City
- Days Inn by Wyndham Rotterdam City Centre
Enjoy your stay in Rotterdam, and make the most of these diverse and vibrant neighborhoods!
Staying in Delfshaven, One of the Most Picturesque Areas in the City
And finally, we conclude with Delfshaven, one of the most interesting areas to stay in Rotterdam. Without a doubt, we found it to be the most picturesque area of the city. Delfshaven is filled with historic buildings and art galleries, making it perfect for strolling. Interestingly, this district was an independent municipality until 1886, although its history dates back much further, all the way to 1389.
Regarding hotels, there isn’t a wide variety, but generally, they are quite affordable. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a double room for around €80 per night. However, keep in mind that staying in Delfshaven might not be the most advisable if you want to thoroughly explore the city, as it’s quite far from the center.
Good options in Delfshaven:
- Orion Hotel
- Hotel Port
Rotterdam offers a vibrant tapestry of modernity and history, making it a captivating destination in the Netherlands. From its iconic architecture like the Erasmus Bridge and Cube Houses to its rich cultural offerings such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and Maritime Museum, there’s something to delight every visitor. Whether you choose to explore the bustling city center or opt for the quieter charm of neighborhoods like Delfshaven, Rotterdam promises a memorable experience. With a plethora of accommodation options ranging from luxurious hotels in Centrum to charming stays in Delfshaven, finding the perfect place to stay is both easy and rewarding.
For booking hotels in Rotterdam, popular platforms include:
- Booking.com
- Expedia
- Hotels.com
- Airbnb
These platforms offer a wide range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this dynamic Dutch city. Plan your trip, book your stay, and immerse yourself in Rotterdam’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
