The Netherlands is much more than Amsterdam, and sibling city Rotterdam proves it.
The vibes in Rotterdam are younger, as is the city itself. This busy port city feels modern yet still treats architecture admirers to the Dutch styles their camera lenses crave.
And most importantly, the hotels in Rotterdam range from lavish lounges with private spas to odd, artsy abodes that feel ripped from a fever dream.
Image Credit and Location: Hilton Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The best hotels in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Looking for where to stay in Rotterdam? These rooms are worth running to.
A Small Hotel Rotterdam
Best for: Envisioning life in a Rotterdam flat
You already know that there’s a small hotel in Rotterdam, but have you heard about the A Small Hotel Rotterdam? Taking up a little patch of land on the lively Witte de Withstraat, A Small Hotel Rotterdam is obviously a small-scale affair but sure leaves a big impression. Six rooms, each spacious and with a terrace, offer more of a lived-in feel without the large fees of an apartment rental.
Hilton Rotterdam
Best for: A taste of luxury with a side of convenience
Rotterdam Centraal + Hilton Rotterdam = a convenient way to see Roffa (an affectionate nickname for the city), especially with the train station serving Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Joelia, the Hilton Rotterdam’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is reason enough to spend the night. Even if you have kids, let them jump on the king beds in the connecting family room while you savor a quiet, drool-worthy dinner.
Image Credit and Location: Hilton Rotterdam, The Netherlands
S.S. Rotterdam
Best for: Cruise vibes without leaving port
Wow, where do we start with the S.S. Rotterdam? It’s a former cruise ship that’s now docked in the Maashaven as an overnight hotel. Instead of high tea, the Ocean Bar serves a three-course High Wine. The cozy cruise cabin rooms are easy to get into and out of, which is key because the old cold-storage rooms below deck have been turned into challenging escape rooms with only a 40% success rate.
Stayokay Hostel
Best for: Backpackers and penny-pinchers
A night at Stayokay Hostel is more than just “okay”. “Okay” is finding a hotel in Rotterdam that’s kinda clean and kinda cheap. Stayokay Hostel is as fantastic as the budget as the bunks are on your pack. These Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom are decked out in local art, stocked with pizza, and ready to lend you a bicycle so you can explore more of Rotterdam without blowing your budget.
Image Credit: Taco van der Welf. Image Location: Stayokay Hostel, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Mainport Hotel
Best for: Luxe nights in Rotterdam
Whether you start your visit to Mainport Hotel with arrival at the private jetty via water taxi or end every night watching the sunset from the Erasmusbrug, you won’t regret spoiling yourself with a stay at this 5-star hotel in Rotterdam. The indoor pool and spa mean pampering no matter the season, but if you prefer to stay holed up in your suite, book one that has a private sauna, whirlpool tub, and walk-in shower big enough for you and your lucky plus-one.
Van der Valk Hotel Rotterdam-Blijdorp
Best for: Zoo lovers
Anyone fond of animals won’t mind staying at Van der Valk Hotel Rotterdam-Blijdorp. Since the hotel sits alongside the Rotterdam Zoo, you can book a Rotterdam Blijdorp Zoo Experience with Van der Valk Hotel which includes tickets to the zoo and oceanarium, breakfast, and a superior room.
Image Credit and Location: Hotel Not Hotel, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Hotel Not Hotel Rotterdam
Best for: A quirky stay
Hotel Not Hotel Rotterdam is most definitely a hotel in Rotterdam, though the room themes may convince you your tea was spiked with a hallucinogen, like Ted Lasso in the Amsterdam-set episode of the series. Sleeping in a vertical swimming pool? Waking up in a cuckoo clock? We doubt you’ll have trouble finding the candy-house room; and if you’ve had one too many margaritas in the hotel’s Mexican restaurant? Well, let’s just say you’ll have a mighty hard time finding the invisible room.
Train it to Rotterdam
Did you know that a train ticket from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs as low as $21.66 and takes less than an hour? Why not consider a day trip from the Dutch capital by train? Download the Trainline app and you’ll find the perfect excuse and price point for spending a night in the Netherlands’ second-largest city.
Header Image Credit: Taco van der Welf. Image Location: Stayokay Hostel, Rotterdam, The Netherlands