Where to stay in Rotterdam
If you want to visit Rotterdam because you want to watch the World Rowing Championships then you need to look for accommodation close to the venue, the Willem-Alexander Baan. This artificial lake isn’t in the city of Rotterdam itself, but in the village of Zevenhuizen, 12 kilometres north-east of the city. Any accommodation near to the venue is going to be booked up very quickly so you’ll need to get in quick if you want to be close to the event.
However, if you want to spend some time sightseeing as well as watching the competition you’ll be better off looking for a more central location and there’s a good selection of accommodation in the centre of Rotterdam. Staying in the city centre will mean you’re close to some of the attractions we’ve already mentioned and be able to access transport to take you to the competition.
There are some luxury hotels in a prime location, just a five minute walk from the city centre. Mainport Hotel, for example, offers some impressive views of the city skyline as well as a Finnish sauna and hamam. Suite Hotel Pincoffs is just across the river and steps away from public transport. If you’d prefer to stay in a large chain hotel you won’t be disappointed with the pet-friendly Hilton Rotterdam.
If your budget is a little smaller there’s also a good range of mid-priced hotels. For example, citizenM Rotterdam is just a few steps from Blaak station. There’s the Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam-Central Station that’s just a short stroll away from Central Station.
Even those with the tightest of budgets will have no problems finding somewhere to stay. The Hotel Baan is near a train station or there’s Bienvenue which is just a short walk from the city centre.
Got time to travel outside of Rotterdam?
If you’ve got more than a few hours to spare or want to extend your stay past the Championship there are plenty of pleasant excursions within an easy commute of Rotterdam.
- Bergen op Zoom – a historic old town 67 kilometres south of Rotterdam. It’s known for its large squares and pleasant zones just for pedestrians.
- Witches Weighhouse (Museum de Waag) – located in Oudeware this is famous for once being used to weigh those suspected of being a witch. Their weight mattered because they would need to be light enough to ride on a broomstick.
- Zierikzee – this is located on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland and tourists visit the yacht harbour, the picturesque old town centre and enjoy the beautiful beaches edged by wooded dunes.