Business trip to Rotterdam: No nonsense business city with international allure
Rotterdam, Roffa or Rotjeknor ... Rotterdam is just gers*! For example, did you know that Rotterdam has already been named ''the place to be'' once by Lonely Planet and The New York Times? It was also named European City of 2015, has (still) the largest port in Europe and Rotterdam is the city where one of our Uniglobe Alliance Travel offices is located! In this blog I, Business Travel Consultant Jasper, am proud and happy to share some tips for a business trip to Rotterdam and make sure you have a comfortable stay!
Manhattan on the Meuse
Anyone who sees Rotterdam's skyline will understand why the city is called "Manhattan on the Maas." In Rotterdam you will find the tallest buildings in the Netherlands interspersed with modern architecture. Think for example of the Central Station, the new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, The Market Hall, De Rotterdam, The Euromast or the Cube Houses. You can also find a lot of street art in Rotterdam and there are plenty of museums, art galleries, cultural events and more. Rotterdam is a cool and vibrant city but without mass tourism, steaming coffee shops or a Red Light District.
Travel to Rotterdam
By train, you travel by Intercity direct from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam Central in 25 minutes. From Utrecht Central it is about 35 minutes travel time. Rotterdam is also on the route of the Thalys, which will take you from Paris to Rotterdam in 2 hours and 37 minutes. With Eurostar you can get to Rotterdam from London in 3 hours and 41 minutes. So in different ways sustainable, comfortable and quick to reach.
Rotterdam is also easy to reach by car. In the city center there are many parking facilities and just outside the center there are several P&R parking lots. From here you can travel by public transport to the center for free and often pay an attractive parking rate.
Thanks to the nearby "Rotterdam The Hague Airport", Rotterdam is also an attractive city internationally for seminars or conferences. The airport is located just outside the city and the city center can be reached by cab or metro within 15 minutes.
Staying overnight in Rotterdam
There are several nice hotels in Rotterdam where you can enjoy staying both on a business trip and a private visit. I have listed a few hotels:
- The Rotterdam Marriott Hotel. This hotel is very centrally located opposite the Central Station. This makes this hotel the ideal starting point to explore the city. This hotel offers stylish rooms with all modern facilities. Also for a stay with a business group or the organization of a (multi-day) meeting, this beautiful hotel offers many possibilities.
- Nhow Rotterdam. This hotel was designed by the famous architect Rem Koolhaas. This modern hotel enjoys a unique location on the Maas River overlooking the city. This hotel also offers meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes. Hop on the water cab in front of the door and discover the versatility of Rotterdam. The ideal base for your business trip to Rotterdam.
- The CitizenM hotel. Located in the cozy "Old Harbour" of Rotterdam, this hotel is in the center of the city. It can be easily reached by train (next to Blaak train station) and is opposite the Market Hall. This hotel offers attractively priced rooms for people who love luxury and design.
Delicious food in the city
Over the past 10 years, thousands of eating and drinking establishments have been added in Rotterdam. As a true metropolis, these include many (healthy) to-go places where you can quickly pick up a meal during your busy workday, but for the most part these are social dining restaurants.
As a city of 170 nationalities, you can enjoy a cultural variety of flavors. From African, Surinamese, Javanese and Spanish to Afghan. Hip, trendy, urban or traditional. In addition, Rotterdam is home to several Michelin restaurants. Again, all with their own character and style. Actually it is not even possible to start giving tips because of the many good places to eat. But I am happy to help you on your way with some suggestions:
- The Harbour Club is located in the city park, near the Euromast. This seafood restaurant is an ideal venue for a business meeting. This is also the right place for business groups.
- A classic in Rotterdam: Hotel New York. At this hotel you can not only spend a wonderful night, but you can certainly eat and drink fantastic food. This hotel is also in a unique location on the Wilhelminakade where the cruise ships (normally) dock daily. It is also possible here, with a small group, to organize an exclusive private dinner in one of the beautiful authentic meeting rooms. A unique location to plan a business meeting during your business trip to Rotterdam.
- Those who don't want to sit in a restaurant but want to explore the city a bit more and still enjoy delicious food will do well at the Market Hall downtown or in the Foodhallen on the Wilhelminakade. Here you can taste many different (international) dishes, and if you want, eat them too.
Doing business in this tough port city?
As far as I am concerned, Rotterdam is the most beautiful and fun city in the Netherlands where there is an awful lot to do. A city that vibrates, develops super fast and where we do business with a no nonsense mentality. All in all, Rotterdam is a great city for your next business trip!
Want more information about your business trip to Rotterdam? With pleasure we make we A proposal for your next meeting or business trip to Rotterdam. Planning a one- or multi-day visit to this Dutch metropolis with more than 10 people? Our Groups & Incentives department goMICE will be happy to help you create a surprising and unique program!
Travel Well!
Jasper
Business Travel Consultant
*gers: Rotterdams for cool or fun
Update: This blog first appeared on June 07, 2021 and was updated with new information on May 24, 2022.
