Inside Rotterdam selected the top 10 hotel bars with the nicest views, best co*cktails, and friendliest staff.
Hotel New York
One of the most cosmopolitan hotel bars on the architecturally stunning Kop van Zuid. The enormous bar in the world-famous Hotel New York buzzes with activity and is a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Order a bar snack or a meal from a selection of brasserie classics while enjoying a wine from the bar’s comprehensive wine list.
Koninginnehoofd 1
Nhow
Nhow Hotel’s BAR on the 7th floor of the iconic De Rotterdam building has the greatest of views. Scanning the skyline from its terrace overlooking the Maas you can see the Euromast, the historic Scheepvaartkwartier, and the Erasmus Bridge. Nhow is the first hotel to be completely designed inside and out by Rem Koolhaas (OMA Architects). BAR has a nouvelle-rough interior and is a popular haunt for hipsters but attracts a wider public as well. Enjoying alcoholic or Virgin (alcohol-free) co*cktails, shrimp croquettes or tuna sashimi in this ‘vertical city’ that was built to work and live in, but also for entertainment, you feel very much the sophisticated world citizen.
Wilhelminakade 137
ss Rotterdam
The steamship (ss) Rotterdam made her first journey to New York on 3 September 1959. Nowadays she is permanently moored as a hotel and restaurant. But the ‘good old times’ of the great cruises live on, especially in the Ocean Bar, which is built in the shape of a wave. Apple Pie Mojito, Watermelon Cosmopolitan…there are co*cktails to be enjoyed on board. One of the special attractions of this bar is its chairs, positioned grandly alongside its windows. The perfect place to spend the evening gazing at the stars and the city lights.
3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25
Marriott
Yellow and blue accents predominate in the pleasantly decorated hotel bar Pillars, just a minute’s walk from Central Station. In between its pillars you can imbibe speciality beers from Rotterdam’s Kaapse Brouwers (Brewers), and locally distilled spirits from Schiedam, including the prize-winning Rutte Celery Gin and Nolet’s Silverdry Gin. Ketel One vodka is another good tipple. co*cktails are inspired by Rotterdam’s proud master blender, Barrelproof Company. Try The Ginger Bird—it’s guaranteed to make you sing!
Weena 686
NH Atlanta
Classic co*cktails in classic surroundings. Atlanta is located in the city centre, diagonally across from the Stadhuis (city hall) in a monumental building dating back to 1929. Marble floors, lots of wood, art deco fixtures, and impressive chandeliers give hotel and bar Atlanta an authentic 1930s feel. Very classy.
Aert van Nesstraat 4
Suite Hotel Pincoffs
One of the city’s cosiest bars, located close to Erasmus Bridge in the nostalgic clerks’ rooms of a former customs building. Sink into a comfy armchair and enjoy a glass of beer, a wine, or perhaps a tea, grown around the corner by Rotterdamse Munt. Something nice and summery? How about a litre jug of tinto de verano made with red wine, lemonade, and fresh fruit.
Stieltjesstraat 34
Hilton
Another hotel bar just a stone’s throw away from the Stadhuis is Stadshal Bar & Restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton. With its huge glass façade it couldn’t be more public. What’s more, its strategic position and high bar stools mean you don’t miss a thing. Settle into the 1950s-inspired wood and earthy-toned interior and sip a Bobby’s gin and tonic. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, the hip co*cktail club, HUGH, is right next door.
Kruiskade 9
Mainport
Every floor on this five star hotel exudes the atmosphere of a different continent. co*cktail bar On the Rocks, with its purple and red cushions and dark couches, has a sultry, Oriental feel to it, accentuated further by its co*cktails such as Lapsang Souchong Sour and small dishes like sushi, sashimi and yakitori. But with a portion of Dutch bitterballs and the view over the water you are not fooled … this is Rotterdam for sure.
Leuvehaven 77
Bilderberg Parkhotel
Parkhotel has a beautiful inner-city garden, a restaurant inspired by Erik van Loo from the Michelin-star restaurant Parkheuvel, its own cigar lounge, and an intimate lobby bar. For early-morning coffee, after-work drinks, and pre-dinner co*cktails.
Westersingel 70
Citizen M
Trendy Citizen M is centrally located, close to the Markthal and the entertainment district Oude Haven, also known for its historic ships. The cheerfully decorated CanteenM, with its collection of fire-red bottles above its well-organized bar is open 24/7. Signature co*cktail: the Mobile Martini.
Gelderseplein 50
