For many visitors, Hotel New York is Rotterdam. The grand brick building with its two green copper towers was built in 1917 as the head office of the Holland America Line, and it was from the quays around it that millions of emigrants left for the United States. Since 1993 it has been a hotel, and it keeps the period atmosphere with original wood panelling, boardrooms and views over the Maas. There are 72 rooms, all with the same comfortable beds and facilities but very different shapes and views, from former directors’ boardrooms to river-view rooms and two rooms inside the rooftop towers. The ground-floor café-restaurant is a city institution, open from breakfast to late evening, with an oyster bar serving fresh seafood, and the NY Basement adds charcoal-grilled dishes. Guests can arrive by water taxi.
Location and getting around: the hotel stands at Koninginnenhoofd 1, at the end of the Wilhelminapier in the Kop van Zuid, surrounded by the towers of De Rotterdam and the Maastoren. The Erasmus Bridge and the Wilhelminaplein metro station are about ten minutes on foot, putting the city centre, the Markthal and Rotterdam Centraal a few stops away. Water taxis leave from right outside, the quickest way to reach Katendrecht, the ss Rotterdam or the Euromast, and Fenix is across the Rijnhaven bridge.
Rooms: room categories include river-side rooms, Rijnhaven rooms facing the old harbour basin, the Boardroom Suites in the former offices, a roof terrace room with a private terrace and the two Tower Rooms in the copper domes. The rooms are individual rather than uniform, so read the room type carefully if you want a river view. Expect espresso machines, flat-screen TVs and safes in the rooms, and 24-hour room service.
Who it suits: couples looking for a memorable weekend, history lovers drawn by the emigration story, and anyone who wants to stay somewhere with a strong sense of place rather than a chain hotel.
Good to know: breakfast is usually charged separately unless your rate includes it. The restaurant is busy and popular with locals, so the ground floor can be lively. There is a guarded parking garage, but the water taxi and metro are easier than driving.
Why stay here
- ✓Former Holland America Line head office
- ✓Tower Rooms in the copper domes
- ✓Café-restaurant open all day
- ✓Oyster bar with fresh seafood
- ✓NY Basement charcoal grill
- ✓Water taxi from the door
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Guarded parking garage
Good questions
Why is it called Hotel New York?+
The building was the head office of the Holland America Line, whose ships sailed from here to New York. It opened as a hotel in 1993 and keeps much of its original character.
Can you stay in the towers at Hotel New York?+
Yes, two Tower Rooms have been created inside the green copper rooftop towers. They are among the most sought-after rooms, so book early.
How do I get from Hotel New York to the city centre?+
Walk over the Erasmus Bridge in about ten to fifteen minutes or take the metro from Wilhelminaplein. Water taxis also leave from right outside.
