Motel One Rotterdam

Motel One Rotterdam proves that budget does not have to mean bland. The hotel stands at Grotekerkplein 70, beside the medieval Laurenskerk, with the Markthal, the Binnenrotte market square and the shops of the centre all within a few minutes’ walk. Its design theme, Manhattan 2.0, plays on Rotterdam’s nickname of Manhattan on the Maas, with turquoise accents, velvet armchairs and leather sofas in the One Lounge, where drinks and snacks are served all day. The big draw is the Panorama Bar on the roof terrace, with views across the skyline that would cost far more elsewhere. The 180 rooms are compact but well thought out, with box-spring beds, granite bathrooms with rain showers, large flat-screen TVs and free WiFi, and some have views over the city.

Location and getting around: you are in the middle of the old centre. The Markthal and the Cube Houses are about three to five minutes away on foot, the Oude Haven and the Maritime Museum about five, and the Erasmus Bridge around fifteen. Beurs and Blaak metro stations are about six minutes away; from Rotterdam Centraal, take metro D or E to Beurs. The area is pedestrianised and traffic calmed, so taxis and cars cannot drop off at the door.

Rooms: the standard rooms measure about 14 to 16 square metres with a queen or king bed, there are smaller rooms for solo travellers, and a few larger rooms come with a view. All are quiet and well insulated.

Who it suits: budget-minded couples, solo travellers and friends on a city break who will spend their days out exploring. Families who need more space should look at a larger room elsewhere.

Good to know: breakfast is an optional organic buffet, served until a little later at weekends. There is no hotel parking; the Markthal and Beursplein garages are close by, and booking a space in advance can save money. Bike storage is a short walk away. A city tourist tax is added to the bill on site, and pets are welcome.