Rotterdam is not just Europe’s largest harbour city – it is also one of the most fascinating examples of how destruction can be turned into reinvention. Flattened in the Second World War, Rotterdam has transformed itself into a playground for daring architecture, urban design, and contemporary culture. Today, it is the only Dutch city with a Manhattan-style skyline, and among the new additions that crown this ambition is De Rotterdam, the vertical city designed by world-famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
Inside this 2013 landmark sits the Nhow Rotterdam Hotel, part of the unconventional lifestyle brand that already shook up the hospitality scene in Milan and Berlin. In 2025, when I returned to Rotterdam, I decided to experience it for myself – and what a stay it turned out to be.
Rotterdam’s Reinvention
I first visited Rotterdam back in 1998, and truthfully, I found the city ugly and disjointed. The scars of the bombing were still visible, and much of the post-war construction lacked charm. Fast forward to today, and Rotterdam has evolved into one of the most visually spectacular harbour cities in the world. Iconic structures such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Markthal, and now De Rotterdam show how the city is unafraid to demolish what doesn’t work and replace it with bold visions of the future.
Nhow Rotterdam embodies that same philosophy. The hotel’s slogan, “Elevate your stay where architecture, art and design come to life,” is not just marketing speak – it’s a genuine reflection of the experience.
The Building: De Rotterdam
De Rotterdam is not just a hotel building; it’s a city in itself. Standing at 149 metres high, it houses apartments, offices, shops, and, of course, Nhow Rotterdam. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and his OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) studio, the building looks like three irregularly stacked towers, as if blocks of glass had been shifted sideways in mid-air.
What makes Nhow unique is that Koolhaas didn’t just design the exterior – he also insisted on shaping the interiors. His vision was clear: the furniture in the rooms should be deliberately low so that nothing interrupts the view over the Maas River and the sprawling skyline. It’s a small detail, but when you’re sitting in your room gazing at the Erasmus Bridge, you understand why it matters.
- 7 am morning view
The Atmosphere: Art Meets Playfulness
From the moment you enter the lobby, it’s obvious this isn’t a traditional business hotel. The reception doubles as a constantly changing exhibition space, showcasing the work of local designers and artists. During my stay, bold photography from a Rotterdam-based artist lined the walls, while quirky design installations added a playful energy.
Nhow’s approach is to make art accessible – not intimidating – and even fun. There are humorous messages hidden throughout the hotel, little notes that make you smile as you move between spaces. It’s all about interaction, surprise, and relaxation rather than stiff formality.
The Room: Sunset on the 23rd Floor
I stayed in a Sunset Room on the 23rd floor, the highest level of the hotel. Opening the door felt like stepping into a gallery in the sky. The first thing that hits you isn’t the décor – although the minimalist white interior is chic and calming – but the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the Erasmus Bridge soaring across the Maas, with the sun sinking behind the skyline.
The Sunset Room builds on the Urban Room concept but adds a west-facing panorama that becomes pure magic in the evening. The glass-walled bathroom was another feature that caught my eye. At first, the transparency feels daring, but it works – you never lose that connection to the view, even while showering.
Everything is deliberately pared back to highlight space, light, and perspective. No clutter, no unnecessary furniture, just an airy openness that feels very Rotterdam: straightforward, modern, and bold.
The Bar: Best in Rotterdam
One of Nhow Rotterdam’s most celebrated spaces is its Bar on the 7th floor, which has recently won the award for Best Hotel Bar in Rotterdam. After experiencing it, I understand why.
The bar feels both cosmopolitan and laid-back, with vast windows framing the city. It’s the kind of place where business travelers, creatives, and locals mix naturally. The staff uniforms underline the relaxed ethos – stylish but not stiff – and the atmosphere is buzzing yet unpretentious.
The menu is simple but smart: cocktails with a twist, casual bites, and playful presentation. Different seating zones allow you to lounge with friends, work on a laptop, or sip a drink while staring across the skyline. This is not about formal dining – it’s about creating moments, whether for networking, date nights, or full-scale events.
Dining & Breakfast
Breakfast at Nhow Rotterdam deserves its own mention. Served in a large, light-filled space, the buffet leans heavily on fresh produce, baked breads, Dutch cheeses, and healthy options. What makes it memorable is not just the quality of the food, but again, the view. Sipping coffee while watching container ships glide across the Maas is an experience you don’t get in Amsterdam or The Hague.
Casual dining options are also available throughout the day, reflecting the city’s love of street food and multicultural flavors. This isn’t fine dining – it’s global comfort food, done with flair.
- Room with view over river Maas and Erasmus Bridge
The Horizon Suite
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Service: Relaxed Yet Attentive
Nhow has mastered a delicate balance: service that is attentive but never overbearing. The staff feel more like hosts than hotel employees, adding to the relaxed vibe. When I asked about exhibitions in the city, I was given detailed, enthusiastic recommendations rather than a generic tourist brochure. It’s this genuine engagement that makes the hotel feel plugged into Rotterdam’s creative pulse.
Architecture and Identity
Rem Koolhaas has often compared Rotterdam’s place in architecture to Paris’s place in fashion or Los Angeles’s role in entertainment. Staying at Nhow Rotterdam makes that statement feel real. The city is still in a constant state of reinvention, with cranes dotting the skyline and new projects reshaping its identity.
What struck me is how Nhow doesn’t shy away from the city’s history of destruction. Instead, it embraces the idea that “the old city is finished” and that renewal creates opportunity. Architect Jamie van Lede captured it perfectly: “The casing can come off. Now is when the concrete city is most fertile.”
Events & Community
Beyond being a hotel, Nhow Rotterdam positions itself as a cultural hub. Art exhibitions, networking events, and design showcases are part of its DNA. The bar and public spaces invite locals as much as guests, ensuring the hotel doesn’t feel isolated from the city but rather deeply integrated into it.
Whether you’re attending a creative workshop, a corporate gathering, or simply enjoying an after-work cocktail, you sense the hotel’s ambition: to be a stage where Rotterdam’s creativity unfolds.
Conclusion: Rotterdam’s Spirit in One Hotel
When I look back at my stay at Nhow Rotterdam in 2025, what stands out most is not a single feature, but the holistic experience. It’s the way architecture, art, design, and hospitality blend seamlessly to tell the story of a city that rebuilt itself from rubble into one of Europe’s most exciting metropolises.
The views are breathtaking, the interiors are thoughtful, and the atmosphere is playful yet sophisticated. It’s not a hotel trying to imitate Amsterdam’s charm or Paris’s elegance – it is unapologetically Rotterdam.
For anyone visiting the city, whether for business, architecture, or sheer curiosity, Nhow Rotterdam is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a statement, a stage, and a celebration of Rotterdam’s bold spirit.
Details
- Room reviewed – Sunset room – €83
- Website: nhow-rotterdam.com
- Address: Wilhelminakade 137, 3072 AP, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 (0)10 206 7600
