For several years now, I have been a regular guest at the The Westin Rotterdam. This hotel ranks number one in this city: it is the most luxurious hotel in Rotterdam and has a very good reputation. This hotel was also the home for the tennis players of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in 2006, and will be for 2007 and 2008!
The hotel, is very conveniently located. It is just in front of the Central Station, however no noise is heard from the trains. Travelling to the main cities including Amsterdam, Den Haag and Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium is easy from this station, since most trains will ride frequently. City public transportation is just across the hotel: tram and underground will bring you quickly to the different parts of Rotterdam.
Next to the hotel is the famous De Doelen Congres & Conferentie Centrum, a shopping mall and a Holland Casino. If you like a walk, it is only 15 minutes to the interesting Boymans van Beuningen museum and “Kunsthal.” It is close the Euromast, where you can have a spectacular view of Rotterdam.
When arriving in the hotel, the check-in is, in general a pleasure: fast and friendly service from the smiling and helpful receptionists.
I do prefer the executive rooms on the high floors, since they are more spacious and have a nice view. Starwood Preferred Guests always receive a small token of appreciation, a welcome card and some small fruits. Besides this, some bottled water and the famous “stroopwafels” are complimentary.
The hotel has a contemporary design, darkish purple corridors, and stylish room interiors. The regular rooms seem to be somewhat smallish but comfortable. The executive room is more spacious, it has a larger sitting area, with large windows with view of the city and harbour of Rotterdam. Two comfy blue chairs and a table with various magazines. Further more a working area near the windows, when you have to work here the view is just great. There were two large Heavenly beds, a big Philips color tv / radio. I was happy the radio did play classical music (Radio 4).
The bathroom is spacious with a separate shower and bathtub. I have had many relaxing baths here! When using the bathfoam you get a lot of foam and listening to the classic music (there is a speaker in the bathroom) or whatever music you like, you can “ drift away” soaking in this nice tub! The bath products are the usual Westin bottles. One time however the Molton Brown was available, which is even more attractive of course! Many fluffy towels are available, and afterwards it is a pleasure to relax in the warm and comfortable fluffy bathrobe..
Only once did I receive a voucher for a glass of champagne in the Lighthouse bar. I used it for some tasty champagne after unpacking my bag. It was served with some small fruits (strawberries).
I had a small lunch, a tortilla wrap with tandoori chicken. The taste and quality was excellent. It was served with two dressings.Service was very punctual and friendly. I asked if I could have a cappuccino after having the tortilla, and so it happened! I did not have to order it again, they just remembered. I think that’s great.
Breakfast in the Lighthouse is a feast, the quality and variety of the food is broad. Several juices are available, we especially liked the carrot juice. The view from the restaurant towards the central station is in general quite nice. (At the moment it is not, a lot of construction work is going on here.) Personnel was very friendly and service minded!
Room service is fast and very decent. Prices tend to be relatively high however. Relatively, since the Euro has made everything expensive, in my opinion. I was glad they served the red Molina wine from Chili ( wines of the world).
On Sunday the main restaurant is closed, but they do serve some food in the Lighthouse bar.
We have had some nice dinners here, the quality of the food, wine and service is outstanding. The Westin offers the Wine & Dine program, which includes a 3 course dinner with 2 glasses of wine. We tried it during our stay in February 2006, though we hesitated since the price was so low. Well, no need for hesitation since the dinner was wonderful. We could choose between meat or fish and the chef made us happy with his culinary treat. Again, quality of food, wine, presentation, etc. were excellent. We are planning to do this again during our next stay!
The hotel has a fitness room, with several machines. It is OK for some small working out with the walking–, step-, and biking-machines. There is one, somewhat oldish, multi function machine. I do not prefer it, it not suitable for a good working out.
Overall, I have had many relaxing stays in The Westin Rotterdam and I am sure there will be many more in the future!
Review by FBTraveler.
Posted at May 1, 2006 10:25 PM