Hotel nhow Rotterdam is a four-star design hotel at Wilhelminakade 137 on the Kop van Zuid peninsula in Rotterdam, occupying the lower floors and upper levels of the Rotterdam tower complex beside the Erasmus Bridge. The hotel opened in 2010 as part of Rem Koolhaas’s De Rotterdam development and carries the irreverent art-and-design identity of the nhow brand, which is part of NH Hotel Group. Travelers choose it for its Maas river views, its rooftop terrace and bar, and a base where Rotterdam’s contemporary architecture sits at the front door.
What to Expect at Hotel nhow Rotterdam
The building is a landmark in its own right. De Rotterdam, designed by Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, is a vertical city of three interlocking towers, and nhow takes its place in the structure with bold, graphic interiors that lean on color, oversized artwork and playful furniture rather than quiet luxury. Rooms are compact and design-led, and the best of them face the water, giving a direct sightline across the Nieuwe Maas to the Erasmus Bridge and the Rotterdam skyline.
Food and drink are central to the stay. The hotel’s restaurant is positioned as a trendy, contemporary dining room with views over the river and city, serving a modern international menu that suits both breakfast and evening service. Up top, the rooftop terrace and bar are the draw for non-guests as well, particularly at sunset when the harbor lights come on and the bridge is illuminated. Guests who want something quieter can settle into the lounge areas on the lower levels.
- Rooftop Terrace and Bar: An elevated outdoor space with sweeping views of the Maas, the Erasmus Bridge and the Rotterdam skyline, popular for evening drinks.
- Trendy Restaurant: A contemporary dining room with river and city views, covering breakfast through dinner with a modern international menu.
- De Rotterdam Architecture: The hotel sits inside Rem Koolhaas and OMA’s vertical-city complex, so the building itself is a sightseeing stop.
- Design-Forward Rooms: Bold interiors with artwork and statement furniture, with water-facing rooms offering direct views of the Erasmus Bridge.
- Waterfront Location: Wilhelminakade puts the quayside promenade, the Maas and Kop van Zuid’s restaurants within immediate walking distance.
Hotel nhow Rotterdam at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Wilhelminakade 137, 3072 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kop van Zuid, on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours; front desk staffed around the clock. Check current check-in and check-out times when booking. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid; $$$ tier, four-star rates that vary by season and room type |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 nights; allow 1 to 2 hours for a terrace or restaurant visit |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Wilhelminaplein metro station and Rotterdam tram lines nearby; paid hotel or nearby garage parking |
| Official Website & Phone | nh-hotels.com/nhow-rotterdam / +31 10 206 7600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Kop van Zuid is well connected. Wilhelminaplein metro station on the Rotterdam metro network is a short walk away, and several tram lines serve the Wilhelminakade area, while Rotterdam Centraal is reachable by metro or by a walk across the Erasmus Bridge. If you are driving, confirm parking options with the hotel in advance, since central Rotterdam garages charge by the hour and spaces near the quay fill up on event days. For the terrace, aim for an early-evening slot to catch the light on the bridge, and consider booking restaurant tables ahead on weekends. The building is modern, so step-free entrances and lifts to the upper floors are standard, but contact the hotel directly to confirm adapted-room availability.
Within a 5 to 15 minute walk, you can reach the Erasmus Bridge, the quayside promenade along the Maas, and the Fenix Food Factory and Katendrecht district for dining, plus the Hotel New York and the Wilhelminapier waterfront. The Rotterdam water taxi and the Spido harbor cruises depart from nearby landings, which makes the hotel a convenient base for seeing the port from the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the rooftop terrace?
Early evening is the strongest time, especially in late spring through early autumn, when you can watch the sun set over the Maas and see the Erasmus Bridge lit after dark. Check the hotel’s website for current terrace opening hours, as outdoor service depends on weather and season.
How much does it cost to stay at Hotel nhow Rotterdam?
As a four-star design hotel it sits in the $$$ price tier, with nightly rates that vary by season, event dates and room view. Water-facing rooms and suites cost more than standard city-facing rooms. Current rates and offers are listed on the official NH Hotels page for nhow Rotterdam.
How long should I plan to stay?
One to three nights works well, giving time to see Kop van Zuid, the Erasmus Bridge, the Markthal and the harbor by water taxi. A drink or dinner at the rooftop bar or restaurant needs roughly one to two hours.
Is the hotel accessible and suitable for families?
The building is a modern tower complex with lifts and step-free access to public areas, and the hotel accepts families, though its bold design and bar scene skew toward couples and design-minded travelers. Contact the hotel at +31 10 206 7600 to request an adapted room or to arrange cots and connecting rooms.
When planning your Rotterdam travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Rotterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Mainport Hotel, Dakpark Rotterdam, and Room Mate Bruno Hotel (nearby).
