For years, I have been celebrating my birthday abroad, unless it was impossible due to COVID-19 restrictions. In June 2023, Steve and I went to Rotterdam in the Netherlands in a deal combining a dinner at Restaurant Fred and an overnight stay at Marriott Rotterdam including a champagne breakfast.
The ‘meal deal’ or arrangement with Restaurant Fred included an overnight stay at Marriott Rotterdam, a five-star hotel just in front Rotterdam Centra(a)l Station. The Marriott is housed in a high-rise tower. It looks like it comes from the board game ‘Hotel‘.
Reception and checking in
The reception desk is small and was staffed by two people. The very friendly receptionist informed us our room wasn’t ready. We arrived around 11 AM so that was no surprise.
As per the arrangement, we were assigned a suite. So obviously we could leave our luggage, but they would be brought to our room once it was ready. A nice touch. We just would to pick up our key-card at the VIP desk adjacent to the reception.
The reception was not only polite and friendly, but warm as well. It looked like they were genuinely interested in us. A trait we would see with all staff.
The room
Fast forward a few hours later and time to go to our room on the 10th floor. The room is a suite so it’s spacious. There is a little vestibule with a door towards the bathroom, and a bar section featuring a small fridge and coffee and tea making facilities.
The actual room in a light colour palette features a central bed, a desk and a very good office chair. There is a chaise longue and table. The chaise longue has a neat cushion with the Rotterdam coat of arms. We had windows on two sides so plenty of light. One windowsill had a cushion so you could use that as an extra seat. Nice.
There were enough, but not plenty, power outlets. USB ports only featured on one side of the bed. So many hotels do that. One outlet was US style. Bizarrely, the desk did not have a power outlet. Our we didn’t find it.
The air conditioning definitely worked but had only basic setting options and it felt only palpable when standing in the airstream.
The bathroom is large and features both a bath and a shower cabin. Oddly, there were no soap, shampoo or body wash for the bath. The Thisworks cosmetics were fixed in the shower. The toilet paper display is somewhat impractically attached next to the toilet.
And there were two bathrobes. Only getting one is a running gag on this blog.
Welcome and birthday extras
It’s hard to tell which was for which, but we received many welcoming and/or birthday snacks. Marshmallows, pralines, brownies and fruit. Too much, really.
The gym
Just a one-night stay-over or not, I did go to the gym. It’s a large gym for a hotel and has all you need for a workout. You can shower there afterwards.
But it was really hot in the gym room. AC wasn’t really coping.
Breakfast
Included in the deal was a champagne breakfast. We received a form to fill in, but we decided against room service. That was no issue.
So we went to The Millèn restaurant for breakfast. The Millèn is also a one-Michelin-star restaurant.
Again, the attendant seating us was so kind, asking how the restaurant had been, how the room was and if we had slept well.
As is not uncommon (anymore), breakfast is a mix of order at the table and buffet. I ordered eggs royale and had a look at the buffet. I found the buffet a bit underwhelming. It did contain everything you expect, but nothing surprising and no huge diversity.
But I was still full from the previous night.
So?
Marriott Rotterdam is certainly a or even the top hotel in town. The dinner + room arrangement was 345 euros per person and for what we hat, that is a top deal. I can only recommend it.
Previous visits to Rotterdam
- Aboard the SS Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam’s Markthal.
- Rotterdam: Cube House or Kubuswoning.
- Impressions of Eurovision Song Contest 2020 host city Rotterdam.
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