The Usual Rotterdam

The Usual Rotterdam Overview

You know what caught me off guard about The Usual Rotterdam? It’s actually not usual at all – which I suppose is the whole point. This four-star spot sits right in the heart of Rotterdam‘s design district, and honestly, walking into the lobby feels like stepping into someone’s impossibly cool apartment rather than a typical hotel. The exposed concrete and warm wood thing they’ve got going actually works, maybe because they didn’t try too hard to make it Instagram-perfect.

The rooms have this understated vibe that I really appreciated – clean lines, quality linens, and these massive windows that let you peek into Rotterdam’s architectural playground. I mean, you’re basically surrounded by some of the most interesting buildings in Europe, so it makes sense they’d want to showcase that view. The bathrooms are compact but thoughtfully designed, and I loved the rainfall shower (though fair warning, the water pressure can be a bit temperamental in the mornings when everyone’s getting ready).

What really sold me on this place was the common areas – there’s this lounge space where locals actually hang out, not just hotel guests checking their phones. The bar serves proper cocktails, and the breakfast spread includes some local Dutch touches alongside the usual suspects. Plus, you’re literally a five-minute walk from the Markthal and all those food vendors, which honestly might be worth the stay alone. The staff seems genuinely happy to share recommendations too, not just the touristy stuff but actual neighborhood gems.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest option in the city, but for what you get – that 8.7 rating isn’t just numbers on a screen – it feels like good value. The whole experience feels intentional rather than corporate, if that makes sense. Rotterdam’s got this reputation for being the grittier, more experimental Dutch city compared to Amsterdam’s tourist crowds, and The Usual really captures that energy without sacrificing comfort.

The Usual Rotterdam Accommodations

Reviews of The Usual Rotterdam

• Christina from Cyprus (9/10)

  Excellent modern hotel
  Sustainable

• Sipola from Finland (9/10)

  Very good. Friendly. Clean. Nice.

• Marine from Netherlands (9/10)

  I loved my stay at the usual; the design of the room and the sustainable approach, as well as the common spaces were all great. Breakfast was delicious and the staff really friendly. I loved my stay there and would definitely stay at the Usual again if I come back to Rotterdam. Wish they had more hotels!

• Akgb from Netherlands (8/10)

  Great Hotel in the middle of the Centre.
  Staff is helpfull & superfriendly.
  Entrance has a bar/restaurant look & feel & is quite cosy.
  Checking in & out can be done electronically with programmable nfc keycards. Superhandy.
  Rooms are tidy & clean. Matrasses are great. Wifi & Chromecast is available.
  Breakfast was good. Menu is 90% vegetarian. Food is sourced locally. They take in account the footprint of guests & collab with several organisations to find creative solutions for reducing waste. So if you like to travel and care about the environment you should consider this place for a visit/stay…

• Mitesh from India (9/10)

  Very prime location

• Judit from Belgium (9/10)

  The best part about the hotel is the shared area on the ground floor. So lively and cosy. Our baby was also excited to explore it!

• Steve from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great

• Paul from Romania (9/10)

  A good option downtown Rotterdam.

• David from Spain (9/10)

  Its very new.
  Staff its super nice.
  Spaces are super nice.

• Emma from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The location, the facilities in the room, the design of the rooms and bar area

Surroundings

Facilities