Zwart Janstraat

Zwart Janstraat Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Zwart Janstraat? I was expecting some cookie-cutter hotel experience, but this three-star spot in Noord actually feels more like staying at a friend’s really well-appointed apartment. The building sits right on a quiet residential street – honestly, I walked past it twice before realizing this unassuming facade was actually my hotel. But that’s kind of the charm, isn’t it? You’re tucked away from the tourist crowds, yet you can still hear the distant hum of Rotterdam‘s port activity if you listen closely from your window.

The rooms have this understated Dutch practicality that I’ve come to appreciate – everything you need is there, nothing you don’t. The beds are surprisingly comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and the windows are actually soundproof enough that the early morning trams don’t wake you up. What really impressed me was how the staff seemed to genuinely know the neighborhood. When I mentioned wanting good coffee that wasn’t Starbucks, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the city center – he told me about this little roastery three blocks over that opens at 7 AM and makes the kind of flat white that ruins you for airport coffee forever.

I mean, let’s be real about what you’re getting here – it’s not luxury, but it’s solid and unpretentious in a way that feels authentically Rotterdam. The Noord district itself is having this quiet renaissance moment, and staying here puts you right in the middle of it without the inflated prices of the flashier downtown hotels. You’re a quick bike ride (they’ll hook you up with rentals) to the Erasmus Bridge, but you can also just wander the local streets and stumble onto these great little bars and galleries that most tourists never see. The only minor thing – and this is nitpicking – is that the shower pressure could be better, though honestly, after walking around this fascinating industrial-meets-creative city all day, you’re just grateful to have hot water and a comfortable place to crash.

Zwart Janstraat Accommodations

Reviews of Zwart Janstraat

• That bloody door. – Catherine from United Kingdom – September 15, 2025 (8/10)

  It was an interesting layout – very convenient for shops.
  
  What could be improved: We struggled with the door.

• August stay – Shania from United Kingdom – August 20, 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was situated in the perfect part of Rotterdam with a grocery shop just below (we never heard any noise from the shop while in the apartment), places to eat across the road, and a 15min walk from Rotterdam Centraal. There is a gorgeous smoothie shop on the corner!
  Staff were very helpful and provided us with fans when asked as the weather was very hot!
  Dishwasher tablets and a dish cloth were provided, along with towels.
  Google maps will take you across the street so make sure you go to the wooden door by the shop entrance to get into the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was a bit tired looking and there is no blind/frosting on the bathroom window which was a bit unnerving. Overall good value for money though, you get what you pay for.

• Disappointed – Alex from United Kingdom – September 8, 2025 (4/10)

  What could be improved: The wrong address was provided, causing lots of confusion and stress. Eventually solved. The elecrtronic lock sometimes didn't work, had to call to source physical keys. More confusion and stress.
  Other points:
  Washing machine very smelly so we didn't use it.
  No tea towel or drying rack for washing-up
  Very warm bedrooms at night and only one fan provided.
  Very steep stairs and no upstairs toilet so not very convenient.

• Good – Joop from Netherlands – July 18, 2025 (7/10)

• Good – Francois-xavier from France – June 20, 2025 (7/10)

Surroundings

Facilities