A host of boutique hotels have sprung up over the city in recent years with The Slaak Rotterdam opening pre-pandemic in autumn 2019. Discreetly tucked away on the east side of the city centre, just 10 minutes from Centraal Station, The Slaak offers travellers a wonderful taste of local life.
Hotel
The design-led hotel from Marriot’s Tribute Portfolio group offers 74 luxurious rooms and charms guests from the onset with its striking bronze sculpture called Courier in A Hurry above the entrance. It’s a clever nod to the former newspaper office which once occupied the 1950s building.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff set the tone for the stay. The informal check-in desk perched outside the lift is typically laid-back and Dutch, with guests given a warm welcome, a city walk map and plenty of recommendations including local sights and great spots to eat.
The cute little touches around the hotel – such as the old-school typewriters in the foyer, and the record player with Miles Davies’ Kind of Blue, the biggest-selling jazz album of all time proudly displayed – celebrates both its rich publishing past and jazz roots.
Jazz has played an important part in Rotterdam’s history from artists travelling into the harbour city into the roaring 20s to hosting one of the most established jazz festivals in the world. International guests and Dutch music connoisseurs make the annual pilgrimage to the North Sea Jazz Festival held at Rotterdam’s Ahoy stadium every July. The festival reflects the city’s vibrant culture – one which the hotel has ingeniously weaved into its own story.
Room
Bedrooms are a chic mix of retro-inspired furniture and contemporary fittings with a hint of jazz. There are five categories of rooms to choose from. The Slaak Loft boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, enormous bed clad in white premium bedding, dining table, a leather chaise lounge and matching armchair. It’s a bright and comfortable space to relax, especially when the natural light floods in.
The bathroom is tiny – think walk-in rainfall shower and vanity basin opposite (there’s a separate toilet). It suits many travellers to enjoy a more spacious living area than a bathroom, but those who prefer a soak in a bath after hitting the lively streets of Rotterdam should book The Slaak Executive or The Slaak Suite. Fluffy bathrobe and slippers are available on request and there are full-size bottles of designer toiletries, Bakai – another jazz reference as musician John Coltrane recorded a 1950s hit with the same name.
Petite guests should pack a sense of humour as The Netherlands is the land of the giants, and the hotel design – from the hanging space in the closet to the bathroom mirror – reflects this. More storage and mirrors would be a welcome touch, especially given the snug nature of the bathroom.
Food and drink
The Slaak is more like privately rented apartments than a hotel as it’s a real social hub. Locals pop into Didot 34 restaurant and bar (named after the font the newspaper used) for all-day dining with the menu boasting an array of international cuisine. The breakfast is extensive and nothing short of excellent – fluffy American-style pancakes and omelettes are cooked to order – plus there’s a great spread of meats, cheeses, cereals, fruits, bread, pastries and freshly squeezed juices. The open-style kitchen is buzzy most mornings but it’s during the weekends that the space comes alive.
While rooms feature mod cons such as a Nespresso machine, a 49″ television and Marshall music box, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied, but people watching at the bar rates highly. An interesting mix of creatives with laptops and hotel guests gravitate for craft beers to speciality cocktails, making the salmon-hued and gold accent bar the perfect spot to soak up the ambience, especially with a Mango Basil Smash cocktail.
The building’s various incarnations throughout the years have always maintained a community spirit, one which the hotel was keen to preserve. The Slaak’s Cultural Ambassador Annemiek Baljon curates pop-up art exhibitions, jazz nights and soirees for both in-house guests and locals, which fuels the neighbourhood vibe.
In a nutshell
Like a home away from home, The Slaak’s loyal patrons adore its style sanctuary bedrooms, exceptional cuisine and cocktails at Didcot 34 and affable, enthusiastic staff who ensure everyone enjoys a first-class stay.
Factbox
The Slaak Loft starts at 169 euros excluding breakfast in low season.
Address: Slaak 34, Kralingen-Crooswijk, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 10 312 0640
Website: theslaakrotterdam.nl
