A stylish look at the Mainport Hotel Rotterdam

© a fashion girl by Els

*** Klik hier voor de Nederlandse versie. ***

In December 2016 I visited the exhibition Peter Lindbergh. A Different Vision on Fashion Photography in Rotterdam. My friend and I decided to make it a weekend and stayed at the Mainport Hotel Rotterdam. This exquisite hotel is located just outside the city centre. Both an advantage and disadvantage. The disadvantage being that I like to stay at walking distance of everything. But that disadvantage doesn't compare to all the advantages. Plus, there is a tram stop just outside the hotel. The advantages: the fabulous views of the port city, the tranquillity, the beauty of the hotel itself (it is very stylish!), the wellness area and the amazing breakfast. It is all so good that my next visit to Rotterdam will also be for a few days, so I'll be able to stay at the Mainport Hotel again.

© a fashion girl by Els

© a fashion girl by Els
The view from our room

© a fashion girl by Els

The outfit

A stylish city break asks for a stylish outfit. In my opinion, a burgundy sweater combined with dark blue skinny jeans and a white shirt evokes classic elegance but is still casual enough for a stroll in the city. The velvet bow tie and cristal ear cuffs add a fashion touch.

© a fashion girl by Els

© a fashion girl by Els

© a fashion girl by Els

© a fashion girl by Els

The activities: shopping, food, hotel wellness and photography

I didn't really go to Rotterdam to go shopping, but well...what did you expect with this blog name? I only did a few stores though: Skins, Mostert and van Leeuwen, Hutspot and Bijenkorf for the Laura Mercier products. A year ago all these stores (except Bijenkorf) were located in the same street, but now some have moved. Afterwards I took advantage of the wellness space of the hotel with a pool, a steam room and sauna. I opted for the area where you have to wear a bathing suit, but there are also facilities for people who want to go naked. And my friend said those areas are even nicer. But that's just not my thing. I think it is great the hotel offers both options.

On my first evening in Rotterdam, I visited The Suicide Club with the ever stylish Dutch blogger Sandra (More Style Than Fashion). We enjoyed a nice meal and drinks and even befriended the couple next to us. It is true that Dutch people are very open to making new acquaintances.

The next day, first I relaxed in the hotel bathroom: whirlpool bath! Next we saw the exhibition and were amazed. If there ever is a new Peter Linbergh exhibition, I have only one piece of advice: go visit it! We had lunch at the Markthal , a big food hall near the city centre. There is a lot of choice and at first you will be overwhelmed and have trouble selecting a place to eat. I can highly recommend the pintxos there: delicious!

Because of the bad weather we stayed in and enjoyed dinner and a cocktail at the hotel. We also took advantage (again) of the wellness facilities. Sadly, all the massages were booked. Tip: book a treatment in advance if you are interested.

© a fashion girl by Els

© a Peter Lindbergh picture installation by a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

The Mainport Hotel Rotterdam: I'm in love

I can highly recommend a stay at this stylish hotel. The rooms are airy and light, but not boring. The colourful wallpaper adds a nice vibe. The bathroom - very important to me - is amazing: a shower, a whirlpool bath and Malin+Goetz bath products. What more can you ask for? There's even a built in television in the bathroom mirror. And - very important - everything is very clean. 

Upon arriving a welcome note and  a box of chocolates were on the bed: a nice touch.

The hotel also offers wellness facilities and treatments - as mentioned above. They open quite early so it's nice to start your day with a ten minute sauna. There are also some excercise machines, for those who prefer a more sporty morning.

And then, the breakfast. One of my most affluent breakfasts ever! Pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict and even pasta... Simply amazing and a great start of the day. I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but when staying at Mainport, I won't skip breakfast ever again.

All the areas in the hotel are modern and stylish, but have a personal touch. So they never feel generic. If I go to Rotterdam again, this is the place where I'll stay.

Tip: make sure you have enough money left on your credit card because when checking in an extra amount is reserved as a warranty. This reservation is lifted when checking out. I do not remember exactly how much it was, but you can always ask the hotel when booking a room.

More information and reservations: https://www.mainporthotel.com/

© a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

© a fashion girl

How to travel to Rotterdam from Belgium

In Belgium, you can take both a regular direct train from Antwerp or Brussels or the Thalys, which is twice as fast (only 30 minutes from Antwerp). Especially during weekends I recommend the Thalys, since a lot of maintenance works on the railways take place in the weekend. And when there are maintenance works and you take the regular train, you will have to change trains or step on a bus, sometimes as much as three times, to get to Rotterdam. Not exactly the start of a relaxing weekend. The Thalys always rides directly to Rotterdam even when there are works. So be sure to check this before buying tickets. Of course you can also go by car.

© a fashion girl by Els