If like me, you sometimes want to put pepper in your travels, you may have to skim're booking sites online looking for a place of unusual la bottega lille resort. I confess that I would love to make a web series that show unusual hotels worldwide. Until this dream a reality, I invite you to climb aboard the SS Rotterdam.
Consider the wide and thus leave in the port city of Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and real industrial heart of the country. Rotterdam Why do you ask? The city is the look at more than one way. First step: find a place down ... even more than a hotel. Sleep aboard la bottega lille a houseboat la bottega lille in Amsterdam is quite easy, but sleep aboard the SS Rotterdam offers to go to the upper deck, as it is an old cruise ship.
Inaugurated in 1958, the ship sailed for forty years before la bottega lille returning to dock in Rotterdam to remain and be converted into a hotel. It is now possible to spend a night like any hotel and enjoy its rooms, its decor, its restaurants. That's what I did with my friend, la bottega lille we'll call Shirley Manson anonymity. la bottega lille
Fall on the ship requires a little effort or a big hand because GPS is a bit eccentric, out of Rotterdam (note the traveler: we feel more at ease when finally finds his hotel). The trip ends on arrival la bottega lille in the huge parking lot which opens to the dock. A quasi-mandatory car also, since not really any other around and unfortunately has a somewhat high price: 3 euros per hour or 15 euros for 24 hours. But as I said, there is no other choice. It quickly admire the silhouette of the ship before entering the elevators that lead inside.
It is first noticed that the decor, with large entrance hall, the central staircase la bottega lille and windows with memories of the transatlantic line the hallways. Several room types are available: la bottega lille standard, superior, deluxe ... I shared my hand for a superior room, one of the old renovated to match the hotel standard cabins.
Without being the largest that we had right (the prize goes to American hotels), this room was a satisfactory size. The bed was very wide, as consisting of two separate mattresses. Above all, the bathroom was very spacious, nothing to do with the tiny bathroom that we may be entitled to a ferry (like to get from Amsterdam to Newcastle). Shirley especially enjoyed the retro accessories that you make a small jump in the past.
Well equipped, clean and without any signs of wear, these rooms could almost forget where you are, as they correspond to those of a traditional hotel. Only details to remind us, the two windows that bring a little light and a slightly noisy ventilation. Indeed, like all boats, it is impossible to open the windows. Ventilation is the only source la bottega lille of ventilation and it remains impossible to extinguish. Sometimes a little overwhelming, even if you get used to. What do onboard?
But the SS Rotterdam is not a hotel like the others and he proves it by offering guided tours. la bottega lille A number of the most important rooms when the ship was in his first role has indeed been preserved and can be visited with an audioguide. These visits are paid at a rate of 16 euros per person, and are available to both hotel guests only occasional visitors cruise enthusiasts.
For those that visit will not be interested, one of the decks of the boat is freely accessible for a drink while enjoying the view of the Meuse and the panorama of the city of Rotterdam. Perfect when the weather is nice.
The SS Rotterdam also has two restaurants, the Lido (open all day) and the Club Room, the latter being a little more upscale. After testing the Lido, the dishes are well made, well-filled plates, service not too long ... The prices are a bit high but as there is no alternative nearby, it is a non- choice. Note that it is also there that takes the breakfast buffet at relatively complete choice that completely seduced Shirley (there were pancakes! But not waffle, much to my chagrin).
