The old historic building where this lively hostel is located greeted me with wide open (giant) wooden double doors, into an equally lively decorated staircase and corridor. The reception, at the end of the hall and through the door, was manned by one of the lovely staff with a big welcoming smile and ready to help on whatever she could. Check in, check out, tips, tricks, or a joke, all included in your stay.
From all the themed rooms available, I was booked into the all female 6 bed room "Multicultural". Right above and below toilets and showers, and a hallway away from reception, bar, and common area. Bright pink and gold with lamps as out of the 1001 nights and violet curtains, that was a room I would have liked to take home with me...if only it were possible! I didn't see the other rooms, but if they are anything like the one I was at, they are worth a visit, they have so much character in them.
But no time to lose, it was time to enjoy the live concert downstairs in the common area. That day
Kontraband Muzik, all the way from the US and regulars at the
hostel ROOM Rotterdam themselves, were entertaining the guests (Cheers for reminding me why I love live music guys!). Besides concerts, they host regular social and cultural activities, including their famous open mic night the last Friday of the month, quiz and comedy nights, Free Dutch Delight every Monday, free walking tours on Wednesdays, and Thursday Pasta Night weekly. On top of that, as of the 4th of May 2015 you can enjoy one of the following tours as well:
Every day: 10:30 AM Historical building tour
Tuesday 10:30 AM Find your local delicacies tour
Wednesday & Friday 10:30 AM Kinderdijk Tour
Thursday: 10:30 AM Rotterdam History Tour
Saturday: 10.30 AM Biketour through modern Rotterdam
It'll make you feel right at home, and a lot easier to meet fellow guests. Shout out to the German guy trying to hitchhike all the way from north Germany to Portugal! Kudos and good luck!
After a lot of dancing, laughing, and invitations to meet again next time I'm in town, it was finally time to sleep. Oh that bed, I'm not sure if I was really exhausted or simply that was one of the most comfortable hostel beds I've ever slept on. And there's plenty of storage space in the lockers under the bunk beds, so you don't have to worry about your belongings when you're out and about. Anyway, after a good night's sleep, I was fresh and ready to take on my weekend in Rotterdam for under 25€ challenge (more about that soon!). But first, some breakfast (included) down at the common room. And they have sprinkles!!
The sun was shining, the caressing breeze cooling the air, as I made my way around. Here and there. This and that. I won't get into detail yet. I walked everywhere, the whole day. And you know what? The hostel was in the ideal location for my planned tours. Right in the middle, perfect for a walk around the harbour, the city or the other side of the river after a short water bus ride.
I couldn't have asked for a better stay, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a wonderful time in a laidback budget-friendly fun hostel. Prices range from 16 to 21€/night (aprox.), and includes bedding and breakfast in either all female or mixed rooms. In addition you'll have access to a complete set of social activities and tours (some are at extra cost) organised by the lovely hostel staff. And all that in a wonderful location. As I said, whether you're there a night or ten, you'll want to go back, I know because I'm already counting the days until I can go again myself! Oh and they are part of the Europe's Famous Hostels organisation!
Address:
Van Vollenhovenstraat 62,
3016 BK Rotterdam
Website:
http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/
P.S. If you book directly with them you'll get a 5% discount off your reservation and no booking fees!
Have you ever stayed at Hostel ROOM Rotterdam? What did you enjoy the most? Oh and don't forget to check back for more on my weekend in Rotterdam for under 25€ challenge posts!
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