Nhow hotel Rotterdam_a life inspiration story

When traveling and staying in Rotterdam, for me there was just one option, to be honest. I know, I lost my heart on Hotel New York, and if you're looking for a cosy, warm and historical family hotel, it is still a great option. But, hey, we need to check out new things, and when I got an invitation to stay at the brand new Nhow hotel in Rotterdam (after our inspirational bike tour with Eastpak), I took this chance to explore new beds in Rotterdam.

I arrived by watertaxi, so I got already a good view on the building from the riverside. The impressive wall of glass of the magnificent skyline building gives Rotterdam another stunning beacon next to the famous Erasmus bridge. I could already imagine the view from (each) room on the Maas and the vibrant city....

I stayed in a basic urban room at the back of the hotel, overviewing the industrial side of the city. Luckily, because of the huge floor to ceiling windows, every room has nice day and night views, even if you stay in the more basic ones. Although,  the view in the sunset rooms or suites is better (inside tip!), as you overlook Rotterdam city and the Mentioned Erasmus bridge for the front row.

I was friendly welcomed with a personal note, some chocolates and bottled water. The urban room is very spacious, quite light with a undeniable industrial feel. If you like minimal straight fit rooms, this is your place. Bathroom and bedroom are divided by a printed glass wall and the Tv is hidden behind a glas wall. All to get rid of cluttered details like wires and closets. Everything is there, as it should be: room & bed good, clean & crisp, friendly staff, a more than correct breakfast buffet and some nice funny graphic details to find your way back to your floor or room.

For me, Nhow is a more business visitor oriented hotel, but with a touch of art, some creativity and a very alive entertainment program. The hotel really wants to become a vibrant part of Rotterdam's city life and therefor it is an excellent starting point to explore the city.

Nhow Rotterdam is part of the Nhow group and has hotels in Berlin, Milan and recently in Rotterdam. The stunning skyline hotel opened its doors beginning 2014 and is designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas of OMA. Nhow is not your average ' just sleep-over-hotel' but a place to re-set your mind by the in-house art exhibitions, product launches, concerts and conferences that become part of the best R'Dam urban culture has to offer.

©ALL photos by Kate Stockman_THE SQUID STORIES, except image from hotel skyline is by Events.nl

Hotel New York: our favorite spot in Rotterdam for years_a life inspiration story

Every now and then we head off to Rotterdam, just to be there, just to feel the changes in the city architecture and, without any exception, to have lunch at Hotel New York.
A sleep over is even better but not on our agenda.(Never had a disappointing room, always a stunning view and surprising furniture and space!)

This time we went to Dordrecht for an exhibition (Dortyart-see previous posts), but after our visit, Rotterdam was only 20 km away...Hotel New York was so close, we couldn't resist. Voila!

About the visit we can be short. It's always nice. In summer you can strech out on one of the hundred beach chairs gathered on the grass field in front of the hotel: best view ever! And in more winter times, sky is normally clear, sometimes sunny and always windy. Great!

First try to get a table as much towards the windows as possible. beware, this is NOT a quiet place for intimate diners.

Always crowd, always fun but also noisy family or friends reunions, a lot of kids, you know the vibe.

I you're in that kind of mood , its fab.

Prepare for a waiting line, if you don't have a reservation. But try anyway, we always got lucky.
The food? We can be short about that.
Or you go for the typical 'Holland' hot fried plate, with all kinds of fried delicious nibbles, always with ketchup and mustard.
Or you go for the refined lunch or diner, where -as we are at sea-you go wild on all kinds of seafood, or shall we say 'un plateau fruit de mers'. Crab legs, mussels, lobster, clambs, shrimps and other delicious fresh treats.
As nearly everyone orders these kins of plates, the stuff is always day fresh and you taste it.
No need for more, or maybe some grilled langoustines as main... 

P

 

After a light but very fulfilling lunch, we take a water cab. That's also a habit we like to keep.

Take a wooden boat for a slow trip over the river, or jump on the speed boat for a fun but too short crossing. 

Try it.

Some shops and resto's that caught our eye?
This one, who calls himself a 'taart architect' or in english 'an architect for pies'. Fun and cathy name but the pies displayed didn't live up to the expectations. A shame.

Also available in Rotterdam, the new 'it' concept: healthy, honest burgers for an easy, tasty lunch without frills. Depending on the phantasy of the cooks, this basic dish becomes or more basic/deluxe/or bio version of the same idea.
The name Hamburg is nice and catchy, the graphics good, and everything about this one said: good choice.

We didn't try it (yet), so no 'Squid Stories Recommendation' yet, but keep you posted!
Waiting for the water cab 'retour', Rotterdam always a good choice. 

Hotel New York 

Koninginnenhoofd 1 

3072 AD Rotterdam

Netherlands

 +31 10 439 0500

Read some more about this lovely hotel on Tripadvisor. 

©ALL photos by Kate Stockman & Ivan Missinne_THE SQUID STORIES

One day Paris shopping-a life inspiration day

                                 Some shopping in Paris? Always a good idea.

The show of Ann Demeulemeester started at 11u30 am, and 20 minutes later we were ready to hit the town.

It's always difficult to choose which 'quartier' to visit, when you only have a few hours.

It's been a while since we went to Colette, so we started there. But we first passed by my all time favorite perfume shop of Comme Des Garcons. A small but exclusive selection and the most beautiful 'degradé' pink windows. I'm sure we know this store at least 15 years and it is still as pure and beautiful as then.

Ivan at Comme des Garcons.

Checking out.

Window at Colette

Colette kids, with music selection, always refreshing new choice.

Lunch at  'Très Honoré'.  Tip from Domusplus out of Wallpaper Magazine. http://www.treshonore.com

'Très Honoré' chandelier.

Moi, Miss Kate, checking out next stop.

Very light, fresh raw salmon. Always good.

Golden macarons, but no pictures from outside towards the window allowed!! Can you imagine??? So, no name mentioning. 

Cute, private perfume boudoir at the Galerie de Valois.

Rick Owens!! His  store in Palais Royal became a real flagship since the American designer moved his headquarters to Paris in 2003. Find it inside the Palais Royal in 130-133 Galerie De Valois.

Beware of the life-sized Rick Owens wax figure, standing behind the counter desk. Wicked!

 

Quick check in Go Go Paris.

Toilet wall covering at merci store coffee shop.

Merci unconventional chair selection

Merci Food Theme, great stuff currated by the trendspotters of Merci.

We left Paris when it started snowing. Romantic, yes, but when you have a tree hour drive ahead of you, it's better to go.
But, GoGo Paris, soon we'll be back....