Rotterdam’s new landmark hotel, Mainport, occupies an envy-inducing location on the inner harbour, and is Design Hotels‘ first member hotel in Europe’s largest port city. The property features wide glass windows, which wrap around the 215-room waterfront building, shaped by MAS architectuur. Owner Karin Geurts has enlisted the help of Feran Thomassen to create five-star interiors which make subtle nods to far-flung places, without forgetting that Rotterdam is the hotel’s main port.
It is Mainport’s design and holistic concept that makes the hotel a landmark in its own right. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are tipped to be a hot spot for social gatherings and after-work drinks, where guests are invited to become part of the hotel’s community. This sense of belonging is made possible by the dedication of Mainport’s staff members, who endeavour to fulfill every guest’s needs.
Purpose-built by Dutch architect, At Tuns of MAS architectuur, Mainport displays many elements of innovative design that The Netherlands is known for across the world. MAS architectuur, which emerged from Rotterdam in 1865 as one of Holland’s first architectural firms, is renowned for constant innovation and Mainport is no exception.
An example of this innovation is exemplified by the architect’s utilisation of the foundations from the former and now demolished IMAX cinema. The foundations use part of the dike protecting Rotterdam from the water.
The hotel’s step-like facade is a lattice of aluminum panels and wide glass windows, a design which takes inspiration from the industrial character of Rotterdam. The large windows and the elevator shaft, which offer views across the city’s jagged skyline – known locally as Manhattan on the Maas – light up at night, acting as a beacon on the harbour.
Whether approaching by land or by water, a design of wave-like patterns on the ground draws passers-by into the lobby, which, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, has a transparent feel. This visibility and openness was key to owner Karin Geurt’s vision for Mainport: to create a venue loved by neighbours as much as out-of-town guests.
A panoramic descent to the riverside level is assured by the elegant staircase and exterior lift – both of which are encased by glass. At the water’s edge guests will find not only the hotel’s private dock, but also the restaurant Down Under and the cocktail bar On The Rocks.
An intelligent orchestration of Dutch traditions and international modernism, every one of Mainport’s spacious rooms exudes a distinctive charm.
Each of the 215 rooms, which are split into five categories, boasts a walk-in shower with an anti-fog mirror, a whirlpool and a king size bed. The hotel suites and waterfront spa rooms offer huge jacuzzis and private Finnish saunas too.
The decor of Mainport’s rooms and suites, designed by Feran Thomassen, continues this feeling of grandeur – from the luxurious bathrooms to impressive fireplaces and statement lighting which, when combined, ensure that each thoughtfully chosen piece contributes to creating a luxurious whole.
The rooms are large spaces with high ceilings and panoramic windows offering spectacular views overlooking the harbour, the Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam’s city centre.
The City XL room (36m2) is designed for today’s city traveller. The supersized room with a stylish layout, king size bed and a spacious bathroom – complete with walk-in shower, whirlpool and mirror TV – help the guest to relax after a hard day’s work or exploring the city.
The Corner room is all about the city experience. With windows on two sides there is no way to miss out on the Rotterdam feeling. The large bathroom includes walk-in shower, whirlpool and mirror TV.
The Waterfront Sauna room is the best of two worlds: quietly overlooking the oldest inner harbour of Rotterdam, yet right in the heart of the vibrant city, this room (34m2) offers a spectacular bathroom with a walk-in shower, whirlpool, mirror TV and private sauna.
The Waterfront Spa room is 44m2 and features a large jacuzzi in front of the window overlooking the inner harbour. The wellness experience includes a bathroom with walk-in shower and private sauna.
The Spa Suite offers highlights from all of the other rooms plus much more. The indulgent Spa Suite (68m2) combines spectacular views, a seating area with fireplace, a separate bedroom – which includes an XL king size bed - and a range of wellness facilities, including a walk-in shower, jacuzzi and a private sauna.
Just steps away from the hotel lobby, a far-away continent awaits. Restaurant Down Under and cocktail bar On The Rocks continue Mainport’s fascination with travel and the exotic by paying homage to Australia, in particular, Sydney. Guests arrive by water taxi directly to the hotel’s private dock, where they are welcomed by hotel staff and guided to their table.
At Down Under, chef Sander Jongenotter offers predominantly Australian cuisine, characterised by the melting pot of influences from East to West. There are classic dishes to be found on the menu alongside Japanese sashimi and Argentinean steaks.
On The Rocks is named after the hip, up-and-coming part of Sydney that is beloved by the artistic scene. Barkeepers create refined cocktails, such as a Singapore Sling or a Manhattan.
The Dutch passion for traveling serves as inspiration for Down Under and On The Rocks. The ultimate treat is that neither hotel guests nor locals need to travel to the other side of the world in order to discover the taste of vibrant Australian lifestyle and its cuisine.
With nine meeting rooms spread across an area of 600m2, Mainport’s conference and function space can accommodate up to 400 people.
Mainport prides itself on its dedication to respecting nature and the environment.
Built according to high ecological principles and scheduled to be Green Key Certified – a seal for international standards of environmentalism and social responsibility – it is clear that Mainport is serious about sustainability. The hotel is achieving this through its Green Team, which oversees the reduction of water and energy consumption, promotes waste reduction and implement environmentally-friendly and fair trade cleaning products.
