Hotel New York

Great hotel; slightly dated but that’s part of the charm. Amazing building. Good breakfast. Only reason it isn’t a 5 stars from me is because we tried to have a drink in the bar (not the exclusive, need to book downstairs one just the normal main bar) but there was a huge queue (despite several empty tables) and we were told that despite being hotel guests we had to wait alongside the non guests. Wouldn’t expect to have to do that. Otherwise great.

A memorable experience at Hotel New York cafe / Restaurant Rotterdam I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful spot with my PhD supervisor and colleagues for dinner, and it was truly special. We shared the seafood platter, which was fresh and satisfying, but the real highlight was the venue itself. Housed in a stunning heritage building with rich history, Hotel New York carries a charm that elevates the entire experience. A must-visit while in Rotterdam — not just for the food, but for the atmosphere and story the place tells.

We visited for my husband’s birthday with a reservation for four, which included a welcome glass of champagne. The booking process was very smooth—quick replies and easy confirmation, which gave us a great first impression. Unfortunately, the experience at the restaurant itself didn’t quite live up to expectations. When we arrived, the staff member who welcomed us didn’t seem to check the reservation properly, so we were seated without being offered the welcome champagne. While waiting, two different staff members came to ask for drink orders, creating confusion. I eventually spoke with a more experienced team member who acknowledged the communication error and handled it professionally. Our assigned waiter after that point was excellent—friendly, attentive, and communicative. The gentleman who seemed to be supervising also handled the situation well and showed genuine care. The food, however, was a letdown. My tuna steak came too raw, despite requesting it medium, and my daughter didn’t finish her chicken. While the lentils and starters were enjoyable, the main courses didn’t stand out. On top of that, the temperature inside was uncomfortably warm, which added to our decision to skip dessert and leave earlier than planned. We had requested a candle in advance to celebrate the occasion, and while we didn’t stay for dessert, the team kindly brought it out anyway—a thoughtful gesture we appreciated. Overall, while the restaurant positions itself as a laid-back brasserie, I believe this iconic location deserves consistently high-quality service and well-prepared, simple dishes that leave guests saying, “We have to come back.”