Hotel New York

A Hotel Full of History

Hotel New York in Rotterdam is located in a building constructed in 1901 in the Jugendstil style by architects J. Muller, Droogleever Fortuin, and C.B. van der Tak. Originally, it was the headquarters of the Holland America Line (HAL), the company that operated sea voyages between Rotterdam and New York.

HAL, founded in 1873 as NV Nederlandsch Amerikaanse Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM), was officially renamed Holland America Line in 1896. At that time, many people emigrated to America in search of better opportunities, and it is estimated that around half a million people traveled on HAL ships to the “New World.”

The ship Nieuw Amsterdam made its last voyage in 1971, closing an important chapter in Rotterdam’s maritime history.

From Maritime Headquarters to Historic Hotel

In 1977, HAL’s headquarters moved to Seattle, and in 1984 the building on the Wilhelminapier was put up for sale. During the 1980s, it was nearly demolished to make way for skyscrapers, but thanks to Riek Bakker, who also promoted the Erasmus Bridge, the building was preserved and transformed into a hotel with a restaurant and café.

Hotel New York opened its doors in 1993, maintaining the building’s historical character. Later expansions respected the original architecture, with red brick, baseboards, and natural stone decorations. Of the original building, only the north façade remains, while the south and west façades and the clock tower were added between 1916 and 1920.

Hotel New York and the skyscrapers around it

Architecture and Visitor Experience

Hotel New York combines history, style, and unique experiences. Its Jugendstil architecture can be seen in the copper-covered towers and four decorative plaques that represent the continents and the lives of sailors.

Inside, the wood paneling, cast iron columns, and authentic details from the Holland America Line recreate the original maritime atmosphere. The rooms, with high ceilings and varied styles, offer a colorful and nostalgic ambiance. Meeting rooms, such as 1.04 and 1.08, retain the historic feel and can be rented for dinners or special events.

Every corner of the hotel allows one to feel the history of Rotterdam and the excitement of the travelers who set off for America over a century ago.

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