Opened in 2013, Hotel Mainport Rotterdam is a sleek property set along the Leuvehaven port by the River Maas. Interiors designed by Feran Thomassen are swish, modern, and moody, consisting of dark stone floors, black accent walls, and vibrant pops of color in throw pillows, vases, and wallpaper. The look is inspired by the world's continents, with each guest floor evoking a different part of the globe through vibrant wallpapers -- picture stylized Arctic penguins or Asian dragons. Wellness is a focus here, with both nude- and clothing-friendly spa facilities and rooms with personal saunas. This, along with its stellar location near tourist- and business-centric spots, attract a mixed leisure and work crowd wanting to utilize downtime at the spa. 

Set on the banks of the River Maas, the Mainport’s Leuvehaven location isn’t just scenic, it’s strategic. Key sights within the Maritime District (most notably the impressive Maritime Museum) are a quick walk away, as are those in other must-see quarters, including artsy Witte de Withkwartier, Museumpark (containing the Kunsthal, as well as the Natuurhistorisch Museum and Museum Boijmans van Beuningen), Laurenskwartier (anchored by the striking new market hall), Schouwburgplein (aka Theater Square), and historic Scheepvaartkwartier (home to popular Het Park). Better yet, the location is well-served by public transport. There’s a metro station one-minute away; bus/tram and water-taxi stops are also close by, which is helpful to business travelers heading to offices in the Central Business District, the Port of Rotterdam or booming Wilhelminapier. Situated by a major road, the hotel is easily accessible by car, too; guests who’ve brought their own will find secure paid parking in garages opposite the hotel. 

• One-minute walk to the Leuvehaven Metro Station
• Five-minute walk to the Erasmus Bridge
• Six-minute walk to the Maritime Museum
• Eight-minute walk to Witte de Withkwartier
• 13-minute walk to Museumpark
• 13-minute walk to Laurenskwartier  
• 15-minute walk to the Oudehaven (Old Port)
• 16-minute walk to Schouwburgplein
• Four minutes to Central Station and the Central Business District by public transit
• Eight minutes to the Port of Rotterdam by public transit
• Nine minutes to Wilhelminapier by public transit
• 20 minutes to the Rotterdam The Hague Airport by public transit

Rooms here are posh, spacious, and modern, outfitted in a similar, though varying, design. Expect wood floors and clean-lined wood furniture, vibrant wallpaper with fun prints such as giraffes, and some other cool touches like uber-modern chairs and eclectic vases. The standout feature is the bathrooms, each of which has a jetted tub, separate shower, TV-integrated mirror, upscale Malin + Goetz toiletries, hairdryer, and bathrobe and slippers. Some units have oversized whirlpool tubs and/or private saunas. Standard amenities consist of work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea kettles and Illy espresso machines, extensive minibars, ironing equipment, umbrellas, and digital safes. Floor-to-ceiling windows -- some with views of Europe’s largest seaport -- are a plus. Top-floor suites add separate living rooms with fireplaces. 

Leisure amenities are the standout here, specifically the stellar Spa Heaven by Mainport on the eighth floor and adjacent Wellness Club H2O. Guests get free entry to its offerings, which consist of an indoor pool and hot tub with various seating and a small gym (both shared with sister hotel Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre), as well as a Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, and treatment rooms. Both nude- and clothing-friendly saunas are available. Unfortunately, some past guests have complained of the pool area being crowded due to it being shared by two hotels. 

In keeping with the global theme, the modern Restaurant Down Under bridges offers an international menu with dishes that range from ceviche and sushi to ravioli and crème brûlée. Buffet breakfasts with Champagne are available, but many past guests have complained that they're overpriced for the offerings. Cocktails and light bites are served in the quay-side bar, which boasts outdoor seating, weather permitting. Room service is available.

As expected for a business-friendly locale, this hotel has handsome meeting rooms available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A windowed, water-view smoking lounge is also on-site.