Rotterdam: Day One
Exhausted from all the rest… we checked into the Amsterdam Sheraton airport hotel. It’s so easy! Attached to the airport, a simple moving sidewalk out of the airport and up to the hotel, check-in and up to the room. The staff was so nice. They gave us a room despite it only being ten o’clock! We took a nap and then took another nap!
Though we ate in the lobby restaurant, this vending machine caught our attention. It dispenses snacks, liquor and mixers. To make things easy, we could have used our room key to make the purchase IF we wanted.
First thing in the morning, we checked out. The hotel offered to store our luggage for the days we would be wandering through Rotterdam and Spain. That saves lots of money… and is just plain convenient. Amsterdam airport has lockers, like most European airports. Sometimes it’s just easier to store bags… especially cruise clothes! We walked back to the airport, purchased train tickets and headed off to Rotterdam!
The Markthal is an amazing sight. This arch shaped indoor market also contains 228 apartments. There are 100 food booths and kiosks.
Inside the Markthal, colorful paint accents the unique arched ceilings and walls! I love these types of markets. If there was something like this where I lived… and time allowed for it, I would love to shop in these markets on a daily basis.
At the far end of the market, I turned around and noticed the view out the front. It actually was looking toward our accommodations. We stayed right next door to this tall tower.
In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, the market offers prepared foods. Tapas and seafood, wine and beer… all available in cozy, unique settings. You can shop and eat. We bought three types of Gouda cheese: coconut, green pesto and regular. We also purchased a set of four specialty mustards.
After wandering through the market, we stopped for a beer and tapa. It was an unusually warm day so the streets were full!
This is definitely the most unique place we have ever stayed. The Cube House is located just across from the Blaak Train Station. The design idea was to take the cube and tilt it 45 degrees to make optimum use of the space.
Because of the tilt, there were many stairs in this unit. This set goes from the ground floor to a landing, turns the corner and continues up to the first floor. From the first floor, another set of stairs leads to the bedrooms.
This angle allows you to see how unique this place is. The built in couches line the walls under the windows. They aren’t the most comfortable but there was also a dining room table and chairs.
While at the market, we made a purchase at the wine shop. Then we went to the bread booth and bought a loaf. As I mentioned above, we had already picked out cheese so we were set for the evening!
One more set of stairs leads to the top level. This floor has a 180 degree view of Rotterdam. With Barry standing in the room, it’s easy to see that the cube is tilted. This was the best room in the place! Comfy sofa, a nice cross breeze and the ability to see the city light up as the sun set.
Our room was very comfortable… it was a little noisy. Being a Friday night and staying in one of the “must see” locations, we heard talking and laughing until late into the night. The sound echoed a bit. Still, this is a fun place to stay! People stare as we come and go from the apartment… We did toy with the idea of charging people a fee to view the apartment to cover our expenses…………...
