Novotel Rotterdam-Schiedam

This hotel is particularly notable for its kid-friendly facilities, including both indoor and outdoor play areas, making it a suitable choice for families traveling with children. Its convenient location near the highway and ample parking also makes it an ideal base for car travelers exploring the region, including business travelers needing easy access. However, many guests note that the hotel's facilities appear outdated and are in need of significant renovation, impacting the overall guest experience. While the staff generally receives praise for their friendliness, recurring issues with cleanliness and room maintenance are frequently highlighted. The breakfast is often commended for its variety, though some find it overpriced. Guests are advised to confirm the functionality of the air conditioning, especially during warmer periods, and to clarify the room cleaning schedule upon arrival to avoid surprises.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. Many reviews highlight significant issues with the air conditioning, noting it is often ineffective, noisy, or not operational outside peak summer months, leading to uncomfortable room temperatures. The swimming pool is a popular feature, especially for families, but some guests reported it being closed, covered, or appearing unclean, with one instance of a guest experiencing a rash. The fitness center is available, though some found it poorly ventilated. The elevators are frequently described as old and prone to issues. For those traveling by car, the parking facilities are generally convenient and reasonably priced, despite some guests being surprised by the fee. Children's facilities, including an outdoor playground and an indoor play area, are consistently appreciated. However, in-room amenities like the mini-fridge and safe sometimes receive complaints about functionality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is a significant area of concern. Many reviews consistently report issues with the overall cleanliness of rooms and hallways, citing dirty carpets, dust, crumbs, and unemptied bins. Housekeeping is frequently criticized for not cleaning rooms daily or adequately, even upon request. The room size is often described as small, particularly when a sofa bed is in use, leaving little space for luggage. While some adult beds are found comfortable, many guests complain about uncomfortable beds or sagging mattresses, and sofa beds are almost universally described as very uncomfortable and dusty. Noise levels from hallways, children, and traffic are a common complaint, impacting sleep quality. In-room amenities like towels, coffee/tea supplies, and working safes are often found to be insufficient or non-functional, further detracting from the guest experience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback from guests. The breakfast is frequently praised for its extensive variety and quality, with many guests highlighting the good food options and coffee. However, a significant number of reviews find the breakfast to be overpriced, and some mention issues with hot food items being served cold. The restaurant generally garners positive comments for its food quality, with specific dishes like steak being well-received, though some guests find the menu limited or the prices a bit high. The bar is described as adequate, but some guests have experienced slow service. Overall, while the food offerings are appreciated by many, the cost of breakfast and occasional service inconsistencies are noted areas for improvement.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a key aspect for many guests, particularly those traveling by car. It is consistently praised for its easy accessibility from the highway and its proximity to Rotterdam, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. The parking facilities are generally seen as ample and reasonably priced, although some guests express surprise at the additional fee. For those relying on public transport, feedback is mixed; some find it adequately connected to metro and bus stops, while others describe it as being a considerable distance from public transit, requiring multiple changes or a long walk. While the hotel serves as a good starting point for visiting nearby cities and attractions, some guests note that the immediate surrounding area lacks amenities like shops or restaurants, and can appear unkempt.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests commend the attentive service provided by various team members, including those at the reception, in the restaurant, and housekeeping. However, experiences with the check-in process are mixed, with numerous reports of long waits, chaotic queues, and insufficient staff leading to frustration. Some guests also encountered issues with rooms not being ready or incorrect room assignments upon arrival. Despite the overall positive sentiment towards staff demeanor, there are recurring complaints regarding the responsiveness of housekeeping service, particularly concerning daily room cleaning and the replenishment of in-room supplies. Communication from staff regarding hotel policies, such as cleaning schedules or air conditioning availability, is also an area where guests feel improvements are needed.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several additional details that impact their stay. There are frequent mentions of the hotel undergoing renovation or being in need of significant updates, which can sometimes lead to noise or closed facilities like the pool, impacting the overall guest experience. A notable point of contention is the early check-in fee, which some guests were asked to pay without prior notification, causing frustration. Issues with electric vehicle charging stations being non-functional or occupied are also reported, which can be inconvenient for those relying on them. Some guests have noted a persistent cigarette smoke smell in certain rooms or corridors, suggesting a need for better ventilation or enforcement of non-smoking policies. Furthermore, there are instances where guests experienced unexpected power outages during their stay, impacting their comfort and access to amenities like hot water or lighting.