Best Western Plus Rotterdam Airport Hotel

The hotel was spotless, quiet, and convenient, and the property itself suited what I needed. There were hardly any guests, and it was so quiet you could whisper in the lobby and still hear everything. The problems were with the staff and the prices. They hand out candy and waffles at reception to encourage Google reviews, but the hospitality didn't match, except for Richard. I had thought I was booking a Best Western. I'm glad they dropped the name, because the service here doesn't meet that standard. On my first morning I woke up very dehydrated and asked reception for water, since my room was only a few doors away. The two Dutch women on the early weekend shift were cold and unhelpful, and tried to charge €5.50 for one bottle, about $9 Canadian. That seems like meal money for just a few sips. Room service also costs a lot, with a €7.50 fee just to bring food to the door. Housekeeping felt rushed and unfriendly. At 10:50am, one cleaner knocked, said it was already 11am, and pushed me to leave straight away. When I asked for a late checkout, she refused outright. Richard at the front desk was the only person I found genuinely kind and professional. He told me checkout times were strict and first quoted €12.50 per extra hour. When I explained I only needed a little more time, he kindly gave me a few extra minutes to finish packing, and was apologetic and helpful. After checking out, I asked if I could use a mirror and outlet in a public restroom to do my hair. Richard walked with me and asked housekeeping if I could briefly use the room while it was being cleaned, but the cleaner refused again, in a rushed and unfriendly way. Richard was the one bright spot and deserves recognition. Most of the staff seemed to lack basic customer service and hospitality skills, and simple things were overpriced. Without Richard, I wouldn't consider coming back.