Novotel Rotterdam Schiedam

The noise from doors slamming in the hallway sounded like it was happening in our room, and it woke us several times overnight. The towels were also poorly presented, and after unfolding them I found makeup stains and other marks on 4 out of the 3 towels. We had booked an Executive Double Room with one double bed, but were given two single beds pushed together without being told in advance. Reception said they were fully booked and it was “the only option,” then brushed off my question about why we hadn’t been informed with “It was busy.” There was no effort to make things right, and the room felt like a downgrade from what we paid for. The staff seemed uninterested when we arrived, and most appeared to be students; their attitude came across as very unprofessional. This was genuinely the worst hotel I’ve stayed at. If you need somewhere in the area, I’d strongly suggest Van der Valk Schiedam across the street.

The receptionist seemed indifferent throughout, and when we said the room was occupied, he argued that the computer showed it as free instead of checking right away. I had the impression he didn’t believe us. We had booked through the Accor website weeks earlier, and on arrival he first gave us two key cards for a second-floor room that didn’t work. He then handed us two more cards, which did open the door, but the room had clothes inside, an unmade bed, and an open suitcase. Luckily nobody was there. After I asked him to check for himself, he finally gave us another, empty room. Key cards failing or a system showing a room incorrectly can happen, but giving keys to an occupied room is a serious failure of guest privacy and safety. The response made an already uncomfortable situation worse. Please train your receptionist better.

Parking was easy for us, and the hotel is handy for getting to Delft, Rotterdam, or The Hague by car, with simple highway access. The price was good, at least on those days. We did find it noisy because the walls and the ceiling or floor between rooms seemed poorly insulated. Probably fine if you’re deaf or don’t mind noise.

The carpets around the hotel looked visibly dirty, and I even found mold in my bathroom. Housekeeping was inconsistent despite the website saying cleanings could be requested. When they did clean, it was superficial: dirty dishes and cups stayed behind, the floors and carpets weren’t vacuumed, furniture wasn’t wiped down, and on several occasions pillowcases were missing. Trash and used dishes could sit outside rooms all day and night while staff walked past. The staff were friendly and seemed to be trying, but often looked unprepared and could use more customer service training. This does not feel like a 4-star hotel. I understand Novotel is trying to save water and energy, but hygiene shouldn’t suffer; greener energy such as solar panels or solar water heaters could help reduce the impact while keeping rooms clean and comfortable. The friendliness was a bright spot, but the lack of cleanliness, training, and attention to detail made the stay disappointing and far below the claimed standard.