Hilton Rotterdam given a new lease of life

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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Hospitality interior design practice RPW Design has completed the renovation of Hilton Rotterdam, bringing the interiors of this 50-year-old modernist architectural icon into the 21st century. Built in 1963 by one of the foremost architects of the post-war modernism in the Netherlands, Hugh Maaskant, Hilton Rotterdam was one of the first upscale hotels to welcome visitors to the city centre. Its exterior exemplifies the glamour, sophistication and forward-looking excitement of the Dutch society of the 50s and 60s, a time when Rotterdam began to reinvent itself as a modern, vibrant and multicultural metropolis.

Fifty years on, this Grand Lady of Rotterdam has been given a new lease of life after a €36 million two-phase refurbishment of the entire hotel, including its 254 guestrooms and suites, meeting space and all public areas.

One of the most significant changes was to re-site the main entrance, which has moved from one side of the building to the other, not only for practical reasons but for a greater sense of arrival. The new entrance features a visible five-metre-wide canopy and new porte cochère, whilst the old entrance facing the main square has been retained for pedestrians.

The lobby, now more spacious, has been designed around the original grand sculptural staircase, which has been restored and complimented with new timber and bronze finishes. A light feature descending alongside the staircase and a source of fluorescent light concealed in the ceiling further above add a dramatic, luxury touch to the space.

Offering a high-end, residential environment, the lobby comprises a new, stylish coffee/tea lounge and furniture pieces arranged in small seating groups enhanced with bespoke rugs, a feature fireplace and a calming palette evocative of Rotterdam’s light colours and patterns.

Continued on page two…

Daniel Fountain / 14.04.2014

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
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