We have been thinking visiting Rotterdam for a while since we have discovered Bobcat’s interest in miniature worlds – the sort of mini model villages with famous landmarks, people and vehicles made small and displayed for visitors – like one of our favourites: Bekonscot Model Village. So Miniworld Rotterdam came into the picture as part of a birthday getaway for Bobcat, as well as meeting with my cousin and spending a weekend together (they live in Belgium, but close to the border of The Netherlands). So the plan was there. When looking for hotels, we bumped into the usual problem: cities are a bit difficult to find hotel rooms that can accommodate 4 people. The kids are still small, so it’s just how it needs to be. Naturally, resort hotels are better when it comes to bigger rooms for families – but European city hotels aren’t so much.

This is how we found Stadsvilla Mout in Schiedam. The hotel looked great on the photos, plus, they have a family suite with the kids being offered a little den of their own on the mezzanine level. We made up our mind about booking the trip right then. Also, the fact, that Schiedam looked very charming, was helpful too! As opposed to Rotterdam, that is very modern due to the sad fact of being so terribly damaged in the World War II, that it had to be almost completely rebuilt from it from ruins. Like a small version of Amsterdam, where we travelled last year with the husband for a couple getaway. 

Schiedam is very close to both Rotterdam and Den Haag. The public transport system in The Netherlands is probably one of the bests in the world, so getting into the cities and generally around without a car was no problem at all. In Schiedam, there are tram ways, bus lines, as well as a train and a metro station. Which is how we arrived on Thursday late evening. Eurostar from London to Rotterdam, then train to Schiedam, and the last leg of the journey: two stops with tram, followed by 5 minutes walk to the hotel.

Our Stay in Stadsvilla Mout (Schiedam, The Netherlands)

Checking in

Due to our very late arrival around 11pm, we found no front desk staff on site, instead, another employee from a sister hotel buzzed us in and directed us to find our keys and room. We naturally went to bed immediately as we’ve been travelling all afternoon and evening. The kids resisted a little because they have found their little den on the mezzanine level absolutely exhilarating, but they eventually gave in and fell asleep.

First morning impressions

Waking up, we found the filter coffee machine in the kitchenette (which was well equipped) and nice coffee, so the morning started well. The kitchenette (it’s actually much bigger than a kitchenette!) has coffee maker, kettle, a full size hob, microwave oven, cups and mugs, cutlery and fridge/minibar. The milk portions were not replaced during our stay unfortunately, but other than that we really enjoyed having a morning coffee and having the kitchenette.

Breakfast

Breakfast in Stadsvilla Mout is an interesting affair. Everything comes in the tiniest portions and they are being replaced throughout breakfast hours as the staff checks what’s need to be topped up. This isn’t bad, it prevents a lot of food waste. But then, we often needed to ask for more. Also, there is no toaster available and a fair amount of items randomly single packed. But then others randomly not. Luckily, there was almond milk available when I asked for dairy alternative for my coffee. Freshly squeezed orange juice; beautiful, fresh brown bread, and fresh fruit salad made me perfectly happy. Kids ate chocolate cereal and bacon for 3 days (with some boiled eggs).

If you are gluten intolerant like my cousin – ask for gluten free breakfast in advance. Initially though, she was only offered corn flakes (a very small portion) but on the second morning they also found gluten free rolls in the freezer (after she complained a bit not having enough food, which was true) and made them freshly for her. I did’t understand why she had to complain first so that the rolls are being offered…

Family room

We really fell in love with our family room. On the mezzanine floor, the children had two single futon mattresses and we slept on the main floor. Our king size bed and bedding was super comfortable! 

We really liked the laid-back, scandi-type and minimalist design, that kept the original features of the building, making it look modern, airy and luxurious but still friendly and personal at the same time.

There were two mobile heaters in the room and they were very effective. In fact, our room was too warm when we arrived for the first night. We turned them off and had to leave the window open overnight. It can get quite cold in The Netherlands so they are definitely useful.

There was not much storage apart from one rail to hang the clothes and a little chest of drawers but it’s not an issue for a few days. It also looks cool as interior feature. 

The bathroom was quite a good size, I thought, compared to the size of the room, large shower unit, good under-sink storage with hair dryer. The only thing I could mention as a minus, that is, even though the sink had fitted hand soap dispensers, the shower disin’t have the same feature: there were only single-use, plastic, mini bottles available for shampoo and shower gel. Which is a shame, as they produce so much plastic waste and they already have fitted dispensers for the hand soap by the sink – so why not for the shower too? 

The little living room had a dining table, a sofa and a TV.

There was daily housekeeping service in the afternoon.

Staff

We hardly met anyone during the 4 days apart from the front desk/breakfast room ladies, who carried out both roles at the same time. They were all very friendly, accommodating needs when asked and efficient.

Checking out

Check out was’t an easy ride, somehow the system showed, that we didn’t paid via Hotels.com in advance. We did of course, and it was sorted later. It was only an odd case of “computer says no”. 

About Schiedam and the hotel surroundings

Schiedam is lovely! Like I said, we thought it’s like a mini Amsterdam around the pretty part of the canal. We watched boats passing, bridges being lifted, walked on cobbled-stoned streets, rented an electric scooter (the hotel has bicycles to rent by the way! That’s quite cool.) and enjoyed good food. Easily accessible by public transport, and getting around on foot in the old town (where the hotel is located) is the best way. Cute little shops, bars, restaurants and museums.

We went to a nearby Italian restaurant one night (booked on the phone) called La Bella Rosa – it was really good, friendly, Italian food to keep the kids happy with pizza. We went to a pancake restaurant twice during our stay a few minutes walk from the hotel. It’s called Pannakoe Schiedam (it’s a chain restaurant) which was great for the kids (pancakes!) and for the grown ups too, because they had burgers and veggie food as well.

We even found a little fun fair open on Saturday evening so we went dodgemming!

Stadsvilla Mout

Located in Schiedam, Lange Haven 71, 3111 The Netherlands. Part of Fine Hotels and Suites with 4 properties in The Netherlands.