Motto by Hilton to Make European Debut in Rotterdam

Motto Rotterdam Blaak will become the first Motto property in the Netherlands and the first in Europe when it opens in 2022

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of a franchise agreement for a new Motto by Hilton hotel in the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The 109-room property represents the brand’s debut in the Netherlands and will be the first Motto by Hilton hotel to open in Europe. Operated by the Borealis Hotel Group, the hotel will be developed by White House Development, a Dutch property developer. Motto Rotterdam Blaak is under construction and expected to welcome its first guests in 2022. 

“It’s an opportune time to be introducing Motto by Hilton to the Netherlands, and we’re pleased to be working with our experienced partners at Borealis Hotel Group once again,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton. “Motto by Hilton will appeal to a wide range of guests, and is especially suited to groups travelling for leisure, thanks to its incredible city centre locations, flexible social spaces and the option to create interconnecting rooms. We’re looking forward to continually serving travellers by adding new European cities to the portfolio.” 

“Following the early success of Motto in the Americas we are thrilled to continue this momentum into Europe with our first property in Rotterdam,” said Tripp McLaughlin, global brand head, Motto by Hilton. “This incredible city combines the buzz of international commerce with a youthful, urban energy, reflected in its vibrant lifestyle and cultural scene. It’s a natural fit for Motto, which connects travellers with local cultures in the most desirable urban locations with all the best elements of a lifestyle hotel.”

Motto by Hilton is Hilton’s latest brand to launch in Europe and joins 13 hotels under Hilton’s five brands already present in the Netherlands. Guests can expect flexible, connecting rooms, vibrant urban design and versatile social spaces. Every Motto by Hilton includes built in technology that allows guests to book, pick their room, check-in, unlock the door and check-out using their mobile device. Rotterdam is the first European city selected for the brand, thanks to its eclectic style, vibrant restaurant and bar scene and striking architecture.

Motto Rotterdam Blaak, located at Botersloot 25, 3011 HE, is just 1.4km from Rotterdam Centraal Railway Station. The hotel provides convenient access to some of the city’s top attractions, such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Old Harbour, Maritime Museum Rotterdam and Cube Houses. Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel is Rotterdam’s famous Markthal, a unique and strikingly designed hybrid building where visitors are able to shop, eat and drink at nearly 100 food stalls and restaurants. The nearest metro station, Rotterdam Blaak, is just 350m from the hotel, while Rotterdam Airport is only eight kilometres away.

A distinguishing feature of Motto by Hilton hotels is their versatile, open common space at every location. Motto Rotterdam Blaak’s public area is in an atrium flooded with natural light from a large, glazed roof. The space will house innovative food and beverage offerings, serving as a relaxed area where guests can grab a morning coffee as they catch up on work or enjoy a drink before heading out to explore the neighbourhood’s buzzing nightlife.

Motto bedrooms are compact and beautifully designed. Guests can expect:

• Quality sleep environment – rooms come with high-quality mattresses, a curated sleep kit and sound absorbing materials that deliver a blissful sleep every time.
• Thoughtful amenities – including a working surface, wardrobe, safe and mini-fridge, with integrated lighting and outlets throughout.
• Flexible room set-up – rooms feature flexible furniture and the option of booking and connecting up to six rooms, so guests have the options to easily link rooms with others in their group.
• Connectivity – tech-enabled rooms allow guests to use their phones to stream preferred entertainment, control TV channels, climate and lighting through the Hilton Honors app. In addition, every hotel has built-in technology that allows guests to use a mobile device to book their travel dates, select a room, check-in, unlock the door and check-out. 

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in The Netherlands, with a metro-area population of 1.4 million people. It is home to Europe’s largest port and more than 47,500 businesses, including more than 1,200 multinational companies. One of the youngest cities in Europe, 30 percent of Rotterdam’s population is under the age of 30.  The city is a growing tourism destination, attracting over 1.8 million overnight stays in 2019¹, supported by direct rail connections with London, Paris and Brussels via Eurostar. 

“Rotterdam is among Europe’s hottest up-and-coming destinations and offers inquisitive travellers the chance to explore contemporary Dutch culture in one of the country’s most dynamic cities,” said Bart van de Kamp, CEO, Borealis Hotel Group. “From its central location in the heart of the city’s cultural and lifestyle hub, Motto Rotterdam Blaak is well-positioned to capture international and domestic demand. The hotel is a perfect addition to our developments in Rotterdam, and further strengthens our position in the Netherlands. Furthermore we’re delighted to partner with Hilton again, with whom we have multiple hotels across Europe, to bring Continental Europe’s first Motto hotel to this great city and look forward to welcoming our first guests next year.”