On the Road Again: Being a Tourist in My Own Backyard
Airport goodbyes, babyccinos, and being a tourist in my own backyard. 🇳🇱 I’m back in Rotterdam this week for work, testing out a hotel that’s basically a world-class gym with rooms attached. Read more on why I’m switching up my stay every time I visit the city.
I’m on my way to the Netherlands for the first time this year. To be honest, I intentionally sat out the first few weeks of January. The weather just wouldn’t play along, and if you know the Netherlands, you know that 10cm of snow is enough to throw the entire country into a beautiful, slushy state of absolute chaos. I decided to skip the drama and wait for the dust—or rather, the ice—to settle.
But man, it feels good to be on the road again.
The departure was the best part. My wife and the kids piled into the car to drop me off at the airport. I know, it’s just a car ride and a quick "babyccino" at Starbucks, but those moments are everything. As a serial entrepreneur and a fractional executive, my life is often measured in KPIs and market share, but that 30-minute family huddle before security? That’s the real ROI.
The Rotterdam Routine
My destination this week is Rotterdam. I’ve been spending a lot of time here lately, working with a group of renowned international beauty clinics headquartered in the city.
Even though I’m Dutch, I’ve never actually lived in Rotterdam or Amsterdam. So, I’ve made it a bit of a game: every trip, I book a different hotel in a completely new part of town. It’s like being a tourist in my own home country. I get to see the architecture, hit new coffee spots, and experience the city’s "Manhattan on the Maas" energy from a fresh perspective.
The Gym with a Side of Hotel
This time, I’m staying right in the city center, steps away from the World Trade Center (WTC). It’s a vibrant, high-octane area packed with shops and restaurants.
The funny thing? When I first booked the Postillion Hotel WTC, I didn't choose it for the room or the view. I booked it for the Vondelgym.
For the fitness junkies out there: this place is a playground. As a guest, you get access to one of the best setups I’ve seen—and I’ve seen a lot of gyms. We’re talking Hyrox sessions, circuit training, boxing, and a collection of kettlebells and ski-ergs that would make a pro athlete blush.
The Verdict
If there’s one "marketer’s critique" I have, it’s that the hotel is missing a dedicated soul for deep work. The rooms are great, and there’s a generous bar and a self-service snack area, but it’s not the kind of place where you’ll find a cozy library nook to crush a 4-hour strategy deck. I usually end up grabbing a hotel dinner—I love the convenience of rolling straight into bed after a long day—and the vibe is definitely more "social/active" than "corporate office."
But, if you value a world-class workout to bookend your business meetings, this is the spot.
My Rotterdam Shortlist: If you’re planning a trip to the city soon, here are a few spots I’ve tested lately that are worth the stay:
- Postillion Hotel WTC: Best for: Hardcore fitness enthusiasts (Vondelgym access is a game-changer).
- The James Rotterdam: Best for: Central location and a great 24/7 food market.
- Mainport Hotel: Best for: Waterfront views and a killer spa to unwind.
Are you heading to Rotterdam soon? Drop me a line or tag me on Threads—I’d love to hear which neighborhood you’re exploring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why stay in Rotterdam City Center near the WTC? The area around the World Trade Center is the heart of Rotterdam's business and shopping district. It offers excellent connectivity to the main train station, a wide variety of restaurants, and is within walking distance of major corporate headquarters and international clinics.
Which Rotterdam hotel has the best gym access? The Postillion Hotel WTC is highly recommended for fitness enthusiasts because it provides access to the Vondelgym. This isn't your typical small hotel gym; it’s a premier facility featuring Hyrox equipment, boxing, and extensive functional training gear.
Is Rotterdam a good city for business travelers? Absolutely. Known as "Manhattan on the Maas," Rotterdam is a hub for international business and innovation. It’s generally more accessible and modern than Amsterdam, making it an ideal base for fractional executives and entrepreneurs.
How do you manage work-life balance while traveling for business? I focus on small rituals, like family airport drop-offs and maintaining my fitness routine. Choosing hotels with specific amenities, like a high-end gym or a vibrant local neighborhood, helps make business trips feel like a productive exploration rather than just another work day.