We have been collecting all the best getaway venues: B&Bs, hotels and other places to stay. All great destinations for a weekend away or a bit longer. This arty hostel in Rotterdam, where you meet lots of other backpackers, actually feels like home.
Special features
Ani & Haakien is a home away from home for backpackers from all over the world. There is a large communal kitchen where you can do your own cooking, a living room full of nice secondhand furniture and a pleasant garden where you can chill in the hammock. All of the different spaces also result in low-key friendly contacts between the guests. This is also the best place to get tips from other travelers about the latest and best things to do in Rotterdam, that you won’t find in travel guides. The hostel is filled with art made by creative Rotterdammers.
What’s for breakfast?
Nice and Dutch: slices of bread with a choice of peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, appelstroop (sweet apple spread), colored sprinkles, etc. Also an egg, beschuit (light cracker), cornflakes, coffee, tea, milk and juice.
Our tip
The people at this hostel can give you a nice walking route. There are so many fun things to do and visit in Rotterdam; eating poffertjes, harbor café De Ballentent, city brewery Pelgrim, the water taxi, the Luchtsingel with the Dakakker (rooftop farming – www.luchtsingel.org)… Something for everyone, in short.
Good food
The Ontbijt Bar is a fun pop-up concept with a range of goodies from Rotterdam suppliers (http://www.facebook.com/Ontbijtbar).
Good to know
Ani & Haakien is a one-minute walk from Rotterdam Central Station.
Price per person per night: starts at €20.
www.anihaakien.nl
