Get away from it all...for £39 (From Swindon Advertiser)

Get away from it all...for £39

4:08pm Thursday 5th January 2012 in Holiday Reviews

In search of a short break that wouldn’t leave him broke, Neil Welch made a last-minute decision to jump on a coach to Rotterdam

I was a little apprehensive as I stepped onto the Eurolines coach at London’s Victoria coach station, a service that would take me to Rotterdam for a long weekend.

Ahead of me lay a 10-hour journey via Eurotunnel, and then a lengthy drive through France and Belgium. But in these grim days of spending cuts, job losses and trying to stretch money out as far as it can reach, why refuse a weekend in a thriving European city when the return fare is just £39?

That number kept a warm glow of contentment in my stomach as my friend and I whistled through two European countries. Time passed fairly quickly, partly because we packed accordingly (a laptop, MP3 player and magazines are all imperative).

We eventually arrived in Rotterdam, Holland’s second city, as it descended into autumnal evening darkness, with our minds firmly focused on cheap beer, a chance to relax, and perhaps taking in the odd cultural sight or two.

The evenings are a good time to appreciate the nocturnal nature of the city’s ultra-modern architecture, as the tall, imposing structures shine with spotlights and LED displays.

Our first stop was Hotel Bazaar, a buzzing Moroccan bar whose mismatched, bohemian stylings are a world away from the sleek modernity that rules supreme outside its doors.

Hefty portions of juicy kebabs, soft flatbreads and tangy dips were the perfect antidote to a day cooped up aboard the coach.

We soon discovered there was far more to Rotterdam’s nightlife, however, than a few bottles of Dutch lager and an early night.

Before long we were running the nightclub gauntlet, enjoying the truly democratic atmosphere of the city, where despite our ‘informal’ holiday attire, we were ushered into cool-looking venues by laid-back burly bouncers.

The next morning, I awoke with a heavy head – and ready for Rotterdam’s best hangover cure: a bicycle ride around the city.

However, if you’re hoping to take in ancient cathedrals, narrow cobbled market squares and rickety bridges, you’re probably in the wrong city.

Rotterdam was flattened by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War and as a result, has precious few buildings predating 1940.

However, it has become, says our bicycling guide, a playground for architects and home to one of the best modern cityscapes in Europe, especially around the city’s port, one of the largest in the world.

Dominating this view is the Erasmus Bridge, a huge connecting point over the New Meuse river linking north and south Rotterdam. Nicknamed ‘The Swan’ because of its 139-metre asymmetrical neck-like pylon, it sums up the sense of originality and innovation that pervades the city, with its sleek lines and minimalist design.

The cranes and scaffolding on Rotterdam’s skyline remind you the city's in a constant state of flux, driven by a desire to remain at the cutting edge. Indeed, architects take a very unique view to the longevity of their projects, with some only built to last around 20 years, before they’re pulled down and re-imagined.

But these temples of modernity aren't all luxury hotels or high-rise offices. In fact, one of the city’s most enviable structures has been turned into a youth hostel.

Stayokay Rotterdam is located within the famous cube houses. Designed in 1984, these eye-catching structures create an urban ‘forest’, with each cube representing a tree. It’s by far the cheapest way to experience a piece of Rotterdam’s architectural history (www.stayokay.com).

Our home for the weekend, however, was the Bilderberg Park Hotel, which offers a special clubbing package including one night in an executive room, the use of their fitness room and sauna, plus champers on arrival and a bloody Mary late breakfast (plus optional late check-out!).

For those looking for a fun weekend, which mingles pleasure with exhilarating sights, Rotterdam is ideal.

It isn’t really a ‘to do list’ city, a place where you can mark off the attractions, click your shutter a few times and then head home. Its beauty is in its atmosphere and modernity, plus the way in which it embraces tourists.

Striking a balance, without striking a pose. That’s how one of the locals described his city.. and I think he got it spot on.