The Netherlands, RotterdamJuly 17, 2025, by Maartje

The Usual Rotterdam: the meeting secret of the Maasstad

Lunch , Workplace
The Netherlands, Rotterdam, July 17, 2025, by Maartje

The Usual Rotterdam: the meeting secret of the Maasstad

We have written about this here on Barts Boekje before The Usual in Rotterdam, and we have written about those nice ones before workplaces - away from the office and/or kitchen table, but where you can focus (and where you can also just call document can do), but that combination? We didn't have that yet. A shame, because if there's one thing that's a good tip, it's an 'urban brainstorming session' at The Usual in Rotterdam. You can easily add an overnight stay since there is so much to do in the Maasstad... (more Rotterdam)

The concept that works

The concept that works

The Usual calls itself “Rotterdam's best-kept meeting secret” – quite a claim for a city bursting with meeting spaces. But after a visit to their location (five minutes from Rotterdam Central Station, they're not exaggerating), you'll understand. The hotel has done something few others can: make meetings enjoyable.

In the basement you'll find the serious meeting rooms. The Conference Arena (from €129/half day) feels like a small TEDxtalk setting with its arena setup for 10 people. Pretentious? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely. Conference Rooms 1, 2 & 3 are classic board rooms, but with more style and fewer bare walls. Prices start at €225 for half a day – not cheap, but you do get 65-inch screens and air conditioning that actually works.

Then The Game Room (from €250/half day) – a meeting room that also serves as a ping-pong table. Sounds like a gimmick, but it works surprisingly well during brainstorming sessions. People relax more quickly, ideas flow more freely. And yes, those large Scrabble boards are indeed useful, not just for cool Instagram material.

Above are the free coworking spaces And there are Creator Boxes (from €175/half day) for when you need some privacy. Ideal, especially because you're also well-catered for when it comes to food and drink.

By the way, the Mind Gym is not some hipster nonsense: after six hours of meetings, it's perfect. And that U-bar with signature cocktails strikes the right tone: professional enough for customers, relaxed enough for team bonding.

Sustainability without preaching

Sustainability without preaching

The Usual's sustainability mission also gets ten points: vegan menu, local sourced, sustainable interior – it's just there, without any moral finger pointing. Even their Pride cocktail (50% profit goes to COC Netherlands) feels genuine rather than woke-washing.

Long story short: For a day of team building (up to 27 people), this concept works. Meetings, lunch, drinks, and even an overnight stay in one of their 209 rooms. The latter is convenient if your team isn't all from Rotterdam. Room prices vary, but are in line with other city center hotels. And it's within walking distance of Central Station.

Want to book? Do it. Expectations? Pleasantly surprised.

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