Rotterdam

Got an opportunity to go and spend few days in Rotterdam before the winter starts to set in. For a change, stayed in SS Rotterdam, a ship which is now forever anchored close to the city and functions as a hotel, albeit an interesting one decked up like a fully functioning liner. You can read more about it here

Also took a speedboat ride at reasonable fast pace down the channels taking a full view of the Rotterdam port city, one of the biggest ports in the world (largest in EU). It is also the second biggest city in Netherlands and is known as the gateway to Europe given its air, water, land and rail connections into the European mainland given it strategic location of on the Rhine delta.
Architecture is a mix of old world Holland and post modern Houston. For some reason the more modern areas of Rotterdam reminded me distinctly of Houston, TX in far away US. (not quite sure if its complementary!)

SS Rotterdam itself was a nice break from the usual hotels - multiple decks, swimming pool overlooking the channel, rooms which are indeed cabins - all reminding me of my previous life as an offshore oil & gas engineer.

You could even tour the old engine room and look at the machines - probably not the most imminent need for the majority of tourists who come to stay here. You can have a languid breakfast (good old Dutch spread) before going about the town.

I must confess it went above my expectations in terms of service, food and overall experience !