Staying over?
Staying in Rotterdam
Coming from far away, or heading into town after your session? Here’s what we know about hotels, your name and your safety. And also what we don’t know.
Honestly, first
We can’t name a hotel that’s proven safe. We didn’t find that proof: labels like “gay friendly” on booking sites are mostly unchecked, and one list of “hotels in Rotterdam” was full of hotels in The Hague. So below we say who recommends each hotel, and you choose for yourself.
How to spot a good hotel
The strongest label is Booking.com’s Travel Proud: the staff have taken training on what LGBT+ travellers run into. We didn’t find a list for Rotterdam, so look out for the “Proud Certified” label when you book. Recent reviews say a lot too, and so does the answer to a simple email. You’ll find one below.
Your name and ID at check-in
A hotel in the Netherlands has to keep a guest register, for all guests: your name, where you live, the type of ID, and your arrival and departure. Reception may ask for your ID and must check it’s genuine, but may not copy or scan it, and may not ask for your citizen service number.
Does your ID show a different name from the one you use? You can simply say what you’d like to be called. You don’t have to explain anything. If that feels daunting, ask beforehand.
Going into town
You can change with us, so you don’t have to walk through the hotel in make-up unless you want to. Heading into town is part of the fun. Rotterdam is a big, mixed city, and you can meet unkind people here, like anywhere. At night, go together if you can, and take a taxi if you feel uneasy. Most gay bars are in the centre, around Westblaak.
Your rights
Since 2019 the Dutch Equal Treatment Act has explicitly banned discrimination on gender identity and gender expression. That applies to anyone offering services, so to a hotel or a café too. A hotel may not refuse you because you’re trans, or because you dress differently from what your ID seems to suggest.
Hotels that guides name
We haven’t spoken to these hotels ourselves. This is what others write, not a certification.
| Hotel | Area | Who names it |
|---|---|---|
| citizenM Rotterdam | City centre | Queer in the World |
| nhow Rotterdam | Kop van Zuid | The World Mappers |
| Hotel New York | Kop van Zuid | Hotels for Gays (weak source) |
| Motel One Rotterdam | City centre | Hotels for Gays (weak source) |
Ask a hotel
Adapt this email and send it, and choose the name you sign it with. A hotel that answers it kindly already tells you a lot.
Hello,
I’d like to stay with you. I’m [trans / a crossdresser / non-binary], and the name I use may differ from the one on my ID.
Will your staff use the name and pronouns I give? Do they take training such as Travel Proud? And what do you do if another guest is unkind?
Thank you!
Meeting people
- Transcafé, COC RotterdamSchiedamsesingel 173. A relaxed second living room for trans people and anyone questioning. According to the listings on the first and third Sunday, 16:00 to 20:00. Check the date first.
- Rotterdam PrideEvery September, with the Pride Walk.
- Transgender Netwerk NederlandThe national organisation for transgender and non-binary people.
If something happens
- 112In immediate danger.
- 0900-8844The police when it’s not urgent. Ask for Roze in Blauw, the LGBT+ network in every police unit.
- Discriminatie.nlYou can report even if you’re in doubt, and without filing a police report.
- Netherlands Institute for Human RightsRules on discrimination complaints. It’s free, and you don’t need a lawyer.
Questions
Which hotels in Rotterdam are LGBT+ friendly?
Travel guides often name citizenM Rotterdam and nhow Rotterdam. We found no real certification for either. No hotel here is exclusively for LGBT+ guests, and Rotterdam is open on the whole. Ask a hotel beforehand.
Do I have to show ID at a hotel?
Yes, that goes for all guests in the Netherlands. The hotel records your name, where you live and the type of ID, but may not copy your ID.
Can a hotel refuse me because I’m trans?
No. That’s banned. You can report it to Discriminatie.nl, and filing a complaint with the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights is free.
Where can I meet other trans people in Rotterdam?
At the Transcafé of COC Rotterdam, according to the listings on the first and third Sunday of the month. Check the date before you go.
Choose your makeover
- Male to female makeoverA day as a woman, from the first make-up to the last photo.
- Crossdresser makeoverFor crossdressers: maybe you have dressed for years, maybe you never told anyone.
- Transgender makeoverFor trans women: find your own style, and learn to do your make-up yourself.
- Gender fluid and non-binaryOne way today, another tomorrow. A look for how you want to be now.
- Boudoir photoshootSoft light, lingerie or something in silk, and elegant photos.
- EXTRA makeoverNot drag, but big: more colour, more shine, more of everything.
- Duo makeoverWith your partner or a friend: two makeovers, one shoot.
- Online styling sessionYou can’t come to Rotterdam? Patty helps you in a video call.
- Personal coachingOne to one, all about your questions.
- Gift voucherGive someone a makeover with a photoshoot.
- Female to male?We don’t do this makeover ourselves. But we would love to help you.