Why The Netherlands Should Be on Your Radar for Events
- grace2563
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
FAM Trip Highlights from Rotterdam, Delft & Amsterdam
If you're looking for a destination that blends accessibility, culture, innovation, and standout event spaces, The Netherlands has it all and then some. I recently had the pleasure of heading over on a short but packed FAM trip to explore some of the country’s top venues and experiences, and it was a brilliant reminder of just how much this compact country has to offer event planners.
From historic ships and waterfront hotels to canal cruises and cycling tours, here's what I got up to and why we think the Netherlands should be high on your list for your next international event.
Rotterdam: Creative, Cool and Full of Character
Our journey began in Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most forward thinking cities, known for its cutting edge architecture and vibrant arts scene. It’s also a fantastic place for events, offering spaces that are anything but ordinary.
SS Rotterdam was our first stop and what a start. This former ocean liner is now permanently moored as a hotel and event venue. We had a site visit of its versatile event spaces (including rooms with panoramic views across the water), and it’s safe to say it's one of the most unique venues I've come across. Whether you're planning a product launch, a gala dinner, or an incentive trip, there’s something undeniably special about hosting it aboard a ship with this much history and style.
Dinner that evening was at the iconic Hotel New York, once the headquarters of the Holland America Line. A beautiful spot right on the waterfront, it’s perfect for hosting groups, with a ‘nostalgic meets industrial’ charm that really stands out. We even took a classic Rotterdam water taxi ride across the harbour which was fast, fun, and a great way to see the city from a new angle (and yes, ideal for transfers with a twist!).
Delft: Historic, Compact, and Surprisingly Versatile
Next up was Delft - the charming, canal laced city famous for its blue and white ceramics and painterly streets. But beyond its postcard perfect looks, Delft also offers some great options for small to mid-size events.
We had a site visit and lunch at the Hotel Arsenaal, a stylish hotel set in a 17th-century former arsenal. The meeting spaces here are full of character, blending exposed brick and wooden beams with modern amenities. Over lunch, we got a real sense of how this venue could work brilliantly for intimate events or off-site retreats.
To round off our Delft visit, we took a guided bike tour through the city. It’s no secret that cycling is a way of life in the Netherlands and doing it like a local gave us a new perspective, not to mention a fun and low-carbon way to explore.
Amsterdam: Sustainable Luxury Meets World-Class Connectivity
Our final stop was Amsterdam which is a city that needs little introduction but continues to surprise. We checked in at Hotel Jakarta, an award-winning sustainable hotel that fuses Indonesian influences with contemporary Dutch design. The hotel offers flexible meeting spaces and panoramic views over the IJ River, and its eco-conscious approach is a major plus for today’s sustainability minded events.
We enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant that evening which was the perfect setting to unwind and soak in the stylish surroundings after a packed itinerary. We then capped the evening at Malabar which is their stunning sky bar that is open to the public as well as available for private hire. The next morning, we were treated to a private river cruise, picked up directly outside the hotel. It was a peaceful and scenic way to start the day, cruising through Amsterdam’s iconic canals and taking in the city from the water. A unique and memorable option for both transfers and social events.
So, Why The Netherlands for Your Next Event?
Here are a few reasons this small but mighty country punches well above its weight in the events world:
Accessibility: With direct flights from most major cities and a world-class rail network, it’s easy to get around even multiple cities in one short trip.
Diverse Venues: From historic ships to ultra-modern hotels, the venue options are as varied as they are inspiring.
Sustainability Focus: The Netherlands is leading the way in sustainable travel and hospitality, making it easier to align events with ESG goals.
Compact Size, Big Experiences: You can pack in so much, just like we did, without spending hours in transit. Think: water taxis in Rotterdam, bike rides in Delft, and river cruises in Amsterdam… all in three days.
Culture + Creativity: With a strong design heritage and a creative, open-minded culture, it’s a place that sparks ideas which is perfect for meetings, incentives and brand experiences alike.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a fantastic reminder that The Netherlands offers more than tulips and canals (though it does those beautifully, too). Whether you're planning a conference, incentive programme or intimate off-site, the country combines ease, inspiration, and professionalism in a way few destinations can match.
Thanks so much to SS Rotterdam, Hotel New York, Hotel Arsenaal & Hotel Jakarta as well as Vine Tree and WestCord Hotels who made the trip so seamless and inspiring - we are looking forward to bringing clients here soon!
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