Anyone know Rotterdam well?

[fireplacetiles]

Going to Eurovision next May which is in the Ahoy Arena all the accommodation which is nearby has increased it's prices to eye watering levels for that weekend!

What is public transport like? Is there a decent underground or tram system? Where can we stay away from the arena but where we can travel to and from the venue reasonably easily? Ideas of nice, safe areas with maybe touristy bits welcome, thanks c

public transport is amazing in nl.
have you looked just in rotterdam?
the hague is only half an hour by train.

The Hague and Delft are good alternatives if seeking lower priced accomodation around that time and are a bit more of a traditional tourist destination than Rotterdam. Transport is great, trains run at all hours, and I'm sure there will be special transport arranged for the event to central points/main train stations.

In Rotterdam around the river/old harbour and museum quarter is where I'd concentrate looking. Near the central station is also generally good for the location but it a bit deserted at night.

Hotel New York is a classic special stay but it's somewhat out of the way of the rest of the city but easily accessed with the metro. Airbnb might be an option? I'd favour neighbourhoods north of the river. Generally hotels aren't that excitingly special in Rotterdam, more business than tourist stays. I think there's a youth hostel in the museum quarter that may have private rooms.

Word of warning, it can be very windy in Rotterdam so pack a good rain coat rather than an umbrella if rain is forecast.

www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner

have a look at the journey planner when looking at hotels. if you put in an address it will give you all options including tram and bus.

9292.nl/ is a more reliable planner that includes all forms of public transport, including trains, though usually the public transport routes in Google maps are accurate too. Out of curiosity I just had a look at dates and prices for the 16th. The Hague and Delft seem equally insane. The youth hostel in Rotterdam is asking for a €1000 for a penthouse room with no other rooms available I do get the sense that they're witholding stock to get the highest prices rather than everything already being sold out. Airbnb seems equally ridiculously priced but if you're with a group of people it does seem the cheapest option. Leiden and Dordrecht are a bit further out, but equally lovely tourist destinations (Leiden more so but Dordrecht definitely has its charm) that may be worth looking into.