This is a large Albert Heijin location, located at Coolsingel 47 it is opposite Stadhuis Metro…read moreStation and was 200 meters away from the Hilton Rotterdam, making it the ideal location for me to grab essentials while shopping in the city. For tourists, Albert Heijin is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, it's pretty much a brand you can't hide from and it seems they have stores everywhere you look with almost 1000 stores in the Netherlands. The store has a one-way system to enter/exit the store, you must scan a receipt to get out, this seems to be common with many AH stores, so can be difficult if you decide not to buy anything, or the item you want to purchase is out of stock. This particular location is modern and well laid out, they do seem to be focused on the self-service checkouts, with a large number of them. The self-service checkouts did seem unattended, after I had an issue, I was unable to find a staff member to assist me, and did have to leave my shopping on one of my recent trips to the store. I also liked how the statiegeld machine (return your plastic bottles to get your deposit back) was towards the front of the store, rather than tucked away in a back corner like other AH locations. They also have the bottled drinks towards the front of the store, by the checkouts, which also makes things easier. They had a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a small bakery section, brought in by the stores' recent expansion. Prices did seem slightly high, but not as high as other AH locations. With such market dominance, I guess they get away with it... Modern, clean location with reasonable selection, but the service is a letdown. 3*

I've been stopped multiple times because they didn't believe I had paid. Due to the system, I often…read moredidn't receive a receipt, so I couldn't show any proof of payment. As a result, I was asked to show my bank account, which I find unacceptable -- that's private information. Because of this, I also missed my train several times. Very frustrating and unpleasant would not recommend this Store

This Albert Heijn store is styled AH To Go, it is in a handy location on Stationsplein in Rotterdam…read moreCentraal station, with the added benefit of being open until midnight (Most other AH stores shut at 10 pm). For tourists, Albert Heijin is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, it's pretty much a brand you can't hide from and it seems they have stores everywhere you look with almost 1000 stores in the Netherlands. It is quite pricey here - even compared to other Albert Heijn locations, which I noticed were a little expensive anyway, ultimately you're paying for the convenience of the location within the train station. The product selection was OK, they did have a good selection of pre-bottled drinks, a small selection of fresh fruit and snacks, and a coffee machine. The store layout makes it easy to get in and out of the store very quickly, I liked how they had a large selection of bottled drinks at the back of the store, while keeping a smaller supply right at the front of the store, next to the checkouts, for those in a hurry. Like most AHs, a huge reliance on self-service checkouts, I did not notice a manned checkout. 3* - It isn't the best or most exciting AH location in town (and there is a remarkable amount!) but with late night openings and a convenient location if you're looking to grab a drink or some essentials before or after a train journey, it can be good.

(3.25) ~ pretty good overall small conventional grocery store, with most staples in stock. Notes:…read moreIt's near the Marriott & Central Train Station. And they do NOT take USA Credit Cards, as we tried both AMEX & Mastercard, both with Chips, and neither the chips nor the magnetic strips worked?! So we had to use a nearby ATM machine to get cash...quite annoying, but something to keep in mind if you go there...

As a vegan traveling through The Netherlands, it was a pleasant shock to hear of a grocery store…read morethat stocks mostly organic, vegan and vegetarian food. One of my favorite things to do in a new town or city is check out the local grocery store/supermarket, and this one, THIS ONE, with actual real-live vegan options, is like a dream. Granted, I don't know how to read Dutch, so most of the ingredients were a mystery to me, but I've gotten pretty familiar at spotting the Dutch words for 'milk' 'egg' and 'cheese', so I felt fairly confident. I also have a Rotterdam-born friend with me for last-ditch translation if needed. The variety of foods was overwhelming, in the best possible way! I found an excellent vegan mayonnaise (the mayo was for a potato salad, which turned out excellent and impressed all the picnic-going omnivores), bought a round of Cheesley Mozzarella, and picked up a tiny package of vegan bratwurst, just for fun. I was sorely tempted by the rest of the refrigerated section and naturally by the chocolate aisle--so many amazing looking vegan chocolate bars, including a white chocolate. Whaaaaat?! I would shop here quite frequently if I lived here. A great selection of organic food with a healthy vegan section. If you're traveling through, this is a great store to stock up on a few special vegan treats, and there's vegan/vegetarian cafe right next door if you're hungry.