As Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp exudes a unique charm, where centuries-old architecture stands in harmonious dialogue with cutting-edge fashion and art. The city’s cobbled streets lead to grandiose squares, adorned with majestic buildings reminiscent of its golden age, while its world-renowned diamond district sparkles with a promise of exquisite luxury. Antwerp is not just a city to visit; it’s an experience to be savored, offering an eclectic mix of high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and cultural treasures that captivate and enchant. Whether it’s exploring the legacy of its famous baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens, indulging in the rich flavours of Belgian chocolates, or embarking on a bespoke fashion journey, Antwerp promises a travel experience filled with opulence, culture, and unforgettable memories. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels in Antwerp.
August
Although utterly contemporary, there’s no mistaking that this was once an Augustinian convent. Hotel August retains a paired back, minimalist style, with crisp white Egyptian percale bed linens contrasted by dark beamed timber ceilings and wooden floors. Each of the 44 bedrooms and suites is unique, some of the latter with Juliet balconies revealing views of the courtyard, chapel and swimming pond and all with trendy Le Labo toiletries. Outside, the Cour Anglaise caters to ice scrubs in the al fresco shower and a swimming pond sets the scene for a refreshing back-to-nature dip. A restaurant is found in the corridor surrounding the original chapel with an outdoor dining terrace and bar.
Hotel FRANQ
Hotel FRANQ, residing on Kipdorp Street, is a four-star hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant that was named after the previous Belgian currency. The majestic building, a former bank that was built in the Neoclassical style, contains spacious and attractive communal areas that are furnished with comfortable sofas and coffee tables. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and a roll-in shower are available in each of the hotel’s thirty-nine rooms. The hotel is within walking distance of the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Market Place and the house in which Peter Paul Rubens lived.
Hotel De Witte Lelie
Hotel De Witte Lelie, located in Antwerp’s city centre, is one of three high-gabled buildings that line the city’s oldest shopping street. The four-star hotel, built in the seventeenth century, contains the Bronze Bar where guests can unwind among fashionable surroundings and two sitting rooms in which visitors can relax in front of an open fireplace. Each of the ten rooms and suites has a view of the floral courtyard, free Wi-Fi access, a free minibar as well as separate bath and shower facilities. Guests will enjoy the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, comfortable surroundings and stylish decor.
Hotel ‘T Sandt
Those planning a trip to Antwerp, whether for business or pleasure, may be interested in staying at the Hotel ‘T Sandt which is situated in the heart of the city. The hotel, constructed in the seventeenth century, is an excellent example of the Neo-Rococo architectural style and occupies the space of a former soap factory. There are twenty-nine rooms in the four-star hotel, which is located on Zand Street, as well as a restaurant and meeting room. The Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was built between 1352 and 1521, is visible from the hotel’s summer terrace.
Hotel Julien Antwerp
The four-star Hotel Julien is situated on Korte Nieuwstraat, a street that passes through the historic centre of Antwerp and is regarded as one of the best places for an overnight stay in the city. Guests can unwind in the luxurious spa, detoxify themselves in the sauna, relax in the comfortable living room or have a drink in the trendy bar before retiring to their cosy and well-furnished rooms. Bath and shower facilities are available in the deluxe bathrooms while free Wi-Fi, iPad and iPhone docking system, minibar and writing desk are available in each of the hotel’s twenty-one rooms.
