Antwerp, a Belgian city that combines classics and modernity, is famous for its long artistic heritage, brilliant diamond culture and port prosperity. In addition to the tourist attractions themselves, the way to really immerse yourself in the city and feel the breath of the city is to stay in those historical hotels that have carried a century of wind and rain and witnessed the evolution of the city.
1. Hotel Julien: A quiet aristocrat hidden in the heart of the city
Hotel history and overview
Hotel Julien was originally a private residence in the 19th century, which was once a social place for the upper class in Antwerp. After being renovated by two local designers, the original classical facade was retained, and the interior was integrated with minimalist contemporary design style. Today, it is one of the most design-conscious boutique hotels in Antwerp, hosting artists, designers and international media all year round.
Location and transportation
The hotel is located in the center of the old town of Antwerp, a five-minute walk from the Cathedral of Our Lady and Meir Shopping Avenue. It is about 15 minutes’ drive from Antwerp Central Station, and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Cost
Room price is about 220 to 350 euros per night, depending on the season and room type. Breakfast is included, and some suites overlook the city roofline.
Nearby attractions
Antwerp City Hall, Grote Markt, Fashion Museum (MoMu) and Rubens House are within walking distance.
Recommended booking platform
The hotel can be booked through platforms such as Booking.com, Tablet Hotels and Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Suitable People
Suitable for couples, art lovers, and tourists who seek quiet accommodation and unique design experience.
2. Hotel ‘t Sandt: A romantic dream in a classical palace
Hotel history and overview
Hotel ’t Sandt was converted from an 18th-century Italian-style merchant’s house. The hotel still retains the original fireplace, gilded door decoration and high ceiling, showing the classical European romance. It is now a popular choice for local wedding and honeymoon tourists.
Location and Transportation
Located on the Scheldt River in Antwerp, it is a 10-minute walk to the old town. Convenient transportation, with bus and tram stops nearby, and only 20 minutes to the train station.
Expenses
The average room rate per night is 180 to 280 euros, including a hearty breakfast and free parking.
Nearby Attractions
The MAS Museum, Sint-Annatunnel and the pier riverside promenade are within close proximity.
Recommended Booking Platforms
It is recommended to use Expedia, Agoda, and Hotels.com for price comparison and booking.
Suitable People
Recommended for couples, newlyweds and middle-class travelers who like classical style.
3. Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt: A historical epitome by the old market
Hotel History and Overview
This hotel is located next to the Grote Markt in Antwerp. The building was built in the mid-19th century and has undergone many renovations, but it retains the original stone facade and traditional roof structure. Its name also pays tribute to Antwerp’s most famous painter, Peter Paul Rubens.
Location and Transportation
The hotel is in an extremely advantageous location, with the City Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady visible from the door. Public transportation is convenient, with direct access to the train station and the outskirts of the city.
Cost
Rates range from 160 to 230 euros per night, and some room types overlook the Old Market Square, including continental breakfast.
Surrounding attractions
Rubens House, De Koninck Brewery, and MoMu Fashion Museum are within walking distance.
Recommended booking platform
Promotional packages are available through Booking.com, Trivago, and Lastminute.com.
Suitable for people
Suitable for first-time visitors to Antwerp, history fans, and backpackers who love to stay in the central city.
4. De Witte Lelie: Contemporary romance in a 300-year-old mansion
Hotel history and overview
De Witte Lelie is a 17th-century townhouse with a white facade, once owned by a noble family. After being transformed by an artistic team, it combines the old Dutch style with modern art elements and becomes a real “living art gallery”.
Location and transportation
Located in a quiet neighborhood on the north side of the center of Antwerp, it is a 10-minute walk to the Grote Market and the Cathedral.
Cost
It is a high-end luxury hotel with room rates ranging from 300 to 450 euros per night. All rooms are equipped with fireplaces and handmade art furnishings, including customized breakfast and boutique bath products.
Surrounding attractions
You can easily walk to the MAS Museum, the Royal Gallery, and the Zurenborg district.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to make reservations through platforms such as Mr & Mrs Smith, Design Hotels and Relais & Châteaux.
Suitable People
Suitable for high-end travelers, art collectors, designers and couples who want a romantic vacation.
5. Hotel Franq: The beauty of the transformation of the financial palace
Hotel history and overview
Originally the headquarters building of a bank in Antwerp, Hotel Franq was established in the early 20th century and is a gathering place for financial elites. After the renovation, the original vault structure and stone column hall were retained, giving the building new life. Now it is a fashionable hotel with both restaurant and boutique accommodation.
Location and transportation
It is only a five-minute walk from Antwerp Cathedral, close to Meir Avenue and the fashionable shopping district.
Cost
Room prices range from 200 to 320 euros/night. The hotel restaurant is also mentioned in the Michelin Guide, suitable for guests who pay attention to food quality.
Surrounding attractions
You can walk to the Royal Palace, Bolton Sculpture Park, and Diamond District.
Recommended booking platform
Booking through Booking.com, Expedia and TabletHotels can enjoy discounts.
Suitable for the crowd
Suitable for the middle class, high-end tourists, and business travelers who pay attention to style and enjoy the quality of life.
6. Accommodation suggestions and booking tips: How to grab a place
Antwerp, as a fashion and port town in Belgium, attracts a large number of tourists and business people every year, so you need to pay special attention to the time nodes when planning accommodation. Especially during large-scale events such as “Antwerp Fashion Week” and “Antwerp Port Business Summit”, hotel prices generally increase by about 30%. In order to ensure a smooth stay in a historical hotel, it is recommended to make a reservation at least three to six months in advance.
Choosing a booking platform with “free cancellation” or “flexible cancellation” options, such as Booking.com, Agoda or Hotels.com, can not only ensure that there is no additional loss when the travel plan changes, but also rebook when a more cost-effective price appears. At the same time, it is recommended to register as a member of these platforms and turn on the email subscription function, which can often receive exclusive discount codes, limited-time flash sale reminders and VIP prices, which can sometimes be 10% to 20% lower than the public price. In addition, some platforms also provide a “price change reminder” function to help travelers grasp the best time to place an order.
7. Things to note when staying in a historical hotel: Don’t let romance become troublesome
The facilities may be slightly “retro”.
For example, some hotels still retain the original antique elevators, which are slow and small in space, and sometimes even require manual operation; while the stairs are usually narrow and steep, not suitable for dragging large luggage or frequent ups and downs for the elderly and children. Therefore, before booking, you should check whether the hotel has a modern elevator or whether it can arrange a ground-floor room to accommodate travelers with limited mobility.
Some historic hotels cannot be equipped with central air conditioning due to structural limitations.
Although summer temperatures in Belgium are not extreme, it can be difficult to sleep in a room without air conditioning during a heat wave (especially in July and August). Therefore, when choosing a room, be sure to check the facilities list to see if it has air conditioning, electric fans or windows that can be opened. Some high-end historic hotels will provide portable air conditioners for increased comfort, but it is best to confirm in advance to avoid being at a loss after check-in.
The greatest charm of historic hotels is often the atmosphere, not the hardware.
The slight creaking of the wooden floor, the relief of the ceiling and the presence of the fireplace are an experience of traveling through time and space. The softness of the bed or the strength of the water pressure should not be measured by the modern standards of a five-star hotel. Staying in such a hotel is more like staying in a “living museum”, an immersive journey about style, culture and the pace of life.
Antwerp’s century-old buildings not only carry the memory of the city of Belgium, but also become a place for contemporary travelers to seek inspiration and spiritual comfort. The stories hidden behind those brick walls and ceilings are something that ordinary chain hotels cannot give. These historic hotels interweave tradition with modern elegance, weaving a night unique to Antwerp for you on every trip.
Why not choose to stay in such an old building hotel on your next trip to make your relationship with the city more profound and real.
