A Definitive List Of Antwerp’s Most Gorgeous Hotels

Often overshadowed by its European rivals, Antwerp stands today as a centre of art and design. Though the Gothic gems stand flashing its design legacy, the city’s contemporary buildings and art museums highlight innovation and creativity. Antwerp’s revamped ‘MoMu Museum’ celebrates haute couture and hosts notable exhibitions, making it a favourite for fashion students and industry professionals. This Belgian city is the second largest port city in Europe after Rotterdam, and it is here at the port front, that the stunning Zaha Hadid-designed edifice soars atop a historic former fire station and reiterates the confluence of heritage and innovation — a nod to Antwerp’s creative spirit. 

After soaking in the historical wonders, make your way to Het Eilandje, formerly the old port district, and now a hotspot among modern travellers packed with restaurants, museums, and creative spaces in converted warehouses and docks. There has been a steady rise in design hotels being built across the city, particularly in historically important sites. This move has set new benchmarks in sustainable design and innovation, making Antwerp a must-visit destination for an elite cadre of connoisseurs, business travellers, design addicts, spa aficionados and affluent shoppers. DP curates a definitive list of five of the most luxurious heritage boutique hotels, each steeped in historic charm and thoughtful modern design that honour the ancient spirit of Antwerp.

1. Botanic Sanctuary Weaves The Natural World Indoors To Elevate Wellbeing 

In the heart of historic Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary immerses one in a transformative world unlike any other. Set within 20,000 square meters of lush botanic space, this luxury heritage hotel blends the rich histories of a 15th-century infirmary, a 16th-century chapel, rectory and convent building, along with the chaplain’s house, and a 19th-century pharmacy. Each building has been carefully restored and revitalized to create a serene sanctuary that feels familiar, elegant, and warm. The hotel features 108 rooms and suites spread across five historic buildings. The architectural restoration and design was heralded by Belgium-based AIDarchitecten, together with the builder, architect Eric De Vocht, and Maryse Odeurs. 

A sense of balance reigns between conserving the historic ensemble and bringing sophistication to the spaces that sensitively integrate the rich history of the location. The reception lounge is set within a conservatory with interiors that inspire peace and an affinity towards nature. Restrained luxury is inherent in the design choices, from the furnishings to the bonsai plantations– each element is in harmony with the ancient spirit of the structures. Natural colours adorn the rooms with subtle nods to the adjacent botanical garden. Nothing ostentatious but select antiques and objets d’art add an element of sophisticated luxury to its rooms and suites. The spa suite redefines the luxury of an in-room private spa experience for wellness addicts. The duplex spa suite comes with a second-floor spa room with Technogym bike, whirlpool, Finnish sauna heated treatment bed and wine climate cabinet — decked out with air filters and purification systems to eliminate allergens. 

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Gourmands should know Botanic Sanctuary is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants. A meal at ‘Hertog Jan’ means omakase-style dining that shines through in the inventive blend of local West Flemish ingredients, with Japanese techniques. Helmed by renowned pastry chef Roger van Damme, ‘Het Gabbar’ housed in a fairy-tale gingerbread house, offers a refined take on contemporary desserts. 

The Botanic’s 1238 Restaurant set in the atmospheric modern conservatory establishes the elegance of sunlit courtyard dining. Named after the 19th-century botanist and director of Antwerp’s Botanical Garden, Henri-Ferdinand Van Heurck, ‘Henry’s Bar’ exudes a convivial atmosphere that is further elevated by the cocktail exploration of rare botanicals. Life’s most special events can turn into the most sophisticated soirees at Botanic’s 15th-century chapel, which doubles as a preferred venue for musical concerts lately. If retail therapy keeps you going, drop by the ex-apothecary-turned-luxury boutique to shop Saint Charles spa products for your weekend home spa rituals.

DP loves: Various building blocks were connected by simple but elegant and light conservatory constructions, the detailing of which was based on the original winter garden canopy.

2. At August, History And Design Meet In A Revived Convent Setting 

In the pedestrian-only modern neighbourhood of the Green Quarters, vibrant with numerous boutique shops and new eateries, a former Augustinian convent-turned-design hotel, ‘August’ is redefining Antwerp’s hotel scene. Designed by the legendary Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysennly, the essence of Augustinian convent life is revived into its neoclassical splendour through the addition of contemporary architectural elements, suitably upgrading the premises to its new function as a modern hotel. The hotel features 44 rooms and suites that come with double beds flat-screen televisions, air-conditioning, laptop safe, fully-stocked minibar, wireless speaker, Egyptian percale bed linen, ensuite bathrooms with marble vanity and French bistro tiles and Le Labo toiletries. 

No two rooms are the same in this historically revised space. Some sit under the centuries-old eaves and honour original materials while others sprawl under natural light and lofty ceilings and combine modern touches. Step into the high-ceilinged-nun’s chapel-turned-lounge bar, reserved for convivial, cosy evenings with a cocktail or a gala breakfast spread at the day’s start. The adjacent terrace garden warmed by a heater during winter and sun in summer are ideal for summer lunches, wintry festive dinners to casual bar celebrations. Chef Gerd Govaerts-led menu champions ingredients and techniques from all over the world offering an array of apéritif bites, small plates, mains and entrees, giving guests the freedom to curate a bespoke dining experience.

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The private restorative spa invites you to embrace a wellness journey, starting with a rejuvenating warm-up in the sauna and hammam, and culminating in a refreshing cool-down ritual in an ice bath. The outdoor swimming pool, resembling a serene freshwater pond, showcases a natural reed filtration system that keeps the water clear and inviting, creating an ideal oasis for a summer soak. 

Take a little piece of August from the elegant boutique store, having exquisite home decor and products that range from natural linen plaids, home fragrances, books, and ceramics to the Bamford products used in the spa. The hotel design and its impeccable hospitality invite guests to experience a special sense of welcome and ease within a nurturing, uplifting environment, reminiscent of the joy once felt by those who lived in the convent. 

DP loves: Carefully restored decorative profiles and doors, along with hand-painted tiles and white marble, as seen in the chapel, are the undisputed protagonists in these internal spaces.

3. Hotel De Witte Lelie, A Reinvented Gabled Mansion With Flamboyant Interiors 

Nestled in the old quarters of Antwerp, Hotel De Witte Lelie sits within a cluster of white 16th-century gabled buildings. The preserved traditional bones of the buildings, such as the marble fireplaces, high ceilings, and exposed timber beams, stand gracefully against the bold wallpapers, vibrant fabrics, statement modern furniture and light fixtures— to create a harmonious blend of the past and present. 

The hotel features 10 rooms and suites adorned with ​​out-of-the-box designs by the Belgian designer Ann Dierick of Animalick Designs. Think Marilyn Monroe monoprint wallpapers, gold drapes, opulent crystal chandeliers, striking Bisazza Bagno line bathroom with Hermes toiletries and designer furnishings that transcend the ordinary. The presidential suite designed as a modern-day Loius XIV-style opulent sleeping chamber showcases lace wallpaper, a crystal chandelier, an open vintage fireplace, layered with animal skins, and designer drapes by Dries Van Noten. 

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The highly recommended Restaurant ‘Lilium’ sets a mood for a design-forward venue with its white tables, hand-painted walls and Rosenthal crockery sets and crystal glassware. Summer meals are best enjoyed in the lush flower courtyard that adds to an unruffled dining experience amid beds of botanicals. Helmed by Chef Jo Brussels, this fine dining establishment offers both a tasting menu and à la carte dishes. Perfect for savouring a nightcap, ‘The Bronze Bar,’ true to its name, offers furnishings adorned in elegant bronze fabric that harmonize beautifully with the warm tones of bronze and gold in the wall coverings and lighting. Hotel De Witte Lelie is ideally placed for enjoying all of Antwerp’s unmissable experiences and sights and lures design and fashion lovers for the plethora of signature details layering with quirky designer decor that serves as a guest experience. 

DP loves: The murals of giant lilies and dreamy clouds on the ceiling of the restaurant Lelium are done by artist Pablo Piatti which aligns with the vibrant colour scheme of the design project.

4. Hotel Julien, An Urban Design Hotel Meets Scandi Design 

Hotel Julien, the sister property of August, is a modern urban hotel set in a renovated 16th-century townhouse in Antwerp’s Green Quarter. The noble Maison style is reflected in the art adorning the walls, while the living room lounges, with their marble mosaic floors and original fireplaces, offer a warm, inviting atmosphere. The decorative ‘Chinoiserie’ doors add a unique charm, having been discovered in the basement and carefully restored. The salvaged timbers, which once served to air cheese, now beautifully complement the floors and the elegant curved balustrades guide guests to the accommodation suites. 

Hotel Julien is the creative brainchild of Mouche Van Hool, who pioneered the concept of ‘casual luxury’ into Antwerp’s hotel space. Soft textures, warm tones and Scandi-style interiors don its 21 rooms and suites. Each bedroom is distinct all having sumptuous beds fitted in custom Egyptian percale linens and soft down pillows and the white walls are dressed with Gallery 51 limited photographs. Designer furniture like calfskin Vitra Eames LCW chairs and Charles & Ray Eames La Chaise perfectly complement the toned-down furnishings. Julien is an urban boutique retreat tailored for bleisure travelers on business trips to Antwerp. Whether work or play, Julien organises business events to intimate wedding parties with full-day service. In contrast, August attracts wellness enthusiasts and design aficionados with its inviting outdoor swimming pond, a thoughtfully curated in-house shop, Bamford-fuelled Zen Spa, and the art deco chapel-restored bar further enhances its luxurious accommodations, making it a unique retreat for those seeking both relaxation and style.

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The breakfast lounge serves delectable breakfast spreads that include oven-warm baked goods exclusive from the city’s Michelin-starred, ‘Dome’ restaurant. Enjoy a nightcap at the stylish bar with vintage wines and locally brewed beers while locals and resident guests make a beeline for the rooftop terrace for cathedral-admiring aperitifs. Business travellers find this hotel to be the ideal resting pad, equipped with bright and airy function rooms for hosting business meetings. The business rooms overlook the inner courtyards laid in lush green blooms and are ideal for a post-meeting drink. Chalky whites, textured walls, wood and terracotta flooring set the mood of the bijou, a private spa, located beneath the original 16th-century arches of a historic cellar.

DP loves: The hotel stretches across two 16th-century buildings and was restored with contemporary design aesthetics. The Swiss family-owned Vitra Furniture line is layered with the fashionable fabrics of local fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester.

5. Hotel Flora, A Vibrant West Anderson Inspired Design Boutique

In Antwerp’s vibrant historic city centre sits Hotel Flora, housed in a formerly rich merchant’s house with foundations dating back to the late Middle Ages. Designed by the Belgian architect and designer Gert Voorjans, who adopted modern and dynamic interiors where every space plays narratives of colour, craft, and character. With its original Rococo gatehouse, a charming Chinese pagoda, and a spacious city garden, the hotel offers a unique blend of vintage accents and modern comforts. Imagine walking into a treasure chest with a vintage library, lush topiary, clawfoot tubs, and colourful murals hand-painted by the Belgian landscape artist Nils Verkaeren.

The selection of seven suites is beautifully named by a captivating colour scheme—amethyst, emerald, terra, aquamarine, sapphire, ruby, and agate—celebrating Antwerp’s rich heritage in precious stones. To elevate these magical roomscapes, Gert Voorjans partnered with artist Nils Verkaeren, who skillfully painted botanicals and enchanting hues transforming the space into a living work of art. 

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Note that there is no restaurant but private chef dining can be arranged. Upon request, the hotel organises exclusive experiences for guests such as a ride in a vintage aeroplane over Antwerp or a private boat trip through the port and many more. Hotel Flora is right in the middle of all the action. Close by, you can check out ‘Veranda’ and ‘Album’ which specialise in refined Belgian cuisine, showcasing innovative dishes. For something different, ‘Osaka’ offers an Asian-inspired bar experience with natural wines, while Vitrin is a trendy spot known for its well-curated beer selections, making it a favourite among bon vivants.

DP loves: A standout in the Agate room is the historical Chinese pagoda, one of only two in the country, built during the 17th century when maritime merchants were inspired by styles they discovered on overseas expeditions.

Antwerp is a remarkable destination for those in pursuit of luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences. With its fine dining, quirky fashion, vintage shopping, and top art, the city showcases luxury beyond a lifestyle concept – it’s a vibe that endures time and legacy.