Hotel Julien

Hotel Julien, Antwerp: A Michelin Key Selected Boutique Haven

Hotel Julien in Antwerp, a recipient of the prestigious Michelin Key, consistently receives high praise for its serene ambiance, sophisticated design, and exceptional service, establishing itself as a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious and tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Julien is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "beautiful," "serene," "charming," and "a wonderful space to come back to". Many reviewers award it high scores, with 9/10 and 10/10 ratings being common, reflecting an exceptional guest experience. The hotel is seen as a discreet hideaway that marries noble history with a refined, contemporary sensibility.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hotel Julien:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, nestled within two 16th-century townhouses, boasts a modern minimal design with clean lines, blonde wood, creamy neutral tones, and curated photographic art. The blend of contemporary elements with historic architecture creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
• Rooftop Terrace: The rooftop patio is a significant draw, offering spectacular and unique views of the Antwerp Cathedral and the city, providing a "hip vibe" and a relaxing spot for aperitifs.
• Spa & Wellness: Located in the converted 16th-century cellars, the secluded spa, though small, offers a sauna, hammam, hot stone seat, and various treatments, providing a "zen" and relaxing experience. Private access to the spa facilities can be booked.
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "lovely," "accommodating," "attentive," "friendly," and "skilled," contributing significantly to guests feeling welcome and at home.
• Location: Its central location in the old city center, within walking distance of major sights, good restaurants, Groenplaats Square, Grote Markt, and the Cathedral of Our Lady, is highly appreciated by guests.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Julien offers 21 rooms across three categories: Mood Rooms, Dreamer Rooms, and Julien Experience Rooms. The rooms are described as spacious (especially Dreamer and Experience rooms) and comfortable, with a modern style.

Key features include:

• Beds & Linens: Heavenly beds with custom Egyptian percale linens and soft down pillows are a highlight, ensuring a comfortable sleep.
• Bathrooms: Luxurious bathrooms often feature white marble, state-of-the-art modern fixtures, rain showers or baths, and top-shelf Aesop or REN bath products.
• Amenities: Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, individual climate control, plasma TVs, Bose sound systems, Jacob Jensen phones, Krups coffee machines, tea-making kits, minibars, bathrobes, and slippers.
• Design: Rooms are pale and pared back, with designer furniture and limited photographs from Gallery 51, creating a cultivated yet relaxed mood. Dreamer and Experience rooms often feature original beamed ceilings.

4. Dining Experience

While Hotel Julien does not have a formal restaurant, it offers a delightful dining experience for breakfast and light meals:

• Breakfast: An impressive and delicious buffet breakfast, including oven-warm baked goods (some from a Michelin-starred restaurant), fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and fresh juices, is served daily in the lounge. On weekends, breakfast is available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
• Bar & Lounge: The hotel features a lounge area with books and magazines and a bar stocked with whiskies and Belgian beers. Light meals and finger food are served throughout the day and evening, with room service available for an additional charge. Guests can enjoy drinks in the bar or on the rooftop terrace.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Julien is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "friendly and skilled", "incredibly friendly and helpful, making [guests] feel like a VIP". They are described as attentive and genuinely nice, contributing significantly to a pleasant and welcoming stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Julien boasts an "excellent location" in the heart of Antwerp's old city center. It is situated:

• A 5-minute walk from Groenplaats Square.
• Within walking distance of good restaurants, major sights, the Grote Markt, and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Near the Belgian art Museum Mayer van den Bergh.
• The neighborhood is considered very pleasant for walking, and transportation options are convenient for exploring the historic area.
• The hotel is also close to the KBC Tower and within 800 meters of the Antwerp Red Light District, but noted to be in a quiet location.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, guests generally perceive Hotel Julien as a luxurious and comfortable stay, with some noting that the "Mood Rooms," as the most basic option, might feel small and lack a coffee/tea machine for a room priced around €180 (breakfast not included). However, for the overall experience, design, and service, many find the value to be good, especially for the "Dreamer" or "Experience" rooms which offer more space and amenities. The Michelin Key selection further indicates its quality in terms of hospitality, comfort, and service, justifying its pricing for a luxury boutique offering.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Room Size (Mood Rooms): Some guests found the most basic "Mood Rooms" to be small and have a "business hotel vibe," which might not align with expectations for a boutique design hotel, especially given the price point and the absence of a coffee/tea machine in these specific rooms.
• Noise: While generally quiet, some front-facing rooms overlooking a street with tram tracks may experience some noise, despite double-glazed windows. Additionally, one review mentioned thin walls, leading to noise from neighboring rooms.
• Rooftop Bar: The rooftop terrace, while offering fantastic views, does not have a dedicated bar, meaning guests cannot spontaneously order drinks there.
• Spa Access: The spa, though excellent, requires advance booking and carries a separate charge, and is not always open for spontaneous use.
• Lighting in Rooms: One guest mentioned that the lighting in the rooms could be poor, making it difficult to read or work at night without being on the bed.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. hotels-antwerpen.net
3. pendulummag.com
4. michelin.com
5. i-escape.com
6. mrandmrssmith.com
7. hotels.com
8. thetinynomad.com
9. hotel-julien.com
10. brusselstimes.com