Hotel Matelote

Hotel Matelote, Antwerp: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Boutique Experience

Hotel Matelote in Antwerp, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise from guests for its prime location, personalized service, and comfortable, stylish rooms within a historic 16th-century setting. This boutique hotel offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury, making it a "very special stay with high comfort and great personality."

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Matelote is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Excellent" or "Very Good." Review scores highlight exceptional location (9.8), staff (9.5), and comfort (8.5), indicating a highly satisfying guest experience. Many describe their stay as "lovely" and "enjoyable," often expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Matelote for several standout features:

• Location: Situated in the heart of Antwerp's historic center, the hotel is just a minute's walk from the Cathedral of Our Lady and the bustling Market Square. This central yet quiet location is a major draw for exploring the city's attractions, shops, and restaurants.
• Service & Staff: The staff, particularly the owner (often referred to as Erik), receives numerous commendations for being friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and providing personalized recommendations.
• Design & Ambiance: Housed in two transformed 16th-century buildings, the hotel offers luxurious design with original architectural elements like sloping ceilings and wooden beams, combined with sleek, minimalist, loft-style decor. This creates a unique atmosphere that guests find charming and "urban cool."
• Comfort: The beds and pillows are frequently described as "excellent" and "super comfortable," contributing to a peaceful night's sleep.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Matelote features a limited number of uniquely designed rooms, including double rooms and suites. Rooms are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and clean, often featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and free wired internet. Many rooms offer inner courtyard views or patios, ensuring a quiet retreat. Complimentary mineral water and coffee/tea making facilities are standard amenities. Bathrooms are often large, with good water pressure, and include complimentary toiletries from "The Spa Collection," hair dryers, and sometimes both a bath and shower. Some guests have been fortunate enough to receive upgrades to larger rooms or suites, enhancing their experience.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a "great breakfast" which is often praised by guests. It is described as a buffet breakfast with plenty of choice, including eggs boiled to order and hot whipped milk for coffee. While generally positive, some characterize it as "not extravagant but plenty and enough choice." Booking directly may include a complimentary breakfast. Otherwise, a buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge, typically around EUR 14 per person. The hotel does not appear to have its own full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner, but it's situated very close to numerous dining options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Matelote is consistently highlighted as a strong point. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "friendly and helpful," "knowledgeable," and "attentive." The owner, Erik, is particularly noted for his personalized approach, offering recommendations for local restaurants and attractions. Many reviews mention a "personal welcome" and concierge services, with staff assisting with luggage, especially given the lack of an elevator.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Matelote boasts an "excellent location" in the "Historisch Centrum" district of Antwerp, just steps away from major landmarks like Antwerp Market Square, Antwerp City Hall, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. It's also within a short walk of the Plantin-Moretus Museum, MoMu Fashion Museum, and numerous shops and restaurants. Despite its central position, the hotel is on a quiet side street, allowing for peaceful sleep. While taxis cannot drive directly to the hotel (as it's in a pedestrian area), "Parking Grote Markt" is conveniently close for car parking, and the hotel offers bike storage. Groenplaats Metro Station is approximately 1312 feet (400 meters) away, and Antwerp Central Station is about 1.7 km distant.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies, the hotel is generally considered to offer good value for money, with a rating of 8.5 for value. It is a 3-star property. Prices typically range, with standard rooms around $118-$139 nightly and deluxe rooms or suites being more. City tax (around EUR 3.39 per person, per night) is an additional charge. The quality of the rooms, service, and location contribute to guests feeling it's "worth the cost."

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring points of criticism or things to be aware of include:

• No Elevator: The hotel is located in a historic building and does not have an elevator, which can be an issue for guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns. However, staff are often willing to help carry bags.
• Steep Stairs: Similar to the lack of an elevator, guests note the presence of steep, sometimes spiral, stairs.
• Limited Front Desk Hours: Some guests have mentioned that the front desk is not staffed 24/7, particularly at night, which can feel "daunting" to some. However, a contact number is provided for assistance. Check-in is generally from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Occasional Smell: One review mentioned a "strange smell in the hotel."
• Cancellation Issues: One past instance of a reservation being canceled a day before arrival was noted, forcing the guest to find last-minute accommodation. (It's important to note this appears to be an isolated incident.)

Sources

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