Martin's Klooster

Martin's Klooster in Leuven, Belgium, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a charming and comfortable stay within a beautifully renovated 16th-century former convent. It consistently receives high praise for its prime location, elegant rooms, and attentive service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Martin's Klooster garners a "Very Good" rating, with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 based on nearly 2,000 guest reviews. The Michelin Guide also rates it highly with a score of 17.8 out of 20, considering it a top hotel in Leuven. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently expressing satisfaction with their stay and a strong intent to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features of Martin's Klooster:

• Location: Its exceptional central location in the historic heart of Leuven, yet on a quiet, car-free street, is a major draw.
• Historic Charm & Design: The hotel's unique setting in a 500-year-old monastery, skillfully blending historical architecture with modern amenities, is highly appreciated.
• Spacious Rooms: The generosity of space in the guest rooms is frequently mentioned, contributing to a comfortable stay.
• Service & Staff: The friendly, helpful, and efficient staff receive consistent commendation for their hospitality.
• Amenities: Features like accessible underground parking and a lovely interior garden and bar are also noted as significant positives.

3. Room Quality

The 103 rooms at Martin's Klooster are described as spacious, clean, and very comfortable, providing a luxurious feel. They are elegantly decorated, often featuring warm color schemes like red, white, and black, or calming brown and beige palettes. Many rooms successfully blend old-world charm with modern facilities, with some even boasting fireplaces, latticed windows, and stained glass, particularly those located in the original 16th-century towers.

Standard room amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are often large and well-equipped, featuring good quality bath products, strong water pressure in showers, and in some cases, a luxurious spa tub or bubble bath. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a highly-rated breakfast buffet (scoring 8.2 out of 10), which includes Continental, American, and vegetarian options, with gluten-free choices available upon request. Guests generally enjoy the breakfast, specifically praising the delicious coffee, orange juice, fresh bread rolls, crispy bacon, and soft-boiled eggs. The breakfast can be savored in the inviting winter garden or, when the weather permits, in the spacious green garden.

While the hot items and beverages are well-received, some guests have expressed disappointment with the quality of the pastries, cheeses, and cold cuts, describing them as bland or processed. In the evenings, the Klooster Bar, complete with a fireplace, serves as a pleasant spot for a nightcap.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Martin's Klooster consistently receives accolades for being very friendly, helpful, welcoming, attentive, and extremely well-organized. Guests appreciate the efficiency of check-in, with one guest noting a speedy process even when arriving early. The staff's willingness to accommodate special requests, such as connecting rooms or specific room assignments, is also highlighted. Many reviews emphasize the warm welcome received by guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Martin's Klooster boasts an "Excellent" location, rated 9.3 out of 10. Situated in the historic center of Leuven, on a tranquil, car-free cobbled street, it offers a peaceful oasis despite its proximity to the city's vibrant attractions. Key points of interest are within easy walking distance, including the Historical Leuven Town Hall (approximately a 5-minute walk), the lively Oude Markt, St. Peter's Church, and the M - Museum Leuven. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Beguinage, is about a 15-minute walk away.

The hotel is easily accessible, with a bus stop (Leuven Dirk Boutslaan) just a 5-minute walk away. It also features a large, accessible underground parking garage, which is a significant convenience in the city center. Brussels Zaventem airport is located about 25 km from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

Martin's Klooster is generally considered to offer good value, with a "Value for money" rating of 7.7 out of 10. As a 4-star property and a Michelin Key selection, its pricing reflects its quality, location, and service. While specific rates vary by date, prices can start from approximately £63. Promotional offers sometimes include breakfast, adding to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are highly positive, a few recurring criticisms emerge:

• Breakfast Quality: The most consistent complaint pertains to certain items at the breakfast buffet, specifically the pastries, cheeses, and cold cuts, which some guests found to be of subpar quality or bland.
• Limited Amenities: Some guests noted the absence of coffee service after breakfast hours and a lack of vending machines for drinks.
• Parking Fee: Although underground parking is available and convenient, it is not free, incurring an additional charge.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. hotelsinleuven.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. explorewithed.co.uk
7. hotels.com
8. lucandjune.com
9. kayak.co.uk