Tafelrond - The Fourth

Tafelrond - The Fourth in Leuven, Belgium, is a Michelin Key Selected property known for its unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary design. Housed in a magnificent medieval building that dates back to the 15th century and has served various purposes, including a guild house, theater, and bank, the hotel offers a distinctive stay in the heart of Leuven.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Tafelrond - The Fourth is largely positive, albeit with some notable reservations. It holds a "Very Good" rating of 8.0/10 based on over 1,385 verified ratings on HotelsCombined. On Google, it scores 4.1 out of 5 from 500 reviews, and 3.5 out of 5 from 279 reviews on Tripadvisor. Guests are often charmed by the historic architecture and central location, but recurring issues with maintenance and service prevent a universally stellar rating.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's gorgeous and very central location directly on the Grote Markt, allowing for easy exploration of Leuven's attractions. The historic building itself is a major draw, offering a unique charm and atmosphere. Many appreciate the stylish rooms with their contemporary design and comfortable beds. The presence of an on-site restaurant and bar is also seen as a highlight.

3. Room Quality

Tafelrond - The Fourth offers 41 to 44 rooms, featuring contemporary design with simple, minimalist furniture and wooden floors. Rooms are equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, and coffee/tea making facilities. Some rooms include a balcony and a sitting area. Bathrooms typically feature a walk-in shower and a separate toilet, with complimentary toiletries, shower caps, and bath sheets provided. However, some guests have reported maintenance issues, including curtains off their hooks, falling door handles, non-functioning light controls, and peeling paint or broken fixtures. While some rooms offer air conditioning, it's noted that not all rooms have their own.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features an on-site restaurant named Tafelrond (also referred to as Brasserie Foyer), which serves Belgian cuisine made with high-quality fresh ingredients. The chef's suggestion menu changes monthly. Buffet breakfast is available daily for a fee, typically around EUR 20.00 per person. Some guests have described the breakfast as "delicious" and "very nice". However, the restaurant has received mixed reviews, with criticisms focusing on slow service, poor food quality, and billing discrepancies. There is also a lounge bar available for guests.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is varied. Some reviews highlight "outstanding" and "angelic" service, with staff being described as friendly, welcoming, and informative. The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. Conversely, a significant number of guests have reported issues such as slow service at the reception, often finding no one present. Housekeeping has also been a point of contention, with complaints about bed linen not being changed over multi-night stays and general lightness of cleaning.

6. Location & Accessibility

Tafelrond - The Fourth boasts an unbeatable central location on the Grote Markt in Leuven. It is merely steps away from major attractions such as the Grand Market Square, Leuven Town Hall (0.1 km), St. Peter's Church (0.2 km), and M-Museum Leuven (0.2 km). The Old Market Square is also within a short walk. The hotel is approximately 13 minutes' walk from Leuven railway station and about 25 km from Zaventem airport. Public parking is available nearby for a fee (around EUR 15 per day), but the hotel itself does not have on-site parking for guests. The hotel is not described as being barrier-free.

7. Value & Pricing

While the hotel offers a luxurious stay in a historic setting, some guests have found the pricing to be "way too expensive for what they are offering". In addition to room rates, guests can expect a city tax of EUR 3.50 per person per night and a buffet breakfast fee of approximately EUR 20.00 per person. HotelsCombined data shows an average nightly rate of $541, which is considerably higher than other hotels in Leuven.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequently cited complaints revolve around:

• Maintenance issues in rooms, including faulty door handles, curtains, and light controls, as well as general signs of wear like peeling paint.
• Slow service, particularly at the reception and in the restaurant.
• Inconsistent housekeeping, with reports of bed linen not being changed and inadequate cleaning.
• Mixed dining experiences, with some guests finding the restaurant's food quality and service disappointing.
• Occasional reports of a sewerage smell in bathrooms and rooms being cold despite heating adjustments.

Sources

1. wanderlog.com
2. wheree.com
3. catchysights.com
4. hotelscombined.com
5. google.com.jm
6. thehotelguru.com
7. hrs.com
8. hotelleuven.com
9. 2flanders.com
10. hotelsinleuven.com
11. hotelleuven.com
12. thefourth.be
13. hotels.nl
14. michelin.com