Hotel Julien is the boutique hotel that Antwerp regulars recommend. It occupies two old townhouses joined around a courtyard on the Korte Nieuwstraat, a quiet street between the cathedral and the Meir, and it has been restyled with the understated, natural-toned design the city is known for. Original beams and brickwork sit alongside modern furniture, and the mood is calm and grown-up. It is small, with rooms spread over three floors, and the service is personal. The extras are what make it special for a boutique hotel: a spa with a sauna, steam room and hammam, open daily, with massages by reservation, and a rooftop terrace with views over the old town rooftops and the cathedral spire. Breakfast is cooked to order. The Grote Markt and the cathedral are about three minutes away on foot, and the Groenplaats, City Hall and Het Steen are within six minutes.
Location and getting around: the hotel is in the old town, about a three-minute walk from the Grote Markt and the cathedral, with the Groenplaats, the City Hall and Het Steen all within six minutes. Antwerp Central Station is about a sixteen-minute walk, or a short taxi ride with luggage, and the premetro runs from the Groenplaats.
The rooms: rooms vary in size and character, as they are spread across historic buildings. Larger rooms and suites are worth the upgrade for a longer stay. Rooms facing the inner courtyard are the quietest.
Who it suits: couples on a weekend break, design lovers and travellers who prefer a small, personal hotel to a big chain. It is less suited to families with young children or to anyone who needs on-site parking.
Good to know: breakfast is served for a fee and runs a little later at weekends. There is no on-site car park, but off-site parking is available nearby for a daily fee. Book spa treatments in advance, especially at weekends, and reserve early for the December holiday season.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa with sauna and steam room
- ✓Hammam
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Cooked-to-order breakfast
- ✓Massage treatments
- ✓Inner courtyard
- ✓Off-site parking nearby
- ✓Steps from the cathedral
Good questions
Where is Hotel Julien in Antwerp?+
It is at Korte Nieuwstraat 24 in the old town, about three minutes on foot from the Grote Markt and the cathedral. Antwerp Central Station is around sixteen minutes away on foot.
Does Hotel Julien have a spa?+
Yes, it has a spa with a sauna, a steam room and a hammam, open daily. Massages and treatments must be booked in advance.
Is there parking at Hotel Julien?+
There is no on-site car park, but off-site parking is available nearby for a daily fee. Most guests arrive by train and taxi.
