Location
In the very heart of Antwerp, tucked away on a quiet side street near the Grote Markt, Hotel Julien occupies two 16th-century townhouses. From the rooftop terrace, the view falls directly onto the spire of the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the city’s most defining landmarks.
Step through the heavy front door, though, and the bustle of the city fades. Inside, the atmosphere is subdued, a blend of design and calm. Julien is less a hotel than a retreat, a private haven set in the middle of the old town.
Pionier of Boutique Hotels
When Mouche Van Hool, once part of Belgium’s advertising world, opened the hotel two decades ago, her idea was simple: to create a place with character, personal touches, and a level of quality she found missing elsewhere. What started with ten rooms became an early example of what we now call a boutique hotel. Over the years it has drawn a steady following of creative travelers and design-minded guests.
Today, the property spans two adjoining houses and offers 21 rooms, each individually designed. Despite its growth, the atmosphere remains unchanged: intimate, elegant, and infused with the sensibility of an art collector’s home.
We love
The two salons, facing a courtyard garden, encourage long afternoons over tea, while evenings tend to draw guests toward the Red Bar – a moody, central gathering place linking the two townhouses.
The interiors bear the mark of Van Hool herself, shaped in collaboration with designers Peter Ivens and Bea Mombaers. Elegant artworks are scattered throughout the building, giving it the feel of a private residence as much as a hotel. The design has endured well, contemporary but not tied to a passing trend.
Rooms & Breakfast
Each room has its own character, balancing historic architecture with pared-down elegance. Regardless of category, every guest is personally escorted to their room – a small ritual that adds to the sense of intimacy. In the rooms, find cosy linens, bright walls and the Aesop products add a quiet note of luxury without excess.
Breakfast, served à la carte in the newly refurbished bistro, arrives on hand-painted plates. It comes at an additional charge, but sets the tone for a leisurely start to the day.
PRIVATE SPA
Down in the vaulted cellar, a private spa can be booked by the hour. With a hammam and sauna, it offers a pause from the city outside. Availability is limited, so checking in advance is wise.
Combine with
Van Hool has since opened a second property, august Antwerp, in a former Augustinian convent across town. Where Julien hums with the life of the city, august Antwerp is quieter, set in a residential neighborhood dotted with cafés and boutiques. Experiencing both offers a fuller picture of Antwerp – two hotels, two moods, one single vision.
Antwerp
The city remains a magnet for design lovers. Since the 1980s, when the so-called Antwerp Six – a group of fashion designers including Dries van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester – emerged from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the city has built a reputation for creativity. Its historic houses, contemporary shops, and thriving café culture make it a perfect destination for a long weekend.
Journey
Antwerp is compact enough to explore entirely on foot. Hotel Julien’s location makes a car unnecessary, though a public garage lies just a few steps away for those who drive. From Brussels Airport, a direct train takes about half an hour, making arrival straightforward.
Rates
Doubles between 200 and 500 euros depending on bookings & season.
Booking & Contacts
Hotel Julien
Korte Nieuwstraat 24
2000 Antwerp
Belgium
