The neighborhood
Nestled within a reimagined section of Antwerp known as Het Groen Kwartier (“The Green Quarter”), Hotel August occupies a quieter, residential-ish zone defined by historic brick façades and cobblestone lanes. Once the site of a large 19th-century hospital complex, the area has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly luxury precinct. Local cafés, independent boutiques, shaded plazas and leafy gardens. It’s calm, authentic. No staged glamour, just a pleasing ease.
The design
Opened in 2019, Hotel August counts 44 rooms and suites, whose sizes vary from about 16 to 41 square meters. The hotel is housed in a former Augustinian convent. The well-known Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen transformed three interlinked historic buildings while retaining their essential heritage.
Design-wise, the aesthetic is timeless, restrained, elegant: original details like chapel floor tiles, pilasters, and timber panelling are carefully restored or replicated; contemporary interventions – steel structures, Flos lighting, custom furniture by Van Duysen (and his collaborations with brands such as Molteni&C) are introduced with a light hand.
The owners
The hotel is a project by Mouche Van Hool and her husband Laurent De Scheemaecker, known also for Hotel Julien in Antwerp, which we can also highly recommend for a stay. Hotel Julien was founded in 2004 and is seen as a pioneer in design boutique properties in Europe.
Bar & restaurant
The bar occupies the former convent chapel: lofty, sunlit, and striking, it is arguably one of the most dramatic spaces in the hotel. Adjacent is the seasonal restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner. Guests may also enjoy à la carte breakfast. Outdoor seating is available in the courtyard and gardens when weather allows. There are also tucked-away nooks and private dining spaces throughout the property.
The rooms
All 44 rooms are distributed among the three main wings of the hotel, primarily in the former living quarters of the nuns. Although it’s a sizeable hotel in terms of room count, it avoids anonymity: check-in is personal (guests are accompanied to their rooms), and design details, light, materials, natural tones aim to evoke calm and comfort. What we loved? Calm air-conditioning, walk-in showers (some rooms also with freestanding bathtubs), Le Labo toiletries and a well-stocked minibar.
Special mention
The sense of warmth and genuine service stands out: staff are attentive without being formal, conversations are personal rather than scripted.
PRIVATE SPA
There is a spa area which includes sauna, hamam, an outdoor natural swimming pond, and treatments via the Belgian brand Maiwe. The wellness facilities can be booked privately for exclusive use.
Combine with
For those who like a little more liveliness without compromising on style, we recommend the Hotel Julien in the heart of Antwerp, the first hotel by Mouche Van Hool.
Journey
The hotel’s location is about a ten-minute walk from Antwerpen-Berchem train station. If arriving via Brussels, there are direct train connections taking roughly 26 minutes. The hotel provides underground parking at about €30 per day, though other parking options are available in the neighbourhood.
Rates
Room rates are flexible and vary depending on season and occupancy. Expect rates in the ballpark of €200 to €500 per night for a double room. Breakfast is often an additional charge.
Booking & Contacts
august Antwerp
Jules Bordetstraat
52018 Antwerp
Belgium
