De Witte Lelie
Antwerp, Belgium
Universiteitsbuurt
Vibe
Leopard-print sofas and open log fires furnish residential salons set around a secluded, leafy courtyard garden.
“Eccentric townhouse curio”
Eclectic rooms pair sequined Flavor Paper wallcoverings and mosaic tiles with plush velvet lounges by Ann Dierick.
Intimate residential service accompanies luxury linens, bespoke concierge assistance, and private courtyard breakfasts.
Three seventeenth-century gabled townhouses encircle a private courtyard with preserved timber beams and antique fireplaces.
On a quiet historic street in the Universiteitsbuurt, a short stroll from Grote Markt.
“three seventeenth-century canal houses have been joined together to create Antwerp’s most luxurious small hotel.”
Rooms
Eleven idiosyncratic rooms layer sequined wallcoverings and bold floral prints over historic exposed timber beams.
“You sort of feel like you're in someone's house and they have a beautiful garden in the back where you can sit and have breakfast.”
Backstory
Three seventeenth-century gabled townhouses were joined into an eccentric guesthouse, shaped by an early restoration from Axel Vervoordt.
“Designed by Ann Dierick, De Witte Lelie is an 11-room boutique hotel tucked away in a heritage villa.”
Eat & drink
Restaurant Lilium occupies the former stable with hand-painted botanical murals, complemented by intimate drinks in the Bronze Bar.
“Three 17th-century gabled homes were connected to create Antwerp’s quirkiest hotel, De Witte Lelie.”
The neighborhood
Tucked along quiet Keizerstraat in the Universiteitsbuurt, the townhouses sit a short walk from Antwerp's historic Grote Markt.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.