Mechelen, Belgium
Opened
2009
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
The house
Martin's HotelsConverted Neo-Gothic church
A deconsecrated nineteenth-century church houses modern rooms suspended inside the nave, beneath ribbed vaults and stained glass.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Nineteenth-century Neo-Gothic friary church with preserved altar vaults and original stained glass.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Once a monastery, this new hotel has been successfully renovated from the lobby - bar to the up - to - date rooms.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Dijle river and the Grote Markt are a five-minute walk from the front doors.
The rooms
Pointed arches form headboards behind the beds, and original stained glass filters light into the church rooms.
Restaurant
Breakfast Room
Morning buffets with glasses of cava are laid out in the former church choir, beneath tall ribbed arches.
At the table
Martin's Bar pours Belgian craft beers and whiskies among original stone pillars, beneath the modern mezzanine walkway.
How it began
When the friary church was converted, the multi-tiered steel frame was engineered to be completely reversible.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.