Utrecht, NetherlandsCity Centre
Mother Goose Hotel
Medieval squatter city castle hotel
City Centre Utrecht, Netherlands
Opened
2014
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Medieval squatter city castle hotel
A fourteenth-century city castle and former squatters' commune now runs as a cheerful boutique hotel beside the Oudegracht.
“Its 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites blend historic character with cozy contemporary finishes; the rooms on the top floors boast fantastic views of the city.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Morph Design themed each floor in goose-feather palettes across exposed historic brick.
Notable
Fourteenth-century masonry and an oak spiral staircase survive from its city-castle origins.
Listed
Canalside Ganzenmarkt setting with breakfast delivered from neighbourhood plant-based cafe Vegitalian.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
A former squatters' building has been transformed into this cosy property in urban-chic style, where each floor is decorated in one of the four colours of a goose.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Cafe terraces fill Ganzenmarkt right outside, and steps lead down to the vaulted wharf cellars along the Oudegracht canal.
The rooms
Goose-feather color schemes soften exposed historic brick. On the upper floors, windows look out across Utrecht's rooftops.
At the table
Breakfast in bed arrives at your room in picnic baskets, prepared each morning by nearby cafe Vegitalian.
How it began
After a mattress factory fire in 1989, squatters occupied the site for twenty-one years, hosting underground concerts and art exhibitions.
Utrecht
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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.