Just 30 minutes from Brussels, Mechelen is home to one of Belgium’s most unique hotels. Housed in a former neo-Gothic church, the venue blends historical heritage with modern comfort in a rather spectacular setting.
A hotel housed in a former neo-Gothic church
From the outside, the building resembles a traditional Flemish church. But inside, it’s a designer hotel set directly within the former church of the Friars Minor. Reception in the nave, breakfast near the altar, and rooms tucked away beneath the vaulted ceilings… The venue has retained much of its original architecture. The colorful stained-glass windows, columns, and immense ceilings create a setting entirely different from a traditional hotel. Some rooms are even located in the building’s former religious section, with a direct view of the historic stained-glass windows!
An ideal spot for a unique weekend getaway
The former Franciscan convent, built in the 19th century, was deconsecrated in the late 1990s before being transformed into Martin’s Patershof. Today, the hotel attracts guests as much for its architecture as for the unique experience it offers. Between the Gothic vaults, the play of light through the stained-glass windows, and the surprising tranquility of the surroundings, the place truly gives the impression of spending a night in a timeless setting.
A getaway that’s easy to combine with a visit to Mechelen
Beyond the hotel itself, it’s also the perfect opportunity to rediscover Mechelen, often overshadowed by Bruges or Ghent. Yet this Flemish city is brimming with charming facades, quiet alleyways, great spots, and historic buildings to explore over the course of a day. Between a stroll along the canals, a break on a terrace on the Grand-Place, and a visit to St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, the destination checks all the boxes for a simple yet exotic city break…And all without leaving the Brussels area.
📍Address: Karmelietenstraat 4, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
