HotelChatter

Tags: Qbic Hotels / Hotel Hype / Antwerp Hotels / → All Tags

The Qbic Hotel in Antwerp is Moving to a New Location

Where: Antwerp, Netherlands

Much like a newborn outgrows his onesies in a matter of months, Qbic Hotels' Antwerp location is looking to move its operations to a bigger property in order to accommodate demand, despite the fact that the hotel hasn't even opened yet.

Apparently, the less than 60 rooms available at the Van Ommeren building that the low-cost design chain planned to have occupied by now just weren't enough. "We regret having to conclude that the number of rooms at this top location will be too small," Paul Rinkens, founder of Qbic Hotels, said in a statement posted on the hotel's website. "It's a beautiful building with great potential in a booming district in Antwerp."

No word on where the new location or opening date will be, but we do know that the Qbic Antwerp property will adhere to the same quirky pod hotel design as the chain's first property in Amsterdam. Rooms, which start at about $69, are called "Cubi" and feature an extra-long bed, Philippe Starck design bathroom elements, LCD TVs, Internet, safe and combination work and dining set.

Tags: Belgium Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

Hotel t'Sandt is for Lovers

Where: Zand 17-19, Antwerp, Belgium, 2000

After reading a HotelChatter story about Hotel t'Standt we decided to give it a go while visiting Antwerp late last month.

A tipster informed us if we wanted a quiet room we should request a room in the back, off the street, which we did. Our room, #107, was most definitely quiet, however, we are not sure how loud a front room would have been. Zand, the street the hotel is located on, is not a party street. There is a pub on the corner, and Antwerp does not exactly close up shop early (after all, in late June it doesn't get dark until after 10pm), but this street appeared relatively quiet to us.

t'Sandt is strategically situated between the Schelde river and Hoogstraat. Hoogstraat, a popular street with plenty of cafes, will lead you right down to Grote Markt, where there is plenty of action. As for getting to the hotel in the first place, you can definitely walk from the tram station at Groen Plaats up to t'Sandt, and tram is how most folks arrive into Antwerp's central square. We did the Euro walk of shame--toting baggage from any European train station to your hotel--from the tram station, across the flat terrain, to Hotel t'Sandt, quickly and without incident.

Our room was on the small side, but not cramped, and definitely not Schrager like. Hard wood floors, and good sized bathroom, bright colors, and a small sitting area helped the room feel comfortable. The television is small, but flat, and the WiFi is way too expensive to be of any use, we actually didn't even access the Internet while in Antwerp, if you can believe that. However, the fact that this hotel is a cross between a bed and breakfast and a boutique hotel makes it a good place to hunker down for a romantic weekend in the 'twerp. Sadly, we were alone.

The breakfast is passable, but not overwhelming. If your expectations are bread, juice, and a bit of fruit, you are in luck.

As for the t'Sandt service, our experience was top notch. Friendly Flemish is how we would describe it. Maid service was prompt, and the folks at the front desk helped us map out walking routes and located specific destinations.

More Hotel t'Sandt Photos

Related Stories:
· Belgium Field Trip [Jaunted]
· Not All Belgians Look Like Dr. Evil [HotelChatter]
· Hotel T'Standt Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Hotels / → All Tags

Not all Belgians Look like Dr. Evil

Where: Zand 17-19,, Antwerp, Belgium, 2000

Antwerp is a nice mix of old a new; on one hand it is a very clean and charming city but its proximity to the Netherlands does give it a sin city quality as well. If you're not into brothel-type hotels and want to experience the oh-so-charming Dutch-speaking Belgian city, Hotel T'Standt is a safe bet.

The 29 rooms are all different and all classily done. Hard wood floors, wrought-iron beds, and old building architecture meet with that Dutch organization quality of simplicity. The hotel is centrally located and features minibars, cable TV (expect plenty of nudity), in-room data ports and has 4 meeting rooms. This is all pretty standard, but what really caught was the numerous references to the great staff:

I just loved staying at the t'Sandt in Antwerp. The staff is so charming they qualify for adorable

And all this time we thought Belgians looked like Dr. Evil. This breaking development along with the abundant traveler references to wine and chocolate availability, have us booking a Belgian retreat.

Related Stories:
· Hotel T'Standt Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Miscellaneous / → All Tags

When A Brothel Goes Boutique

Where: Verversrui 17-19, Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp officials are trying to keep their new "tolerance zone" safe and as far away from "Sin City" as they possibly can.

To wit, Frank De Coninck's Villa Tinto -- designed by Quinze&Milan. This place looks more like a designer boutique hotel than a bunny ranch.

Quinze&Milan worked on brothel plans with a cadre of designers including local politicians, law enforcement, and prostitutes. The local officials wanted something "trendy and unique" but also "hygienic, ergonomic, and safe." On the other hand, the hookers wanted red and black neon lights that would illuminate the women inside the display windows but also hide blemishes.

The result was the Villa Tinto where up to fifty working girls can hone their craft.  Each girl's biometric data is stored in a security DB and a fingerprint reader serves as a room key. And of course, there is a panic button in every room that alerts the police.

And yes, you can get rooms by the hour.

Related Stories:
·   Villa Tinto [Official Site]
·   Upmarket House of Pleasure [We Make Money Not Art]