Burrowed in the unassuming and quiet Jewish Quarters of the Belgian city of Antwerp, you’ll find a time capsule hidden in plain sight. Built in 1890 by diamond trader Joseph Zimmer, Boulevard Leopold Rooms and Suites has stood perfectly preserved for over a century, serving as a residence for generations. But it wasn’t until after its eventual sale in 2005 and minor renovation that the marbled beauty was transformed into the bed and breakfast of dreams. Just a two-hour train from Paris, this Antwerpen gem has offered a place to rest to those from all over the world — and has even become a stay for popstar, Dua Lipa.
When you enter on the ground floor, you’ll quickly realize that the property’s beauty goes farther than just its striking facade. The reception area resembles a collector’s dream, boasting an impressive array of lamps, taxidermy animals, old books, and more. Martin Willem, the proprietor of the BNB, has been collecting these precious items for decades, and has no one but himself to credit for the amazing interior. Each velvety armchair, intricately crystaled chandelier, and piece of antique furniture is the result of years of meticulously sourcing and curating precious items that fit the space’s aesthetic. After taking it all in, I admitted to Martin that the pictures I saw online were surprisingly dialed back and didn’t capture the space’s true beauty. But to even my greater surprise, he let me in on a little secret: this is actually deliberate. He wants to keep this hidden gem just that — hidden.
Each of the five bedrooms take on a different personality while still feeling cohesive to the space as a whole. Throughout, you’ll find that the original details of the house can still be found everywhere — large french windows, exaggerated ceilings, original hardwood flooring, and marble fireplaces, to name a few. The master suite even boasts the original 1912 bathroom tiling and has a gas fireplace to cozy up to. All of this paired with the vintage decor will transport you back in time into a historic yet chic dream. It is truly an oasis for those with an eye for decor.
Come breakfast, simply follow your nose to the Orangerie where you’ll find freshly baked pastries, strong coffee, and a homemade breakfast waiting for you — all made by Martin himself, of course. Drenched in sunlight and live plants, the space is a perfect spot to wake up and plan the day ahead, whether it’s exploring the city’s breathtaking architecture, vintage shopping, grabbing a delicious meal, or bouncing from one museum to the next. The best part about the Belgian town is the tram is easy to navigate and runs right through the small city, so hopping on and off makes exploring a breeze. Be sure to ask Martin what he recommends — he suggested some of my favorite places I visited!
While the property might not offer the amenities you’d find at a typical hotel such as a gym, spa, or full-service restaurant, it makes up for it in other places. With just a few rooms, there’s more energy to put into each space compared to a resort with, say, hundreds of suites. The entire space feels intentional, uncomplicated, and like a home away from home. Plus, with just one man running the operation, booking, check-in, and check-out are a breeze. Here, it’s quality over quantity.
So whether Antwerp is your main destination or just a stop along the way, this B&B will leave you in good hands and with even better memories.
Top Takeaways
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Food + Drink: For breakfast, simply roll out of bed and float downstairs to find a homemade breakfast waiting for you in the dining room. Here, Martin will give you lots of recommendations for lunch and dinner spots around the city!
The Vibe: Cozy and homey.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The owner, Martin Willems. He made the stay feel personable, uncomplicated, and recommended some of my favorite spots I visited.
5 Nearby Attractions: MoMu, Grote Markt, Antwerpen Centraal, PAKT, Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Tango for delicious wine and ravioli, FUNK for a quick coffee and pastry, and Enso for fabulous vintage finds.
Rooms: Five
Pricing: Rates start at €130/night
Closest Airport: Antwerp Deurne (ANR) Airport
Other Articles You May Like:
● Antwerp, Belgium, Destination Guide
● Step Inside This Design-Centric Jewel Box Hotel in Belgium’s Coolest City
● Hotel de Orangerie is a Canalside Charmer in the Heart of Bruges
