Review: Martin’s Patershof hotel in Mechelen, Belgium
Sleeping in a former Friar Minor church, what’s that like? Let’s stay one night at Martin’s Patershof and find out!
Sleeping in a church?
Turning churches in hotels is a trend that started quite some time ago.
Same goes for Martin’s Patershof hotel in Mechelen, which is located in a former Friar Minor church.
The hotel opened about 10 years ago.
Martin’s Patershof
We are visiting family in Mechelen and decide to stay one night in town.
We have been to Martin’s hotels before, but never to this Martin’s Patershof hotel.
And that sounds like the perfect opportunity to check it out.
Video
We made a video about Martin’s Patershof.
You can watch it here:
Parking
There is an underground parking garage at the hotel.
Parking costs €25 per night.
The garage entrance is located a bit further down the road from the hotel entrance and is on the right side. At first it isn’t clear how to get in. You need a 4 digit code to get access. We called the reception for more information when we got there and received the code.
Getting in and out of the garage might look a little intimidating.
The way to the lower level is a bit steep and makes a turn at the same time. But it is perfect doable.
The parking garage isn’t directly linked to the hotel. A staircase takes you to the hallway of the building next door.
Exit into the street, walk towards the church on the left and you are at the hotel entrance.
Reception
As you step into the church entrance, the reception is located at the right side a little further down the hall.
The reception staff is very welcoming, helpful and very friendly.
Checkin and checkout was fast.
Room
Our room is located on the 5th and highest floor.
As you step out of the elevator the arched church ceilings are stunning.
The hotel hallways and decoration are sober which makes the stained glass windows stand out as you walk past them.
Bedroom
Same goes for our room: sober dark decor and then that bright color that dominates it as soon as you walk in.
The bed is large and comfy and so are the pillows, something that we experience in all the Martin’s hotels we have visited.
Bathroom
The bathroom is bright and clean but small and a little worn out.
Room 527 has a bath and shower all in one you have to climb in to, not a separate walk in shower.
We prefer the latter. Martin’s Paterhof has rooms with shower only, however the reception staff told us that those rooms are not situated in the church but in a next-door more modern wing.
Also in the bathroom: a toilet and single sink vanity.
The bath products are the same in every Martin’s hotel, fragrant and of good quality.
Other services
What we highly appreciate in a hotel room is the possibility to make coffee.
Room 527 has a Nespresso machine.
Also provided are 2 disposable paper coffee cups, 4 coffee capsules, sugar and creamer.
There was no kettle or tea bags.
Also in the room: a fridge, safe, bathrobes and slippers.
The wifi in the room is super fast.
Breakfast
Since indoor eating is still not allowed due to the pandemic, a breakfast buffet is available for takeaway.
We have never been blown away by the breakfast at Martin’s hotels. However breakfast is included in our spring promotion offer. So early morning after a first cup of coffee in the room, we go downstairs for a bite to eat.
As in all Martin’s hotels: the coffee is strong, hot and very good.
The buffet contains the usuals: cheese, cold cuts, cereal, fruits, yogurt, juices, bacon, boiled eggs and sweet toppings in small containers such as marmalade and Nutella. It was just OK.
What is actually way more exciting to us than the breakfast is the breakfast room located in the altar and apse area. It is stunning, beautifully renovated with warm yellow, red and golden colors.
We have had breakfast at another Martin’s hotel when the buffet was fully available, no room takeout. And still we were not very impressed.
Bar
The bar is located opposite the reception.
There’s a large lounge area to enjoy a drink.
The bar serves a selection of draft beers and bottled beers as well as soft drinks, hot drinks, cocktails and spirits.
Wifi
The wifi reception is excellent throughout the hotel.
Location
Martin’s Patershof is located in a quiet one way street near the very popular fish market with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Our favorite is Lameau, a 2 minute walk from the hotel.
The hotel is a 20 minute walk from Mechelen station and a 10 minute walk from the Mechelen Grand Place and the St Rumbold’s cathedral.
Mechelen is located right between Brussels and Antwerp.
Would we go back to Martin’s Patershof?
The hotel is quite interesting.
Sleeping in a church is something you don’t do often. So we are glad that we spent a night there. However you can feel that this hotel isn’t new anymore. One night is fine. We would choose another hotel next time we are in Mechelen.
Would we recommend Martin’s Patershof?
We recommend one night here just for the experience.
Pros
- location
- interesting building
- friendly staff
Cons
- a little worn down
- underwhelming breakfast
Address
Martin’s Patershof
Karmelietenstraat 4
2800 Mechelen
Belgium
You can book here: Martin’s Patershof
We paid for our stay at Martin’s Patershof and didn’t get or ask anything in return for the review.
