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HotelO

About

"HotelO" is a unique landmark and boutique hotel located in the very heart of the historic city of Antwerp. This place is famous for its bold contemporary design, which creates a striking contrast with the surrounding ancient architecture. Located literally a few steps from the majestic cathedral, the building attracts tourists with its stylish facade and interiors.

HotelO. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

For travelers visiting Belgium, this site is interesting not only as a place to stay but also as an example of successful integration of modern art into a historic environment. "HotelO" is known for its attention to detail, use of natural materials, and a special atmosphere that combines coziness with the avant-garde.

This place is perfect for those who appreciate aesthetics and want to be at the epicenter of city life. The windows offer stunning views of the main square, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the city.

Contacts

To help plan your visit or book a stay, the official contact details for "HotelO" are listed below. You can contact the administration directly or visit their website for more information.

Address Handschoenmarkt 3/5, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Phone +32 3 500 89 50
Website http://www.hotelokathedral.com/

What to Do

The main thing to do at "HotelO" is to enjoy the unique view. Thanks to its location, the windows (especially from the upper floors or the bar) offer one of the best panoramas of the spire of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. It is an ideal spot to examine the details of Gothic architecture from an unusual angle unavailable from the street.

Design lovers will find plenty to visually explore here. The interiors are decorated in a bold, modern style using black and white marble, wood, and designer furniture. You can simply stroll through the lobby to appreciate the interplay of light and form, or take stylish photos that will look great on social media.

You can also have a pleasant time in the bar or lounge area. It is a great place to take a break after a long walk around the city, drink a cup of quality coffee or a glass of Belgian beer, watching the lively life of Handschoenmarkt square through panoramic windows.

Getting There

Getting to "HotelO" is quite simple, as it is located in the very heart of the historic center. If you arrive by train at the famous Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), the most convenient way to continue your journey is to use public transport. You need to take a tram (lines 3, 5, 9, or 15) and get off at the Groenplaats stop. From there, it is just a few minutes' walk to your destination through picturesque streets.

For those who prefer the comfort of a taxi, a ride can be ordered directly from the station or any other point in the city. However, it is worth considering that the site is located in a pedestrian zone near the cathedral, so a taxi will be able to drop you off as close as possible, but perhaps not right at the doorstep. The remaining 50–100 meters will need to be covered on foot, enjoying the views of the old town.

History & Facts

Although the "HotelO" building itself is an example of modern architecture and design, the site on which it stands is steeped in deep history. Handschoenmarkt square, which translates as "Glove Market," was for centuries a center for trading expensive furs and gloves, attracting wealthy merchants from all over Europe. It was here that the commercial heart of the old city beat, in the shadow of the majestic cathedral.

A notable feature of the interior is the tribute to the great Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. Inside the building, you can find elements referring to his work, including a reproduction of the famous triptych "The Descent from the Cross." This creates an interesting dialogue between the hotel's modern minimalist design and Antwerp's rich artistic heritage.

The concept of the place lies in contrast: ultra-modern materials and bold design solutions sit alongside ancient cobblestones and Gothic spires. This place has become a symbol of how Antwerp knows how to respect its past while remaining one of the most fashionable and progressive cities in Belgium.

Time Needed

If you are considering "HotelO" as an object for external inspection and photography in the context of Handschoenmarkt square, you will need no more than 15–30 minutes. This time is enough to appreciate the architectural contrast and take beautiful shots against the backdrop of the cathedral.

However, if you plan to go inside, for example, to have coffee at the bar or enjoy the interior, it is worth setting aside about 1–1.5 hours. This will allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the place without rushing and rest before your further walk around the city.

Working Hours

"HotelO" is open to visitors daily, but opening hours may vary depending on the day of the week. From Monday to Thursday, the doors are open from 07:30 to 21:00. On Friday, the operating time is extended until 22:00, allowing you to enjoy the evening atmosphere a little longer.

On weekends, the schedule is also slightly different: on Saturday the establishment is open from 08:30 to 22:00, and on Sunday — from 08:30 to 21:00. We recommend taking this schedule into account when planning your visit, especially if you want to visit the bar or restaurant at the hotel.

Nearby

Exploring the surroundings of "HotelO" is a real journey through time that will significantly enrich your travel impressions. Literally a few steps away are iconic architectural monuments and cozy squares that allow you to feel the spirit of the medieval city.

Attraction Type Distance
Brabo's Monument Tourist attraction 0.1 km
Museum Vleeshuis Museum 0.2 km
Het Steen Tourist attraction 0.3 km
Nationale Bank Historic site 1.1 km
Plopsa Station Antwerp Tourist attraction 1.7 km
Draakplaats Tourist attraction 2.8 km
Antwerps Cichliden Center Aquarium 4.4 km
Aquarium Home Service Aquarium 4.4 km
Binnenspeeltuin Speelmijntje Beveren | Antwerpen Amusement park 6.1 km
Binnenspeeltuin Speelmijntje Boechout | Antwerpen Amusement park 8.4 km

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