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Friday, March 10, 2017

Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Read article : Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

To help you out with the decision where to stay in Antwerp, we’ve put together a list of neigbourhoods and the best hotels in the city.

Antwerp is often left out when planning a trip to Belgium. Touristy cities like Brussels or Bruges easily obscure trendy towns of Antwerp or recently re-discovered Ghent.

However, from what we’ve experienced in Antwerp, it’s a vibrant, extraordinarily creative city full of history, so you’re doing yourself a favor by staying here longer, and exploring it for more than a day away from Brussels.

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Where to stay in Antwerp?

Where to stay in the Antwerp Historical Center

This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Antwerp if your goal is to catch up with sightseeing. The old town is full of museums, lively squares, and a number of cafes, restaurants, and beautifully renovated bed & breakfasts in historical houses.

The area is very walkable, and you can easily access the riverbank. It’s also safe and quiet at night.

Our top pick > De Koning van Spanje

Where to Stay in AntwerpWe stayed in this family-run boutique hotel for three nights, only a minute walk from the main square Grote Markt.

The luxurious interior with elegant decoration made us feel comfortable, as well as the immense space in the bedroom and bathroom. Hot tub, solid wooden writing table and sofa were also part of the room. Our room faced a small courtyard and a garden, so it was absolutely quiet during the whole day.

The breakfast is served in the dining room furnished with antique plates and furniture. If you’re looking for some insider tips on the city, ask the owners. They are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable, since Carl has worked at one of Antwerp’s museums. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Hotel ‘T Sandt
Spotless, spacious rooms with an incredibly homey touch. The suites and rooms are bright thanks to big windows. Excellent location near the Grote Markt, good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Aplace Antwerp City Flats & Suites
Very tastefully decorated rooms and apartments in vintage style with modern elements. Apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen. Pets allowed. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kathedraallogies Drie Koningen
Unusual and affordable bed & breakfast in the historical center of Antwerp. You can choose from rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The property is a renovated building from the 16th century. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Antwerp Historical Center

  • Visit Museum Plantin-Moretus
  • Get a pint at the Witzli-Poetzli while enjoying jazz music or check out the the quirky Elfde Gebod
  • Hang around the Groenplaats or Grote Markt Square early in the morning
  • Enter the Cathedral of Our Lady

Traveling to Belgium and Europe? Get inspired by more travel articles:

Where to stay in Het Zuid (the Southern District)

It’s trendy, modern, and very suitable for expats and young people fancying nightlife and art. The southern district aka Het Zuid is a renovated neighborhood with plenty of bars, local restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Het Zuid is well connected to the city center and train station by public transport. We stayed here for a few nights and loved it here for its laid back vibes and a running path along the river.

Our top pick > The Soul Antwerp

Where to Stay in AntwerpIn case you prefer cooking your own food and are hoping for some privacy, The Soul would be the best place to stay in Het Zuid. Modern studio with vintage interior offers an equipped kitchenette with a dining corner and comfy sofa, (which we found great after walking the city all day).

The apartment is located right in the heart of the south district, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. By the way, you can grab a coffee, breakfast or lunch at the atmospheric Soul Cafe. In case you decide to cook, there is a big grocery shop within 5 minutes walking.

Our studio was clean, with a separated bedroom, bright seating area with a dining table and kitchenware, and a private bathroom. The place is also run by welcoming and easygoing owners. Check the latest price.

Luxury > The Glorious Inn

In case you’re wishing for some extraordinary place to stay in Antwerp, check it out here. Thematically decorated rooms, classy furniture, and a very quiet location.

We stayed here only a night, but enjoyed the funky atmosphere of the room with a Sleeping Beauty theme. We won’t spoil the surprise, but the room was full of secret hints related to the fairy tale. You better come and check for yourself.

It featured a large and very comfy bed, a tea table with plenty of herbal choices. The highlight of the room was a bathroom with an enormous bathtub, candles, and high-quality toiletries.

Spoil yourself, and if you come during the week, make sure to have dinner in their restaurant downstairs. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Maison Emile
Stylish, modern, and clean rooms with a rich healthy breakfast. It features double and single bedrooms. Check the latest price.

Budget > Le Sud
Very affordable and clean budget option with different types of rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Het Zuid

Where to stay in the Jewish Quarter in Diamond District

The area near the Central Station is the oldest diamond center in Europe, and rumour has it they were playing around with diamonds long before the first traders in Hong Kong or New York.

Stay around on Friday or Saturday, and you’ll see the Jewish community walking to and from the synagogues here. Currently, more than 80% of the Jews in Antwerp are involved in the diamond trade.

There are more than 1500 companies involved in selling, cutting, and polishing diamonds in the city, and you can check out some of them on Pelkinstraat Street near the railway station, or in the boutique shops on the Appelmansstraat, Lange Herentalsestraat and Vestingstraat streets.

Always ask for the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading report when buying a gem. Read more about the history of Jews in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Hyllit Hotel

Where to stay in AntwerpLocated right in the center of the Diamond district, a couple of minutes walking from the Central Station. Luxurious 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, spacious rooms with writing desk. Suites available. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen
Spacious and super clean rooms, some of them with a great view. The hotel features a gym, and you can use sauna and swimming pool at the Health Club that is 100 m away. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Queen A Antwerp
Incredibly cosy rooms and common area, decorated with a great taste and sense for interior details. Very kind staff and excellent breakfast! Check the latest price.

Budget > Eden Hotel
Simply decorated in pastel colors, and for a very reasonable price considering the proximity to the main railway station. Free tea/coffee station available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Diamond district

  • Check the architecture of the railway station in case you haven’t arrived by train
  • Go to the Stadtpark and have a picnic here. Great for kids, the park offers some playgrounds
  • Book your ticket for a performance in the stunning Flemish Opera
  • Have a peak in some of the diamond stores in the Diamond District

Where to stay in Sint Andries

Rough and poor area in the past that has become a shopping area with lots of cafes now. Popular for its vintage vibes, great proximity to the centre and best Antwerp attractions. Safe and lively Southern neighbourhood in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Holiday Home Zuiderzin

Where to stay in AntwerpWonderful holiday home for family or groups of friends. It features three double beds, a seating area, washing machine, and a small kitchen. It’s centrally located, with many cafes and restaurants around. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites
Ultra clean, beautiful, bright, and spacious rooms designed in black & white minimalistic style. Possibility to prepare your own food with the kitchenware. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Kaai11 City Flats & Rooms
A luxurious option for a mid-range budget. Situated near the Schelde River, most of the rooms have awesome views. Modern & elegant interior. Some suites come with a fully equipped kitchen. Check the latest price.

Budget > Antwerp Cental Youth Hostel
Very cool place in a great location. Simple and clean with twin, quadruple, or dormitory rooms, all with private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Sint Andries

  • Visit MoMu Fashion Museum
  • Go for a graffiti hunt. Read this article to get inspired.
  • Walk through the summer Markt van Morgen market & do some shopping here
  • Visit St Andrew’s Catholic Church from the 16th century
  • Spend a couple of hours at the incredible Plantin-Moretus Museum of printing
  • Vintage lovers, head straight to the Kloosterstraat Street

Where to stay in Het Eilandje

Het Eilandje means “Little Island,” and currently the area is boasting with loads of cafes, and some of the most distinct museums in Antwerp: MAS, which is a highlight of the Het Eilandje, and Red Line Star – a museum dedicated to the emigration waves that brought millions of European overseas, and the iconic Port House of Zaha Hadid.

It’s a cool area to chill out, enjoy an afternoon coffee, and make your artistic soul happy.

Our top pick > B&B Yellow Submarine

Where to stay in AntwerpOriginal modern room with minimalistic décor. Clean and spacious rooms feature a shower or a bath. Very good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Luxury > B&B Suites@FEEK
This is something quite different. High ceilings, futuristic white design with a jacuzzi in the room. Great breakfast! Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Best Western Hotel Docklands
Modern rooms of a 3-star hotel, some of them with harbour views and a balcony. Very friendly staff. Some rates include delicious breakfast. Check the latest price.

Budget
The area doesn’t really offer budget options, but you can find a budget accommodation not far from Eilandje.

Condo Gardens Antwerp
Simple, clean studios with a kitchen, great location for a very reasonable price. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Eilandje

Where to stay in Borgerhout

The area doesn’t have the best reputation, but only because of its multicultural nature, as it’s a home to 90 different nationalities.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of an “underground,” creative area with music festivals, quirky bars, and a Moroccan & Turkish minority, which means great food, head to the Borgerhout.

Our top pick > @Couche Couche

Very stylish and comfortable B&B. You can stay either in an apartment for 2-4 people with kitchenware, or in a double room. Located in a beautiful old mansion from 1907. Minimalistic design with soothing feeling.

Luxury
There aren’t any top luxury hotels in the area, although the B&B mentioned above can be considered a high-end choice of accommodation in Borgerhout.

Mid-range > B&B Antwerp
Large, impeccable rooms with lots of sunlight, very tastefully decorated. The quadruple room also features a seating area and facilities like a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kif Kef City Apt.
Incredibly charming apartment with minimalistic design. Fully equipped kitchen, sun terrace and bike rentals (for an extra charge) available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Borgerhout

  • Spend an evening at one of the performances in De Roma, an amazing cinema from 1920’s.
  • Go for a free yoga class in Krugerplein Square on Saturday (from 24th of June – 9th of September from 10 am to 11 pm)
  • Check out the gigs at the TRIX Muziekcentrum

Where to stay in Deurne

Located in the east of Antwerp, famous mostly for its huge green area: the Rieverenhof Park. It’s the area of townhouses, and it’s not popular among tourists as it lacks Antwerp’s cultural vibes. However, it’s a good option if you feel like staying out of the city center.

There’s great cycling infrastructure. For the best Antwerp attractions you’ll need to take a tram or a bike to the city center. Or… go local and visit some of the Deurne’s cultural events.

Our top pick > Bed & Breakfast Exterlaer

Where to stay in AntwerpElegant & artsy rooms, some of them with a seating area. The place has a lovely garden, and delicious breakfast included. Very pleasant hosts. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Luxury Suites Arendshof
Modern & simple design, located in a quiet area. The suites are in a two-floor house with a living room and a jacuzzi. Breakfast for an extra fee available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Deurne

Where to stay in Zurenborg

Residential, trendy, silent and … the pricey area of Antwerp with convenient public transport. It’s popular for its art nouveau architecture. Over 170 houses in the neighborhood have the status of protected monuments, and most of them were built in 1900’s.

Zurenborg is a bit off the beaten path, as it lacks the typical tourist attractions, but is easily accessed by a short tram ride from the centre. Very worth a visit even if you don’t book a hotel here.

Apart from exploring the special architecture, you can stop by for a coffee, a lunch, or have a pint in one of plenty of Zurenborg’s cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Our top pick > Abondance Logies

Where to stay in AntwerpWonderfully minimalistic rooms with white & red décor. Super clean. Breakfast for an extra fee available, and you can prepare your meals also in the common kitchen. Close to the restaurants.

Luxury
There are no luxury options in the area.

Mid-range > Amaaj
Simple, neat rooms with private bathrooms and a bathtub. Great relaxing area. Check the latest price.

Budget > Alias Youth Hostel
A fantastic choice for budget travelers. Clean, simple, with dormitories or double bedrooms with shared or private bathrooms. Tram stops nearby. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Zurenborg

  • Grab a leaflet in one of the tourist offices in Zurenborg or at the train station in Berchem neighbourhood and do a self-tour
  • Walk along the streets Cogels-Osylei, Transvaalstraat, Waterloostraat to see some great architectural works
  • Learn about brewing and go for a fantastic beer at the De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery in the nearby Berchem neighbourhood
  • Make a trip to the southern neighbourhood and visit Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum

Hopefully this ultimate guide on where to stay in Antwerp helped you to decide which hotel to book, and what attractions you can see in each neighbourhood.

Have a blast in this incredibly vibrant city, and in case we missed any district you’d recommend staying in or cool things to do in Antwerp we haven’t included here, please, leave a comment below.

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Where to stay in Antwerp, Belgium

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Sunday, November 12, 2017

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

Read article : Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

By: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts |  0 Shares     12 Reads

Opening sets new standard of luxury for Sanya Island in China

February 02, 2015 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in Sanya on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province widely known as "the Hawaii of China." The hotel marks the fifth Park Hyatt hotel in China, as well as the 35th Park Hyatt hotel in the world.

Situated on a stunning inlet and featuring a private lake and white-sand beach, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort combines the luxury of privacy and exclusivity with accessibility, being a mere three mile drive from Yalong Bay, the island’s most popular tourist destination.

"We are delighted to introduce the Park Hyatt brand to Sanya," said David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "This opening is a testament to our commitment to strategic, thoughtful and purposeful growth in China. The tourism and hospitality industry in Sanya has been booming in recent years, and we are proud that the Park Hyatt brand can be part of that growth. We look forward to welcoming travelers to our most premium brand, where we create sophisticated and enriching experiences."

"It is extremely exciting for us to open our doors in this incredibly unique location -- a place where our guests can enjoy privacy and exclusive access to our beautiful bay and beach overlooking some of the most breathtaking views in Sanya, all while remaining close to the vibrant Yalong Bay only minutes away," said Nicholas Lacey, General Manager, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. "Topped off with the elegantly designed spaces and personalized service that Park Hyatt hotels are known for, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort will be a sanctuary for our many guests from around the world."

Design and Guestrooms

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort was created by the award-winning Belgian architect, Jean-Michel Gathy of the renowned design-consultancy firm, Denniston. The strikingly modernist development comprises six standalone, arch-shaped buildings designed to allow chi, the traditional Chinese notion of energy, to flow unhindered between ocean and mountains. Set amid the lush landscape next to the beautiful Nan Hu Lake, the placement of every building and internal space has been carefully considered to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the breathtaking view. The six buildings are linked by wide walkways and are decorated with paintings and sculptures to create a tranquil and rarefied art-walk experience.

Designed to replicate the feeling of living in a private mansion by the sea, the sophisticated, elegant interiors are residential in style with a subtle Chinese sensibility. As in private homes, the spaces are wholly flexible. Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort features 207 luxurious guestrooms, including 26 suites and 17 villas. At almost 700 square feet, the standard rooms are among the largest on the island, and almost all of the guestrooms enjoy unadulterated views of the South China Sea.

Drinking and Dining

The ethos of the international culinary team at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is to offer a range of authentic Chinese and Western dishes that incorporate ingredients of the highest quality, sourced locally wherever possible. In keeping with the residential concept and ambience of a resort setting, guests are welcome to order from the menu or request bespoke dishes as relaxed and freely as they might do at home. The culinary team is primed to create unique and memorable dining experiences for guests, whether it is a champagne breakfast on the beach, a family barbecue in the villa, or a sunset supper on a yacht.

There are eight main drinking and dining venues: Dining Room, Cellar, Pool House, Pool Bar, Bath House, Library, Terrace and Tea House, following the notion of rooms within a large residence. At each establishment, guests can order from the menus of any of the other dining venues.

Dining Room is the main residential-style dining space offering Chinese cuisine focusing on seafood and steaks. Cellar is a cozy extension of the Dining Room, offering private dining in an intimate setting.

Next to Cellar, in a traditional Chinese-style building topped with ceramic-roof tiles, is Tea House. The impressive, light-filled space, featuring a mezzanine floor and a 30-foot high ceiling strung with myriad birdcages, will serve a premium selection of Chinese teas, an afternoon tea menu, and regional Chinese cuisine.

Guests can also enjoy Western and Chinese comfort food such as pizza, burgers or chilled noodles, either at Pool House, Pool Bar, or Bath House alongside the pools. Library and Terrace are also great choices for guests who want to relax and read a good book – or take in the ocean views – while sipping on a cold drink or a premium cocktail.

Meetings and Events

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort aims to be the most desirable, upscale event venue in Hainan. The hotel features eight unique, residential-style event venues, ranging from 450 square feet to over 3,600 square feet. All venues feature an abundance of natural light, outdoor terraces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Chamber is the largest indoor event space, measuring just over 3,600 square feet and comprising three separate spaces: a reception area, an open kitchen and a main dining area. Equally unique is Gallery, a long, 3,100 square foot space with paintings and sculptures decorating both sides to resemble an art gallery. The Salons are perfect for smaller, more intimate events. The almost 1,700 square foot Grand Salon with its 36-foot ceiling height and walls lined with wooden lattice, is an ideal venue for a wedding or gala dinner. The 6,500 square foot lawn in front of Pool House is ideal for atmospheric outdoor events.

Recreation and Activities

The recreation team has spent years researching and testing activities to offer guests the most unique and memorable activities during their time at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. Five separate pools – a 375 square foot pool, a children’s pool, a family pool, a spa pool and an indoor pool – are available to suit all types of swimmers. While at Camp Hyatt, kids and young adults will be both entertained and educated with activities like cooking classes and eco-activities by availing themselves of the latest toys and video games or simply by reading or resting in the "silent room."

With a focus on local culture, as well as marine and environmental education, the resort offers myriad outdoor activity options for all ages, include hiking, golfing and stargazing, along with tours to nearby attractions such as Butterfly Valley, Nanshan Temple, Yazhou Ancient City and the Ganzaling Nature Reserve. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with Baifu (Fortune) Bay – a private bay right next to Sunny Bay – renowned for offering some of the best diving conditions in China, as well as being an ideal spot for boating and kayaking.

The Spa at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is due to open in late 2015. Located by the lake and accessed by buggy, the spacious, light-filled spa will be built in a traditional Chinese style and will feature a main, two-story building and eight freestanding villas around an open-air courtyard. The semi open-air villas will each include a couple’s treatment room, a private foot treatment room, a freestanding tub, a shower, a walk-in wardrobe and an oversized daybed. Meanwhile, the main spa building will feature four additional treatment rooms; three foot-treatment rooms, a TCM consultancy chamber and a lounge on the first floor. The floor below features a gym, a yoga studio and an outdoor infinity pool. Benefit-driven treatments will be carefully conceived to incorporate proven traditional Chinese practices, as well as the very latest in international spa techniques.

For more information on Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, please visit the hotel’s website.

About Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodation and offers them highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world's premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event space for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programs, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs.

There are currently 35 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Carlsbad, Changbaishan, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, New York, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Sanya Sunny Bay, Seoul, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington D.C., and Zurich. www.parkhyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Residences and Hyatt Residence Club brand names and have locations on six continents. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 573 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; if our third-party owners, franchisees or development partners are unable to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets where we operate; our ability to access the capital markets; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Contacts:

Lillian Zhang
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – China
+86 10 5928 1234
lillian.zhang@hyatt.com

Jamie Rothfeld
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Corporate
+1 312 780 6070
jamie.rothfeld@hyatt.com

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