Hotel Julien

There’s a rooftop terrace that cuts above the skyline, with intimate views of Antwerp’s cathedral spire and terracotta rooftops. Inside, gallery-like salons flow into lounge spaces with fireplaces, ‘Chinoiserie’ doors rescued from the cellar and floors clad in reclaimed cheese-ageing wood. Art is constant – limited-edition prints from local Gallery 51 line the spaces, which, like the old house, vary in scale and tone.

The residents' bar, decked in a seductive palette of moody plum, curves around designer leather chairs. It’s more of a hideaway – the kind of bar you invite friends into as part of your ‘residency’, hushed and low-lit with charisma to match. Behind Crittall-style doors and windows, leafy courtyard sanctuaries skirt the lounges, meeting spaces and bar, reinforcing the sense of privacy.

Historical features and period architecture frame a fresh, modernist approach to materials and tone. Eggshell pastels – wet clay, milky whites and putty greys – set the mood, while designer classics meet pop-art moments. Antique fire surrounds and original window panelling provide contrast to iconic pieces like Eames LCW chairs in calfskin, Vitra’s Charles Eames chairs in poppy red, and La Chaise loungers. Stripped plank flooring, linen throws by Mölleand thickly woven rugs ground the spaces. While a clear design narrative runs throughout, no two rooms are the same – some embrace roof rafters that twist playfully around the bed, others feature heritage flourishes or architectural quirks. Bathrooms are polished and clean, clad in Carrara marble and lit with restraint.

Antwerp’s foodie scene is ferociously good – from neighbourhood Bitterballen + crafted beers to gourmet haunts in each quarter of the city. Hotel Julien plays its part with a wonderfully grand breakfast room and a menu that’s small but mighty. The à la carte breakfast celebrates local producers – loaves from Domestic, cheeses from Van Tricht, organic grains and preserves. Daytime plates include Moroccan meatballs, smoked salmon on multigrain toast and a fresh take on the Caesar salad. Everything is relaxed and well-judged.

A vaulted spa sits quietly beneath the surface – a chalky, terracotta-toned wellness space with a hammam, sauna, ice fountain and treatments by clean-beauty brand Bamford. It’s bookable for solo or couple use, making it a private escape in the heart of the city.

Julien remains the city’s darling – loved by creatives, international week-stayers and design aficionados alike. Its scale is intimate, but its presence resonates. 

Mouche’s vision was always simple: to create a place that feels like staying with friends – lived-in, stylish and wrapped in Antwerp’s quiet cultural magic. With its 2025 renovation, the hotel marks a new chapter, reinforcing its status as a touchstone of casual luxury in Belgium’s most compelling city.