Antwerp: 8x hip B&Bs and hotels in the city centre

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is hidden in a 15th-century monastery complex and is a real gem. High ceilings, old clinker floors, large windows and classic beams mixed with contemporary art, clean lines and earthy tones. This hotel in the centre of Antwerp has 108 beautiful rooms where you'll feel like a queen for a night (or more). Some rooms even have private saunas and whirlpools. If you're lucky, you'll overlook the two-hundred-year-old botanical garden from your room.

As icing on the cake, this five-star hotel has several Michelin-starred restaurants, good for a total of four Michelin stars (!). As a true gourmet, you will get your fill here.

The Greenhouse is located in the lively Sint Andrieskwartier, known for its fashion shops and car-free streets. Don't expect crowded tourist streets, but rather a village feel where neighbours greet each other. At The Greenhouse, you will experience the feeling of coming home in the middle of the city.

Both inside and on the terrace, you will find plants in all shapes and sizes. If not in living bodies, then on the wallpaper. The three rooms are a mix of retro and modern, of course also with the necessary greenery and a lovely bathtub. The B&B is owner San's dream come true. The centre of Antwerp is her great love and she loves to share that with you in the B&B. She knows the best tips on culture, theatre, dance, fashion and good food. Be sure to ask about them when you go out.

Hotel Flora is one of the most colourful hotels I have ever come across. With just seven unique rooms, each with its own colour, theme and name, this hotel in the centre of Antwerp stimulates all your senses. From the warm terracotta room 'Terra' to the heavenly 'Aquamarine', every detail has been carefully chosen. The bright pink library and exotic lounge with fireplace complete the picture. You are almost out of eyes here, courtesy of interior designer Gert Voormans.

The building has its roots in the late Middle Ages. Today, the original Rococo gatehouse, Chinese pagoda and authentic ornaments are combined with velour sofas, gold trolleys and antique frills. Sleeping at Flora is one for your list.

With two beautiful holiday homes in the heart of Antwerp and a couple by the sea, there is always a perfect place for your stay at Zalig in Antwerpen. The houses in the historic centre have a cosy living room, a modern kitchen with dining area and several comfortable bedrooms. The interior of both houses is straight out of a trendy interior design magazine. Everywhere you see mortex floors, Moroccan silk tiles and wooden stools, which together create a bohemian chic atmosphere that makes your mind wander to Ibiza or Morocco.

The house in Leeuwenstraat, suitable for 10 people, is located on the cosy Vrijdagmarkt, a stone's throw from the Fashion Museum, the Meir (the largest shopping street) and the Groenplaats. The house on Lange Riddersstraat, suitable for 14 people, is located in the quiet Sint-Andries neighbourhood, next to the 'vintage' Kloosterstraat and close to hip Zuid. Both houses are just a six-minute walk from each other.

August is a modern sanctuary located in a former Augustinian monastery in the Green Quarter. The hotel has 44 rooms that are all slightly different from each other. If it's not the size, it's special bespoke finishes, such as hand-glazed bathroom tiles and iconic lighting.

The in-house restaurant, located around an authentic chapel, serves seasonal dishes. Weather permitting, you can enjoy the beautiful garden, which can also be covered and heated. In short: it's a treat to sleep in this beautiful hotel in the centre of Antwerp.

''That one special place you've always been looking for.'' Aplace/Antwerp totally delivers on this promise. This small-scale hotel/B&B has two flats and two hotel rooms in the centre of Antwerp, each with a warm interior that immediately embraces you. Owner Karin sourced much of the furniture from flea markets, resulting in an atmospheric mix of French 70s vibes and unique finds such as a record player with an extensive collection of records.

Around the corner from the accommodation is Kloosterstraat, famous for its antique and vintage shops, as well as nice concept stores and cosy terraces. Here you imagine yourself back in time, while enjoying all the modern conveniences.

Naturally, this pearl could not be left behind. I was first introduced to Shway a few weeks ago by our ambassador Eliane. She tipped off this handsome accommodation on her Instagram. This is her favourite place to experience Antwerp as a local.

Shway has six flats in the most beautiful locations in the centre of Antwerp. All with their own twist. One with bold wallpaper, the other in tropical style. What is common to all is the feeling of staying with a friend but with the service of a hotel.

Simone's Kitchen B&B is not only a nice place to spend the night, but also a place where you are pampered during breakfast and dinner. After all, owner Simone wants to offer more than just a place to sleep. She wants to boost your health at the same time. That's why you eat tasty organic plant-based dishes here. The focus is mainly on grains, beans, sea and land vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Not only good for you, but also for the environment and animals.

As soon as you step inside, you immediately feel at ease. The rooms are industrial, but very warm and cosy. The B&B is located in a quiet street, right in the centre of Antwerp. For those coming by car, there is free parking.