Hotel Franq

Antwerp


So subtle as to be semi-invisible from the passing tram, 39-room Franq brings low-key elegance to a century-old bank building whose vault full of safety-deposit boxes now houses a wine cellar. The smallest rooms are a little tight at only 17 sq metres but all come with great beds, kettle, fridge and Nespresso machine.

Other delights include the atrium lounge, a 17th-century cottage in the yard-garden and remarkably refined food by a celebrity chef in the deceptively restrained restaurant. Parking costs €18.