Hotel ’t Sandt

Antwerp


This charming, 29-room boutique hotel was originally a 15th-century customs house then, from 1911, a banana warehouse. It's from that incarnation that big wooden pulley wheels have been retained in room 404 and penthouse 401. Many other rooms have period curiosities and exposed beams, and ‘duplexes’ have wrought-iron stairs up to bed.

Trickling water, a bamboo patch and the odd palm frond adds to the little courtyard garden, there's a grand piano in the dining room and an appealing bar. Reception is open 24 hours. Parking (€20) includes free charging if you have a Tesla.