Hilton HHonors - Hilton Antwerp Trip Reports and Reviews

It's probably the best hotel in the city, and right in the center of it all on the main Cathedral Square. They have underground parking which is essential in Antwerpen. I usually get nice upgrades and club level privileges. My last time I had a huge room and had I brought a putter could have gotten lots of practice for 40 foot putts.

If the weather is nice, the Cathedral is surrounded by neat little cafe's and the population is out most all night.

Yes, this is a fine Hotel built quite recently behind the facade of an old building on the Groenenplatz old square. It is ideally located for the clean and safe subway system. And you can walk around the city centre from your front door. If you get homesick there is a Hard Rock Cafe next door.

Rooms are great and spacious, and the Club Room offers free drinks and snacks for HH elites from 2-10pm.

Antwerp is a great old city packed with history, also the centre of the diamond trade if you want to pick up a "bargain".

Hotel has a superb location. Many nice
restaurants nearby. I have been several
times in Antwerp, it is a very interesting
town. I have lived in Radisson SAS and Hotel Firean.
Both are very nice hotels, Hilton has the better location!

And that is what Hilton's web page says:
Groenplaats, Antwerpen, Belgium B - 2000
Tel:32/(0)3/2041212, Fax:32/(0)3/2041213
The 211 room Hilton Antwerp is the city centre’s
only deluxe prime location hotel, just a 35 minute
drive from the International Airport. Situated behind a
listed Baroque facade, the Hilton forms an integral
part of the “Grand Bazaar”, a modern shopping
centre on the Groenplaats, located in the main
business and leisure district. The hotel's ballroom,
with a capacity of 1000, incorporates a restored,
domed ceiling. Other features include 14 meeting
rooms with Hilton Meeting facilities and a health
club with special rates, in-house security and 500
parking spaces.


[This message has been edited by USAFAN (edited 05-06-2001).]

FYI:

The Hilton antwerp has been running pilots since about January, I was using it regularly until about May.

If you need a NICE hotel in Antwerp or the surrounding area, I can highly recommend the Hilton, facilities are excellent and prices extremely reasonable (I stayed there for 6 straight months)

If you do go there, be sure to ask for Dedriech, He was in marketing, but has moved to the geek side and will be able to help with wireless and anything else you need..

FYI they've rigged up the wireless to work in the Groenplatz, so on a weekend you can sit outside and watch the world go by as you surf the net..

Thanks for the update on this property. I'll be staying there next Sat (7/27)for one night at a 95 euro rate. As a Gold, any idea of what I can expect as far as an upgrade? Also any suggestions for which room/view I should ask for??

Near Hilton is:
Restaurant "Arte"
24 Suikerrui
03-2262948
Godd Italien food, prices O.K.

Another more Belgium one is
De Rode Huit (The red hat)
also near Hilton.
Actually, all nice places are near Hilton, Hilton has a perfect location.

I was at the Hilton Antwerp in April and the wireless internet connections were working well for me.

Its not truly "wireless" though unless you have your own PCMCIA 402.11b wireless ethernet card on your laptop. Otherwise you have to plug in a wireless network router into your USB port....this wireless network router requires a powercord, and does not have a battery. This means that you will be tethered to a power outlet.

Otherwise the system works quite well. I remember cruising on the internet at pretty high speeds from all over the hotel.

If all you have is a USB port, you can use something like a DLink DWL-120 to get Wi-Fi access. No external power needed.

http://www.dlink.com/products/wireless/dwl120/

Rich

As a Gold VIP I got upgraded to the Club level. Scrambled eggs, juices, bacon, etc., for breakfast and hot appetizers with evening cocktails.

WiFi available throughout hotel for 10 Euros/day (or was it 20).

Hotel is about a 5 mintue walk from the river front and 30 seconds walk from one of the main squares which has several restaurants.

Service at hotel was quite good. YMMV.

As a Gold VIP I got upgraded to the Club level. Scrambled eggs, juices, bacon, etc., for breakfast and hot appetizers with evening cocktails.

WiFi available throughout hotel for 10 Euros/day (or was it 20).

Hotel is about a 5 mintue walk from the river front and 30 seconds walk from one of the main squares which has several restaurants.

Service at hotel was quite good. YMMV.

Can confirm ROW2Aisle comments. Have stayed there last December, got an upgrade as well etc. Absolutely no problem.

In addition, I've got *free* WiFi access (it was part of the actual room rate) :)

Hilton Antwerp is very well located, right on one of the main squares. Easy access to the underground and hence the train station. Being so well located is unusual for a European Hilton in my experience.

The hotel is very nice, only suites over look the square and I didn't get one of those. Did get Exec Floor with Lounge (which is large and comfortable).
Breakfast in either lounge or restaurant (which was nothing special compared to other Hiltons).

This hotel is all about location. I'd definately return.

The gym is not part of the hotel but is directly linked. Didn't use it, but it looked alright.

Antwerp itself is charming, you'll love it. Lots of open air restaurants in the many squares, although maybe not when you are visiting ;)

I concur with Travel The World. The last time we stayed at the Hilton Antwerp was a couple of months ago, and they did upgrade us to the Exec level with use of the Club Lounge. Location is fantastic, and you will have no trouble finding out what's on for New Year.

(Just be aware there is lots of construction going on around Antwerpen-Centraal, making it difficult to navigate and even get a taxi. Use the tram / light rail, or get off the train at Berchem station and get a taxi there, if youa re arriving by rail.)

I
(Just be aware there is lots of construction going on around Antwerpen-Centraal, making it difficult to navigate and even get a taxi. Use the tram / light rail, or get off the train at Berchem station and get a taxi there, if youa re arriving by rail.)

I agree! I just had a one-night stay at the Hilton and came off the train at Centraal and couldn't find anything! Even the guy at the tourist info booth in the station just apologized and said he couldn't tell me where the taxis were on any particular day! I did find the taxi stand couple of blocks away but I'm glad I didn't have a lot of luggage with me!

Antwerp Hilton was very nice. As a Diamond I got the exec floor, lounge access (I believe it's open 24 hours, beer, water, and soft drinks available self-serve). Missed the breakfast, but a bottle of wine, fruit plate, mineral water, and a small box of chocolates were delivered to my room after arrival.

I was VERY happy with my stay there.

I really like this hotel and the service is tops. As noted an excellent exec lounge with quality champagne, quality nibblies and quality furnishings. Diamonds can check in/oiut in the exec lounge so as to to avoid the s-l-o-w front desk. Excellent restaurant, busy friendly bar, so-so cafe. The underground parking is a real puzzle. Trying to locate the hotel entrance after driving from Paris was a difficult challange.

MisterNice

I echo previous comments on ubiquitous construction making driving access very difficult.

Assuming you will arrive by rail, do you like walking? If so (and luggage permits), I would favor walking from the train station to the hotel. It's a solid 15-min walk, but a nice one if the weather cooperates, and probably faster than going by taxi.

I echo previous comments on ubiquitous construction making driving access very difficult.

Assuming you will arrive by rail, do you like walking? If so (and luggage permits), I would favor walking from the train station to the hotel. It's a solid 15-min walk, but a nice one if the weather cooperates, and probably faster than going by taxi.

I agree with the option to walk from the train station. It's along the main shopping street. Watch out for the small shops/stalls selling Belgian Waffles :p

I stayed at the Hilton Antwerp as a HH Gold from Sunday 10/8 to Tuesday 10/10 and got the upgrade to the executive floor. I also rec'd a box of chocolates, fruit plate, and daily bottles of water. I didn't check in at the lounge, but did check out there. I saw others checking in, but don't know what their HH status was. I was very pleased with my visit and will stay there again. As others have commented, the location simply can't be beat.

I stayed at the Hilton Antwerp as a HH Gold from Sunday 10/8 to Tuesday 10/10 and got the upgrade to the executive floor. I also rec'd a box of chocolates, fruit plate, and daily bottles of water. I didn't check in at the lounge, but did check out there. I saw others checking in, but don't know what their HH status was. I was very pleased with my visit and will stay there again. As others have commented, the location simply can't be beat.
Thanks so much for the very informative feedback^

I stayed there recently as a Diamond and was upgraded to a suite overlooking the square. The lounge is very nice and the concierge service is great. The lounge breakfast is good (although the same every day), and the evening "snacks" are wonderful (and a meal in themselves). The hotel charges the usual for (Wireless) Internet access, but if you happen to be on the plaza side you can pick up public access WiFi.

You will have a great time!

The lounge [snip] evening "snacks" are wonderful (and a meal in themselves).

Yeah, I'm totally guilty of settling dinner just munching off lounge offerings. I'm not a big eater, and when I travel alone it's just easier and faster to mooch at the lounge. Not the healthiest, but it'll do in a pinch.

There have not been many posts about this hotel so I thought I would add my experience - June 2008, two nights. I booked this on the internet - a club room, no real bargain at almost $500 a night (thanks in part to the weak US dollar). I searched for the top hotel in Antwerp, and other than a few boutique type hotels, this is all I could come up with.

Check-in set the tone of my stay: no bellhop or help with luggage, first impression of the lobby - dismal, front desk agent rude. Room was a decent size with a new flat screen TV, and although I understand it was recently renovated, it had carpet, drapery and bed covers that looked like it was from the 50s. The worst part of the room, however, for anyone that weighs more than 100 lbs, was the ridiculous size shower - more like a telephone booth that you couldn't really move in.

Breakfast in the dining room was OK - European-style and they made eggs to order. I am a soda drinker and was able to get as many as I wanted, which was good, considering the price of soda in Europe.

We sent laundry out after confirming that it would be returned by 6 pm. Sure enough, 6:30 - nothing. When I called, I was told that it should be there by 7:30 "maybe". I needed the clothes to go out that night, but they didn't arrive until after we left. There was no apology.

What really bugged me about the place - and maybe I am wrong about this, but I paid an extra 60 euros to upgrade to the club floor. When I went in for breakfast there was a business meeting going on with about 25 people in the corner of the room; they were talking about machines and things. Since I was on vacation and I didn't want to hear about their business, I took a small plate and a soda and headed back to my room. Before I could get out the door I was stopped and told I couldn't take anything out of the room, that there was room service if I wanted to eat in my room. But isn't that what I paid extra for? I told the attendant that I didn't want to sit through a business meeting and she said too bad. I called the front desk, left a message for the unavailable manager, and received later in the day a stern letter reminding me of their policy not to allow food or drink out of the club room. I have limited travel experience with club rooms, but have never been stopped taking a plate or a drink out of the room. I'm curious to know what you think of this.

Thanks.

There have not been many posts about this hotel so I thought I would add my experience - June 2008, two nights. I booked this on the internet - a club room, no real bargain at almost $500 a night (thanks in part to the weak US dollar). I searched for the top hotel in Antwerp, and other than a few boutique type hotels, this is all I could come up with.

Check-in set the tone of my stay: no bellhop or help with luggage, first impression of the lobby - dismal, front desk agent rude. Room was a decent size with a new flat screen TV, and although I understand it was recently renovated, it had carpet, drapery and bed covers that looked like it was from the 50s. The worst part of the room, however, for anyone that weighs more than 100 lbs, was the ridiculous size shower - more like a telephone booth that you couldn't really move in.

Breakfast in the dining room was OK - European-style and they made eggs to order. I am a soda drinker and was able to get as many as I wanted, which was good, considering the price of soda in Europe.

We sent laundry out after confirming that it would be returned by 6 pm. Sure enough, 6:30 - nothing. When I called, I was told that it should be there by 7:30 "maybe". I needed the clothes to go out that night, but they didn't arrive until after we left. There was no apology.

What really bugged me about the place - and maybe I am wrong about this, but I paid an extra 60 euros to upgrade to the club floor. When I went in for breakfast there was a business meeting going on with about 25 people in the corner of the room; they were talking about machines and things. Since I was on vacation and I didn't want to hear about their business, I took a small plate and a soda and headed back to my room. Before I could get out the door I was stopped and told I couldn't take anything out of the room, that there was room service if I wanted to eat in my room. But isn't that what I paid extra for? I told the attendant that I didn't want to sit through a business meeting and she said too bad. I called the front desk, left a message for the unavailable manager, and received later in the day a stern letter reminding me of their policy not to allow food or drink out of the club room. I have limited travel experience with club rooms, but have never been stopped taking a plate or a drink out of the room. I'm curious to know what you think of this.

Thanks.

Ive taken soft drinks out all the time, told only 1 time it must be consumed in the club thats with All Hotels and programs.

However, I feel they are within their right to say We cant take anything out. Thats why they have Mini Bars and Room Service. Now when I was stopped I was taking their plate and utensils, I would hope had I simply taken what I wanted to in a napkin it would have been OK.

As for the meeting they should have made them rent out a Meeting Room, dont know why they didnt.

I stayed at this property 11/07 - there was a meeting with about 10 people one morning and another meeting one evening with 6 people. Very inconvenient for the people trying to use the lounge as a lounge.
After seeing the attendent stop someone else, I waited until she left the room to take the things I wanted back to my room.
Other than that, I didn't make any other requests so I didn't have any problems.

There have not been many posts about this hotel so I thought I would add my experience - June 2008, two nights. I booked this on the internet - a club room, no real bargain at almost $500 a night (thanks in part to the weak US dollar). .....
Check-in set the tone of my stay: no bellhop or help with luggage, first impression of the lobby - dismal, front desk agent rude. ......The worst part of the room, however, for anyone that weighs more than 100 lbs, was the ridiculous size shower - more like a telephone booth that you couldn't really move in.

Breakfast in the dining room was OK - European-style and they made eggs to order. I am a soda drinker and was able to get as many as I wanted, which was good, considering the price of soda in Europe.

We sent laundry out after confirming that it would be returned by 6 pm. Sure enough, 6:30 - nothing. When I called, I was told that it should be there by 7:30 "maybe". I needed the clothes to go out that night, but they didn't arrive until after we left. There was no apology.

What really bugged me about the place - and maybe I am wrong about this, but I paid an extra 60 euros to upgrade to the club floor. When I went in for breakfast there was a business meeting going on with about 25 people in the corner of the room; they were talking about machines and things. ....

I also stayed here in June 2008 and had completely opposite experiences as Fontaine. To each their own I guess.

1.) I booked 2 nights with HHonors points at 30K/night. Not a bad deal for us Americans with the rising Euro. The quoted prices when I booked in February were somewhere in the high $300's.

2.) Upon arrival to the train station, the cabbie was very friendly and really talked up the hotel as one of Antwerp's best so I guess it has some reputation in the region.

3.) There was no bell hop at the curb, but the revolving doors were 5 steps away and the front desk (and bell hops) was right there. I would call the lobby anything but "dismal", too. What qualifies as dismal to you? It was nicely kept, had a good assortment of lounge seating, cocktail/snack service and clean.

4.) The front desk staff was very polite and accomodating. She gave me a nice large room on the club floor (but a looonnnnng walk from the elevator). She also offered me a converter since she knew I was from the US and would probably need one for my laptop.

5.) I found the room to be a good size and I didn't feel the bathroom shower was too small (and I'm 6', 200lbs).

6.) I requested laundry service and it came back on time. I also gave it to them that morning and they turned it back over to me later that afternoon.

7.) The club is huge, and there is also an attached outdoor roof terrace overlooking the city and Groenplatz with plenty of seats. If there was a group of people in the corner discussing business, I would have gone outside or just to another side of the lounge. But I guess you had a bad taste in your mouth already from your stay to begin with. I also found the breakfast to be completely fine. Eggs, sausages, drinks, etc. And the evening service with the wines, etc. were also a nice way to unwind. I've seen worse offerings at some of the nicest US Hiltons.

So to each their own I guess, but I would go back in a heartbeat (and probably will because I had a FANTASTIC time in Antwerp that weekend).