"Occupying a renovated sixteenth-century brick house on a tiny lane steps from the medieval Grote Markt, the intimate Matelote is a refreshing take on the traditional Flemish talent for cozy interiors. Each of the nine individually designed rooms has high ceilings with exposed wood beams, a built-in music system, and quality bedding that runs to feather pillows and duvets. Belgian contemporary art and Artemide lamps define these rooms, which have spacious bathrooms and earthy color schemes. It’s a laid-back place where you feel like a houseguest—a fire burns in the lobby, you get an electronic front-door card so that you can come and go as you please, and the front desk is eager with suggestions when it comes to this fashion-mad town’s latest boutiques, restaurants, and clubs. (Not surprisingly, the Matelote is where the global fashion crowd pitch camp when in Antwerp.) There’s no on-site dining, but the staff can help get a reservation at inVINcible, a wine bar and restaurant two doors down."
