The Plaza Hotel ★★★★

Apart from the diamonds that sparkle, it is the Plaza Hotel which also sparkles, sat nearby one of the most beautiful train stations in the world; Antwerp Centraal. My husband and I arrived at this station, heads turning from side to side trying to take in its architectural beauty. Though it didn’t take us long to get there, we arrived at the hotel a little dazed by the travel but the fresh greeting from the Plaza’s staff allowed us to feel comfortably at home. The exterior was much like many typical hotels of its calibre, but inside we found vintage chic and sophisticated class.

Our deluxe room was neutrally designed; suiting any guest’s tastes. What was perfect about it was its spaciousness, something that is always on the scarce side in European cities. Waiting for us in the room was a welcome pack about Antwerp which we each spent time leafing through before taking turns to shower. Then it would be off to the bar for our well-earned welcome drink!

The Victoria bar was a sleek, old-style English affair with leather-backed sofas and wooden panelling. The ambience was laid-back and tranquil. Although the Plaza Hotel has no onsite restaurant they conveniently offer free transport to several close by restaurants; Docks Café, Restaurant Lux and Horta, all three famous restaurants in Belgium for their architectural and arty details. After all, Antwerp is famous for its edgy, avant-garde ways and the Plaza Hotel and these chosen restaurants are no exception. Docks café takes up the sailing theme and sits on the banks of the river, whilst Restaurant Lux boasts an edgy wall mural dramatically painted on its exterior, whilst inside is a contrast of clean lines and glossy glass. Grand Café Horta is based under an art deco glass roof in a grand hall with impressive high ceilings.

The Plaza’s style does not end there. In brilliant art deco style, the Orangerie makes a great place for morning breakfasts suited to the early-bird or the late-sleeper as you can have your breakfast anytime from 7am until 11am. Sitting under the natural light of the outside enhanced by the Orangerie’s glass roof was a great way to start the day during our stay in the Diamond capital.

Just around the corner from the hotel was the metro station to take us into central Antwerp where we could shop until we dropped, savour melt-in-the-mouth chocolates and observe the stunning beauty of the Gothic cathedral. We adored investigating Antwerp’s baroque and medieval history accompanied by the reminders of Antwerp being Ruben’s birthplace and we were also captivated by the World Diamond Centre and the sparkles of this mesmerising gem. Trips around the city were met with the perfect antidote in the evening; a relaxing glass of wine as we watched the sky turn from day to night.