De Keyser Hotel

The hotel is primarily recognized for its excellent location directly adjacent to Antwerp Central Station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Its proximity to major transport links and attractions is a significant draw for both sightseers and business travelers. While some guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the efforts of certain friendly staff members, many highlight the hotel's overall dated condition and maintenance issues. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about a renovated room upon arrival, as many older rooms exhibit wear and tear. Guests should also be prepared for potential noise from ongoing renovations or the bustling surrounding area, and consider arriving early for breakfast to avoid crowds.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests report issues with the air conditioning, noting it is often ineffective, noisy, or centrally controlled, requiring staff intervention. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some found its speed to be slow. The hotel has lifts, but they can be small and crowded, leading to wait times, and require a key card for access, which some found inconvenient. In-room safes are present but frequently reported as non-functional. Many rooms lack coffee and tea making facilities, or if present, they are incomplete or broken. The bar is consistently mentioned as being closed or under renovation, disappointing guests expecting this amenity. Some rooms also have issues with non-functional mini-fridges.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Many guests describe the rooms as dated and in need of significant renovation, with common complaints including peeling wallpaper, stains on carpets and walls, and visible mold in bathrooms. While some found the rooms spacious, others noted issues with bed comfort, describing them as squeaky, sagging, or having hard pillows. Noise levels are a recurring concern, with guests reporting disturbances from street noise, internal hotel sounds (like plumbing or other guests), and construction work nearby. In-room amenities often fall short; TVs may not work, power outlets can be loose or poorly placed, and bathroom fixtures like showers often have low pressure, inconsistent hot water, or leak, making the floor wet. Some bathrooms also lack basic items like a toilet brush.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback for its variety and selection, including hot options like bacon and eggs, and some soya milk alternatives. However, many guests note that the breakfast area in the basement can become crowded and stuffy, leading to long waits for tables, especially during peak hours. There are frequent complaints about slow replenishment of food items, with some finding the fresh fruit options to be of poor quality or running out quickly. The coffee from the machine is often described as mediocre. Despite these issues, many consider the breakfast to be a good value, providing a solid start to the day. The hotel's restaurant is often mentioned as a separate Chinese establishment, not directly part of the hotel's dining services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, being just a few minutes' walk from Antwerp Central Station. This makes it exceptionally convenient for train travelers and those wishing to explore the city using public transport, with metro and tram stations nearby. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of major attractions such as the Antwerp Zoo, the Meir shopping street, and the historic city center including the Grote Markt and Rubens House. While the immediate area around the hotel can be lively, the convenience of access to various restaurants and amenities is a significant advantage. Parking is available nearby, though it is typically off-site and can be quite expensive.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff is notably mixed. Many guests praise the friendly and helpful demeanor of some team members, particularly those at reception and in the breakfast area, who are willing to assist with requests. However, a significant number of reviews describe certain staff as unprofessional, unresponsive, or even rude, especially when addressing complaints about room issues. The check-in process can be slow, with some guests experiencing issues with room keys being deactivated prematurely or incorrect room assignments. Housekeeping is a point of contention, with reports of rooms not being cleaned thoroughly, missing amenities, or staff entering rooms without permission despite "do not disturb" signs. Overall, the hotel's responsiveness to maintenance and comfort issues is frequently criticized as inadequate.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention that the hotel appears to be undergoing or is in need of extensive renovation, with some areas looking worn or outdated. This has led to some facilities, like the bar, being closed for extended periods. A recurring issue is the hotel's policy of making copies of passports during check-in, which some guests found concerning regarding privacy. Furthermore, many guests reported problems with their room key cards becoming deactivated unexpectedly, often after breakfast, requiring multiple trips to the reception for reactivation. Some reviews also noted the presence of construction noise from adjacent sites, which can be disruptive during the day.