3 Paardekens ***

Het Hotel is gelegen in een zijstraat die uitmondt op het kerkplein en daardoor is het opletten om er niet voorbij te rijden. Men heeft eigen parkeergelegenheid maar dat is niet veel en wij hebben een de centrale parkeergarage onder het marktplein onze auto geparkeerd. Nette - en vrij nieuwe kamers met veel lichtnval. De kamers hebben heel weinig uitzicht omdat het hotel in de binnenstad in een zijstraat is gelegen. Ligging tov de binnestad van Mechelen is uitstekend men staat binnen 20 meter op het centrale plein en dichtbij heel veel moois en veel restaurantjes. Wij hebben geen ontbijt genoten omdat wij 'smorgens vroeg op Zaventem moesten zijn (binnen het half uur te beriken)

I was apprehensive as I approached the small front door, knowing that reviews have been rather variable. I need not have worried. Once I had stepped inside I took a liking to the smart but not indulgent interior. The receptionist greeted me with a smile and was very helpful indeed. A perfect start. I'd arrived early in the morning but the receptionist went out of her way to prepare a room for me well before the regular 2pm check-in time. My room was on the second floor and there is a lift. The room had a modern fresh appeal and looked like it had been recently decorated. It had a large flat tv, nice shower and plenty of coat hangers. It did not have a coffee maker or paper tissues but I didn't need either anyway. The bed was very comfortable. I was very satisfied with my room and slept well.The size met my expectations. Not large. Not tiny. Just compact and comfortable and no need to squeeze past anything as I moved about. I did not have a chance to sample bar or breakfast as I returned to my room late and left before 7am the next day. Reception is manned until11pm. After this you can use a code to let yourself in. Alternatively, ring the bell and the night watchman will come from the sister hotel in just one minute. The location of the hotel is perfect for access to the pleasing and pedestrianised historical centre, being almost directly underneath the tower in the main square, Grote Markt. I arrived by train from Brussels and simply followed the signs to the centre, walking with my rolling luggage for 10-15 minutes. It didn't feel far. Mechelen is compact and blends a historic centre with many fine shops, including up market global brands. If you are travelling on a budget, there is a large supermarket nearby. If you have children 5-16 they will enjoy a visit to Technopolis on the outskirts of town where they can get their hands on a huge number of interactive scientific experiments. The train took around 40 minutes from Brussels airport to Mechelen, changing at Brussels Nord. Cost was €7 each way. From June, there will be a direct train that will take only 8 minutes. There is also a direct bus service. I will happily revisit the hotel and Mechelen.

The hotel is located on a narrow street just after a corner to the Grote Markt (main plaza in Mechelen/Maline). The photos with the cathedral are about the view you have from 3rd floor where you may have breakfast. The rooms are clean and cosy. The hotel does not have restaurant for dinner or lunch, but they can recommend a good one ('t Oude Conservatorium) or you may find one for your tastes around the main market. There is no 24h reception available, so remember the instructions you are given at check-in in order to pass by the secured door if you come back into the room late at night (22 - 23h). Overall: simple check-in/check-out, all-you-can eat breakfast. We had some WiFi inside the room, but I don't remember if we were lucky or it was included. Ask at the reception if you really need internet. Recommended for couples, day-trips to Anvers/Antwerpen, and for the ones that enjoy quite stays in not-so-busy towns.