Den Wolsack ***

Charming old hotel with very nice covered internal terrace for drinks and breakfast. Our large room was on the top floor, with fabulous old beams and very up-to-date decor. Staff were friendly and very helpful - the hotel has Belgium's "bike-friendly hotel" accreditation, which means secure storage and no raised eyebrows as grubby tourers are wheeled in. There was building work going on at the front of the hotel, but the staff were keen to locate us at the back, where we had a very peaceful night.

Take no notice of some guides which tell you there are few good hotels in Mechelen. It seems the hotels have taken notice and are refurbishing and improving, and the Den Wolsack is one of them. Good sized room with LCD TV, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facilities. Clean and comfortable although I could forsee a noise problem with rooms (as ours did) overlooking the courtyard, as during the summer late diners and drinkers would easily be heard. We were woken at 6am one morning by the buzzing of a vacuum cleaner in the dining room and some noise from cleaning staff. The restaurant is the biggest surprise with excellent service and very good food at reasonable prices.

I stayed in one of their "Executive" rooms which was a nice contrast of a huge, historical room but with contemporary fitting. Much bigger than most rooms in fact almost a suite. All this for only 105 Euros. Great value. Breakfast was so-so but OK and the Brasserie was fine for an evening meal, if a little over-priced. It's close to the Cathedral and therefore all the fine local restaurants so a good place to head out from to eat. No aircon in the room though, which would probably get pretty warm in summer and the noise from the Brasserie courtyard might keep you awake on a summer's night.

This hotel is defined by the owners as an historical place. It is said the building was constructed in the 1600's. It's located next to St. Rumbolds Cathedral. The staff is nice, smiley, maybe too much and some smiles feel fake. The rooms still use the good old steel keys. My room was big enough with a big bathroom. Here you feel like you're in the 1980's, despite the new LCD TV (20") and the PC (windows XP) with internet access included. The room and bathroom were new, clean and comfortable. You're welcome with a free drink to take at the bar/restaurant. Take the local Beer the Carolus, it's different but good. The restaurant is ok, but the service is slow, which is not unusual compared to the other restaurants of Mechelen. It's a bit noisy in the morning. The breakfast is basic. It is served in the veranda in the inside courtyard. The location is good, since you're very close to Grote Markt and IJzerenleen.