hotelvak.be
EN
Platform on hotel management, interior design and design in Flanders
Opening of new hotel in bustling Antwerp
Handwritten Collection, an international selection of distinct and characterful hotels, opens a new address in the heart of Antwerp: Maek Hotel Antwerp Central - Handwritten Collection. Since its launch in 2023, the brand brings together hotels that excel in personality, warmth and the hospitality of true hosts.
With over thirty hotels now opened and over thirty-five new locations under development, Handwritten Collection is growing solidly. In 2025, new openings were added in Hungary (Debrecen), Romania (Bucharest) and Greece (Heraklion), among others, as well as new openings in France (Paris) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam). Each hotel emphasises human connection, individuality and an authentic experience.
Antwerp's Maek Hotel has 128 stylish rooms, a gym, a bar and a restaurant with a seasonal menu. Guests enjoy craft cocktails, Belgian beers and an interior that breathes design. From the rooms, the view of the Stadspark is striking, a green space that enhances the hotel's peaceful luxury.
The rooms and lobby bring Handwritten Collection's philosophy to life: a warm welcome, a personalised approach and attention to the little things that make a stay special. Each room holds a sketchpad with pencils for those who want to unleash their creativity, while the lobby invites browsing art books and relaxed conversations.
The hotel combines classic and modern elements, allowing each room to tell its own story. No two rooms look the same. Everywhere you will recognise the hand of the team that draws inspiration from craftsmanship, the making process and Antwerp's rich artisan traditions. Books about local makers, work by contemporary artists and subtle references to the city create an authentic atmosphere.
At check-out, every guest receives a handmade biscuit from Helpende Handjes, a social bakery that supports people with disabilities. A small, personal gesture that fits perfectly with the brand's philosophy. The team itself also shows its personality. Each employee wears their own pin with a story behind it - from a favourite place in town to a creative hobby. It is a simple way to open up conversations and make guests feel immediately welcome.
Maek Hotel Antwerpen Centraal is located in the heart of the Diamond Quarter, close to Central Station and iconic sights such as the Zoo, the Meir and the historic centre. Art lovers will find inspiration at KMSKA and the Rubens House, while bustling Zuid is packed with galleries, boutiques and culinary hotspots. “Maek Hotel Antwerp Central captures exactly what Handwritten Collection stands for: intimate, stylish and personal,” says Jessica Thielmans, Cluster Sales Manager of the Maek Hotel Antwerp Central - Handwritten Collection. “From the artisan concept to the materials and spaces: every detail invites guests to come and experience Antwerp's culture to the full here.”
The hotel is managed by Step Partners, which previously realised projects with Accor such as Mercure Liège Centre and Mercure Antwerp City - South. Their experience in hospitality gives the hotel team the space to let Maek's own identity and the creative soul of the city shine through.
With Maek Hotel Antwerp Centraal opens the third Handwritten Collection address in the Benelux, after Hotel Ter Zand and Le Marin Rotterdam City. This month, Hotel Maison Maastricht will also join the network.
Handwritten Collection was born in 2023 from one idea: to bring together exceptional hotels that exude their own character and warmth. Each address reflects the personality of the people who work there and the travellers who love coming back. In each hotel, you can taste the flavour, passion and little quirks of the host who gives colour to the place.
The brand is part of Accor, one of the world's leading hospitality groups with more than 5,700 hotels in over 110 countries. Guests staying at a Handwritten Collection hotel also enjoy all the benefits of ALL - Accor Live Limitless, the lifestyle loyalty programme that enriches every travel experience with exclusive services, experiences and rewards.
