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Please see Antwerp for other available Antwerp hostels and accommodations.
Please see Antwerp for other available Antwerp hostels and accommodations.
The Hostelz.com Review
Den Heksenketel Hostel is in a great location. It's right by Groen Plaats, and very easy to get to from the train station by either tram or underground. The area is very nice -- the cathedral is right there, and there are lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
The hostel itself is full of character. There is a cosy bar on the ground floor, which was shut the night that we were there, but It looks like it would be a great place to have a famous Belgian beer. Also downstairs is a table on which breakfast is served (a meal of bread, cheese, spreads, tea, and coffee is included in the price for the night) and a courtyard where you can just chill out, read, or basically do whatever.
Up a rather steep set of stairs are the bedrooms. The rooms are basic but what you'd expect from a hostel. You are able to bring your sleeping bag and if you don't have one, you can hire sheets and blankets from the hostel. The bathrooms are attached to the rooms -- again, they are basic, but they are clean and there is a toilet and shower. Only one person can use the bathroom at one time, so that could be an issue if everyone in your room needs the bathroom at the same time. Overall the hostel is cheap, and full of character. We would definitely recommend staying here.
The hostel itself is full of character. There is a cosy bar on the ground floor, which was shut the night that we were there, but It looks like it would be a great place to have a famous Belgian beer. Also downstairs is a table on which breakfast is served (a meal of bread, cheese, spreads, tea, and coffee is included in the price for the night) and a courtyard where you can just chill out, read, or basically do whatever.
Up a rather steep set of stairs are the bedrooms. The rooms are basic but what you'd expect from a hostel. You are able to bring your sleeping bag and if you don't have one, you can hire sheets and blankets from the hostel. The bathrooms are attached to the rooms -- again, they are basic, but they are clean and there is a toilet and shower. Only one person can use the bathroom at one time, so that could be an issue if everyone in your room needs the bathroom at the same time. Overall the hostel is cheap, and full of character. We would definitely recommend staying here.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2007
Their Description
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel Details
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Map
Location/Contact| Address | Pelgrimsstraat 22, Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium |
| Location | |
| Website | None (if you know the URL of their website, tell us and we'll add it) |
| Telephone | 0032 484 113 569 |
How is Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel rated on other websites?
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Charming atmosphere Really enjoyed my stay. The staff were helpful and friendly. The building is original and beautiful. Rooms are spacious and there is a great view of the cathedral. Very close to the centre of town. — Marie , Australia (2009-05-02) Very unique hostel, probably the best I've stayed at and definitely the most memorable. The staff are amazing folks, with an awesome vibe and a great sense of humour. That's one place I didnt want to leave. The location is great too, on a small street, right beside the main chathedral. — Olya (2006-11-03) Here's a place I'd like to return to. I was there in January, so perhaps a little quiet, but I got received very nicely.
It's dead in the centre, and Antwerp's a beautiful city.
The photos gave me a different impression, but it's much darker, and better for it. Clean, warm dorm; facilities fine, clean, and more toilets out in the courtyard, which is handy if you're in the bar ...look up and see, hear the cathedral :)
ok, it's true the stairs get a little narrow near the top, the fare is simple, and the boss not over-friendly, but.. this is how I like it.
As for security - I had no problem - essential's like passport are looked after, and the upstairs rooms are locked by security number.
I recommend this place to myself :) — mark (2006-02-09) I cannot say enough good things about this hostel! It's a small, quirky place where you feel like part of the owners' wacky extended family. One of the best places I stayed in my travels.
Pros
— Owners are friendly and helpful, serve fresh coffee in the morning, and generally treat you like part of the family.
— Great central location near the Market, with a nearby Metro station or about a 30-minute walk to the central station.
— Quaint and cheerful with a bright green staircase, beautiful leafy courtyard and odd details throughout the bar and rooms.
— Small enough that you get to know everyone staying there. Plus, everyone I met there had a great vibe.
— Guest kitchen with lots of equipment, fridge and amazing range of herbs etc.
Cons
— We had a problem with hot water for a day but the owners promptly fixed it, so it was not much of a problem at all!
I would definitely recommend staying somewhere like this rather than the average hostels on offer in Brussels. Belgium is small enough to make a day trip to any town in the country and the "Go Pass" (43 euro for ten single trips) is great value for under-26s. — Anarae (2005-11-19) Awesome atmosphere, great people, friendly owner/staff, cozy little bar downstairs serving cheap and delicious beers, decent prices, killer location. Only bad points: hot water can be dubious (there was none on Sunday morning!), and the staircase is downright dangerous. Ok to get up, awful to get down. (You won't be coming upstairs to fetch your dancing shoes after a few pints!) All in all one of the best places to stay in Europe. — Joel (2005-10-19) Very friendly people, brilliant vibe, good location. On my next trip to Antwerp, I will definitely go back!! — Thanks, Raf and Ilse. — Ilze (2005-06-22) Great location right next to the Cathedral, and very near the Metro, too. Small, not at all institutional, a family establishment. Beautiful, spacious rooms, en suite bathroom. However, the stairs going up to them (painted an attractive avocado green) are as steep as a ladder, which is more a problem when going down with your pack on your back than going up. If you don't like the idea of falling asleep to the sound of folk music and chatter from downstairs, find somewhere else. Very pleasant company. Good breakfast that's laid out until the last guest has left for the day. — Anonymous (2005-04-21) Although it's located in an amazing part of town, that might be this hostel's only perk. Dark, dingy, and dirty might sum it up. The owner lacks efficient business ethics and is rude — something that can be seen no matter what country you're from. The bar is really only 3-4 taps and the security is lacking. The price is right, so if you're up for an adventure, dive in! — Anonymous (2005-03-15) I can recommend this hostel to every backpack traveler. The location is fantastic, and the rooms and bathrooms are spacious and clean. And if you are lucky there is a folk concert in the evening in the folk club downstairs. — Kurt (2005-01-04) A brand new hostel, above a quaint folk bar--which can't be heard from the rooms. Den Heksenketel has huge rooms, ensuites, breakfast served when you want it, a great location, and a friendly owner. — B (2004-07-28)