Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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…
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
HI - Mechelen - De Zandpoort Hostel in Mechelen … I arrived well after the reception closed, but nevertheless the staff came back to let me in although they could have had a free evening. Clean, central, and modern place. Closer to Nekkerspoelstation than to the central station.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … Very friendly people, brilliant vibe, good location. On my next trip to Antwerp, I will definitely go back!! — Thanks, Raf and Ilse.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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 :)
Boomerang Hostel in Antwerp … Although it may seem a little frightening, it is far from it! I will say that my first impression was not that great, but it could have been the fatigue from the 9-hour train ride prior to arriving. Anyhow, the people that run it are great and absolutely two of the friendliest people I'd met throughout my trip. If there is nothing to do (which is not often in this town full of bars and clubs) you can always hang with the two Aussies who run the place. They not only know how to have a good time, but also are very personable and willing to help at any time. The location is good as well, just a 15-minute walk from all the hot spots.
Den Heksenketel Backpackers Hostel in Antwerp … 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.
HI - Mechelen - De Zandpoort Hostel in Mechelen … Friendly, helpful and nice staff, good breakfast. Bathroom on each room (with shower, toilet, and two washbowls). The hostel is very clean and has a small garden. There is also a bar with great beers from Mechelen! (I like the Gouden Carolus Trippel the most.) Only ten minutes walking from the station to the youth hostel. City centre is also on ten minutes walking.
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