Hotel Review
Mechelen is one of Flanders five art cities and an absolute hidden gem. The city is located 13 miles (21 km) from Brussels. I suggest escaping the crowds of Bruges and taking time to spend a day or two exploring this charming city.
Location:
The 4 star rated boutique Porta Superia B & B is just five minutes walk from the railway station and a further 10 minutes easy stroll into the city centre, making it a convenient place to stay.
Arrival and check-in:
We’d arrived into Mechelen mid-morning by train and although our room wasn’t ready, we were able to drop off our bags at the hotel whilst we looked around the city centre.
The Room:
On returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, we were greeted by Kurt, one of the co-owners who warmly welcomed us before taking us up to our room on the third floor. The art-deco building retains many original features including exquisite stained glass windows, heavy oak doors and an ornate staircase.
There are just six rooms, each of them having a unique design. We were booked into Mr & Mr(s) Harvey which overlooked the rear garden. The room is a tribute to the American politician Harvey Milk, a visionary civil and human rights leader. I adored the spacious layout with both its sleeping and relaxation areas.
With armchairs and a low table beside the window, a Nespresso maker, kettle and mini bar with complimentary welcome wine or beer, soft drinks and bottled water, it was perfect. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and we were spoilt for choice for television viewing with Netflix, Prime and Disney+ channels all at our disposal. Wi-Fi was fast and easy to connect to with a work desk and USB charging points in one corner of the room. There was also a room ioniser to purify the air.
The spacious limestone bathroom had a glass door linking it to the bedroom and was up with the best of any I’d come across anywhere on my travels. It came equipped with a unique wellness shower that reduces water consumption by 90%.
Coupled with eco-luxury Rainpharma toiletries and thick pile towels we both felt very pampered. The B & B has been accredited the Green Key eco-label for its efforts towards sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Dining:
Breakfast is taken in a room on the ground floor with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the garden and banquette seating along one wall. On both mornings we were looked after by Kurt who was utterly charming seemingly taking a genuine interest in each of his guests.
He explained that he and his partner Michael both lived in the property and it had been their dream to open a luxurious B & B in Mechelen.
The tables were beautifully set out and I loved the use of fresh nectarines laid on top of each napkin. Instead of a buffet, guests are able to order a variety of dishes. We started with bowls of granola, blueberries and home made yoghurt which was delicious and then enjoyed soft boiled eggs fresh from the chicken coop in the garden. We rounded off our breakfast each day with a selection of bread, pastries, jams and freshly brewed coffee.
The Facilities:
Porta Superia has six rooms over three floors, all individually themed. The names of the other five being Mr. Alan, Mrs. Ginger, Suite Lady Margareta and Mr. Walter. There isn’t a lift and some people may find the stairs a little steep so I suggest requesting a room on a low floor if that might be easier.
The breakfast room is also equipped to be able to accommodate small meetings. Guests can make use of the enclosed garden during the summer months and even enjoy their breakfast outdoors. Although it was winter, we enjoyed popping out briefly to take a look around the garden and to see the chickens.
Bicycles can be hired from the hotel and tourist leaflets and maps are available in the entrance hall along with a tray of irresistible local Belgian chocolates which we enjoyed eating when we came back in after dinner each evening.
Out and About:
From the hotel, stroll beneath ‘De Brusselse Poort’ also known as the Porta Superia gate from which the accommodation takes its name. This leads to the beautiful pedestrianised Grote Markt in only ten minutes. The main square is dominated by St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and surrounded by picture-perfect historic buildings, many with traditional step-gabled Belgian roofs.
The gothic Schepenhuis (Aldermen’s House) is located on the edge of the square and this is where the city’s aldermen held their meetings during the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest town halls in Flanders and now the home of the Mechelen tourist office.
Visit the Museum Hof van Busleyden including paintings and artefacts from the Flemish Golden Age (temporarily closed until Spring 24).
Climb the 538 steps to the top of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral Tower which is 97m high (standard admission €8). Although there are a huge number of steps it doesn’t seem too hard as the climb is broken up by pauses at various chambers on different levels.
The Sky Platform encircles the top of the cathedral tower and offers panoramic views over the city. It’s definitely worth the climb, not only for the stunning views but also to explore the interesting features on each level of the tower. Don’t forget to allow time to explore the cathedral floor itself as it is very impressive.
Take a tour of Het Anker Brewery, one of Belgium’s oldest with its history dating back to 1471 (2 hour tour including two beers and beer glass €13). Enjoy lunch in the brewery’s brasserie restaurant. I’d recommend going with a big appetite as portions are very generous.
Explore the Haverwerf neighbourhood where oats were unloaded and barges offered their goods for sale. Here you will find many traditional Dutch stepped gable properties lining the waterside.
Dining: Enjoy the relaxed vibe of De Vleeshalle, a former meat market where butchers used to come to sell their produce. This historic hall has been transformed into a culinary hotspot where 12 stall holders and a pop up food stall offer a selection of dishes catering for all tastes and budgets.
For a more formal dinner I recommend reserving a table at Emiel, in the Vismarkt district of the city. This fine dining restaurant with an emphasis on fish, is a gastronomic delight. Four course set menu €65.
Overall:
Staying at this boutique B & B in Mechelen really did feel like being encased in a cocoon of happiness as from our arrival to departure we felt totally pampered. It was warm, cosy and had the most fantastic shower imaginable. Coupled with a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast and perfect hosts, what else could you wish for.
Details:
Porta Superia, Leopoldstraat 26, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:
During our stay we were guests of Visit Flanders and as always, all views and opinions are my own.
vividventures 
Leave a comment