BEST OF THE HISTORIC BELGIAN HOTELS IN WALLONIA
Mons is Magical!!! It's a lesser-known gem of Belgium!!! I just kept wondering how it isn't as popular as Bruges or Antwerp. It's a paradise for any heritage enthusiast. There is so much to see in Mons, that I managed to just see exactly the list I wanted to and didn't have time to explore in 3 days!!!!! There is so much to see and so much to do in and around Mons! It's so awesome that it was titled the European Capital of Culture in 2015... When you're in such a fabulous heritage town, it only makes sense to stay in an equally fabulous heritage hotel!
HERITAGE HOTELS IN BELGIUM - HISTORY OF MARTIN'S DREAM HOTEL, MONS
Guess what? We're not in a church here, in this picture, I'm at a hotel - Dream Hotel, Mons. It is a 19th C Neo-Gothic Church converted to a hotel. It was a refuge for the Sisters of Bélian. Today the hotel has 62 rooms of which 1 is Suite Royale, 1 is Junior Suite, 17 are Suites and the rest are classic and deluxe rooms, some of which are in this historic wing and some in the modern wing.
UNIQUE HOTELS IN BELGIUM - MARTIN'S DREAM HOTEL, MONS
The hotel has 4 floors and most of the magic happens on the 3rd floor. Each room on this floor follows a special Belgian theme and each room looks so different from the others! The various themes include Tastes of Belgium, Carnival, Art Nouveau, Magritte, Manneken Pis etc. Of these, one room is the fabulous Royal Suite called Cinq Sens, which has a huge church window, as its window, overlooking the belfry! Now, that's called a room with a view, making this one the best hotels in Mons, or rather, one of the best hotels in Wallonia, Belgium! It is one of the best Art Hotels in Belgium.
The really fascinating part of the whole thing is - every article in the room matches the concept, not just wallpaper and bedding, but even chair and carpet and bathtub. For eg., the Art Nouveau room has wrought iron chairs whose backrest is art nouveau design and the bathtub is painted gold!!! The cushion on the bedside table of the Tastes of Belgium room looks like a macaroon!!! The chair of Magritte room is made of transparent, colourless acrylic to match the surrealism!!! The carpet in the Carnaval room had the pattern of a cobbled road filled with multicoloured poppers... If you're going with a toddler, you may want to choose the BD Belge room with the Comics theme.
The corridor is plain to balance the craziness of each room, but there are black and white wall art throughout corresponding to the theme. At the end of the corridor is the frontage of the hotel which is a stunning stained glass window, restored from the original church!
The 4th floor has some aparthotel rooms which include its own microwave oven, stovetop etc.
ROOMS OF MARTIN'S DREAM HOTEL, MONS
Only the Junior and Royal Suite rooms have bathtubs while the rest all have showers. The bathrooms are provided with shower gels and shampoos in non-removable, fixed dispensers. Rooms are also equipped with hairdryer, locker, towels, and bathroom slippers. There are no kits (sewing kit, dental kit, shower kit etc) kept by default in the room, everything has to be requested if needed. There is a minibar and cafe with a kettle. Some rooms have the bathroom & toilet attached while some have it separate. Quite weirdly, a room which had a separate toilet didn't have a washbasin/sink in there!!!
HISTORIC HOTELS IN BELGIUM - MARTIN's DREAM HOTEL MONS
Throughout the hotel, the reminiscence of the church can be seen. A pillar base of the church now serves as a central bar table, the gorgeous windows have been used in several rooms, some frescoes can be seen in the meeting rooms, the pillars can be seen everywhere including some weird placements in the rooms (the pillar in the Carnaval room is fitted with a lifesize mirror and surrounded by wall on all sides), but that can be forgiven coz obviously, the current building is only built following the cues of the existing building (the church).
Also throughout the hotel, the heavy influence of the Doudou festival (a UNESCO recognized annual event) can also be seen. Even the wallpaper and curtains at the Mezzo restaurant are Doudou themed.
Without a doubt, Dream Hotel is one of the best hotels to stay in Mons. Also, if I have to list out which hotels in Mons have nice views, I'd put Dream Hotel, Mons atop that list.
AMENITIES IN MARTIN'S DREAM HOTEL, MONS
There are fitness room, sauna, spa, hammam etc in the Martin’s Alterego Wellness Area which is complimentary for the guests but has to be booked in advance. There is a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. Breakfast buffet is at an additional cost. The variety is not much, but whatever was there was really really delicious. Don't miss the apple pie and fruit platter with maple syrup!
THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND MONS
- Things to do in Mons - Mons Belfry, Mundaneum, Doudou Museum, St.Waudru Church, Townhall, St.Elizabeth Church and other hidden spots!
- Things to do around Mons - Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes, Historic Coal Mines at Grand Hornu, Bois du Luc, The 4 boat lifts on Canal and Strepy Theiu - All of these 4 sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
MONS ITINERARY
Day 1 - Grand Hornu, Neolithic Splint mines at Spiennes
Day 2 - Bois du Luc, Ancient boat lifts & Strepy Theiu
Day 3 - City of Mons - Belfry, Mundaneum, Doudou Museum, Beaux-Arts Mons etc
HOW TO REACH DREAM HOTEL, MONS
On Google Maps: Hotel Dream, Mons, Belgium
Nearest Airport: Brussels South Charleroi
Nearest Railway Station: Mons
From Mons Railway Station: 1 km
From Brussels Central to Mons: 77km (Direct Intercity (IC) trains are available from Brussels (Nord/Central/Zuid) to Mons every 1 hour and the journey time is about 1 hour.)
To Book online: Hotel Dream, Mons
Room rates begin at €80 for classic double rooms.
Breakfast - €18
Hotel Ph no: +32 (0) 65 32 97 20
P.S: I was invited by VisitMons and Wallonia Tourism to experience the city for review purposes, however, the opinions are my own and this post does not advertise the product/service.
The Hotel dream in Mons Belgium match well with the name! It is truly dreamy and unique! The stain window are truly beautiful! I don't think I have seen something quite like Hotel Dream before! And Mons sound exciting, now I am curious about this city!
ReplyDeleteMons looks like a truly beautiful town. I have been to many of the European capitals, but the memories I cherish the most are when I have left the cities and started to explore the countryside. The cathedrals and people I meet there are so charming.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice place to stay. I love the wall art. It is beautiful. I am actually of making a similar one on our study nook. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI am very fond of heritage and culture of any place I travel. So Mons seems to be an interesting place for me. Staying at a heritage hotel is always a great option. The Hotel looks so classic and I would definitely use the spa, sauna and fitness rooms.
ReplyDeleteDream Hotel at Mons! Its a dream come true. I have never been to any hotel which served as a church. Belgian special theme for each room on third floor! Wow!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a very impressive hotel, it really looks like a "dream" so the name fits! You are right about the 3rd floor, seems to be the ultimate goal to stay in a themed room like this. The love for details is really impressive. Thanks for sharing this great review!
ReplyDeleteThe hotel seems to be a lovely place for a staycation. There is a restaurant here in Dublin which has been converted from a church. The wall art looks amazing. Also the room prices seems to be decent. The views from the rooms is also amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat hotel looked wonderfully accommodating. They had everything! I am glad you enjoyed your stay. https://www.alongtheway.today/
ReplyDeleteLooks pretty awesome
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ReplyDeleteA Neo Gothic Church converted to a hotel?! Interesting. I am always intrigued to stay in unusual places. I can imagine how amazing could be to wake up in the morning in the Cinq Sens room with a big church window.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a comfortable stay option. I really liked the idea of thematic rooms and especially love the vibrant walls. It really adds lot to the room and gives it a very colourful and local city like feel
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome hotel! I love reading about places that are not always on the map I had never heard of Mons before. Love the culture and beauty that has been mixed with modern art, looks like a great little city to explore
ReplyDeleteNice, hotels in old buildings hold so much authenticity. That's kind of place I would prefer staying. And this one also has a gym...
ReplyDeleteIve never heard about Mons and I haven't visited Belgium yet but it seems like a lovely place! The hotel dream looks really cool! I love the building, the original rooms, and great decorations ! I enjoy stay in places like that when I travel so I am gonna check it out when I go there one day!
ReplyDeleteMons looks like an interesting place, and the hotel concept having different kind of rooms is something I have heard for the first time and it is very interesting and different. I say, do Mons on Monday to get rid of Monday blues ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, Mons is really interesting and i'm glad that you were able to see and visit exactly all in your list. I love that the Hotel you've stayed is a heritage Hotel with so much to offer. The fact that throughout the hotel the reminiscence of the church can be seen, which seemed to be really interesting. Not only that, Each room in every floor follows a Belgian special theme, which looks so different from each other. I love the idea behind this theme. Thank you so much for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteCan’t believe I’ve never heard of Mons before! I love hotels with complimentary spa features and the ones here sound heavenly! Thanks for sharing about this lesser known gem :)
ReplyDeleteWow. A great hotel in a equally great destination. Thanks for sharing as this helps anyone planning a trip at a budget. A beautiful clean and delightful place to spend a few days. Great details and the photos compliments the post. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis is the first that I have heard of a church being converted to a hotel and that too, such a classy one. It was an interesting read on how they have used some of the original structure for the hotel - like the bar. It does seem like a good place to stay with all those amenities.
ReplyDeleteI love everything that is unique and different from the normal hotel scene. We just recently stayed in a hotel where each room had a different theme and I loved it! This place looks definitely something I would enjoy. I'm so happy there are more and more of these hotels that want to be different.
ReplyDeleteI never knew of Mons before reading your article. Wow this neo gothic cathedral turned into hotel is really worth staying option in Mons. This also sounds unique, that gothic cathedral now into hotel. I loved the interiors of this place,specially the cute red chair. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely hotel.l have never heard of Mons before but l am definitely keen to check it out now. I love that the hotel is in an gothic church it looks stunnibg and l love the stain glass windows
ReplyDeleteI’m absolutely loving that the hotel is a 19th century Gothic church that’s been converted into a hotel. The design and interior of the hotel looks amazing and I’m loving that the hotel has kept the aura of the church. I appreciate the sustainability efforts including not using small bottles for shampoo and conditioner. It’s a small gesture but really does go a long way.
ReplyDeleteits not only hotel its symbol of creativity
ReplyDeleteThe design and ambiance of the hotel is perfect for a great stay in Belgium. Special mention to the beautiful stain glass windows!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I am reading about Mons. I love the fact that how the architecture and style of the hotel is quintessentially European and a lot like one of those countryside places. Everything about this hotel says you are welcome.
ReplyDeleteMons is a wonderful place for a visit. Belgium is one of the most favorite places for travelers. I never visited this place, I am planning to fix my next trip will be here. All of your guideline and tips will help all of us for the best traveling experience in Belgium. I love your observation about the hotel. Thanks for your post, keep motivated us.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that the hotel used to be a church, I love quirky hotels. Mons sounds a lovely place to visit, I’ve just had to look up on the map whereabouts it is in Belgium. Adding to my European bucket list.
ReplyDelete