Handwritten Collection expands in Belgium with the opening of a new hotel in the heart of Antwerp

The new hotel welcomes guests to an urban oasis of art, design and personal stories

 Handwritten Collection, a carefully curated selection of distinctive hotels around the world, is proud to announce the opening of Maek Hotel Antwerp Centraal - Handwritten Collection, located in the heart of Antwerp. Since its launch in 2023, Handwritten Collection has brought together hotels known for their strong personality, warmth and the unique hospitality of dedicated hosts.

With more than 30 hotels opened and 35+ additional locations under development, Handwritten Collection offers unique stays that celebrate human connection and individuality. So far in 2025, the brand has seen continued expansion across Europe with openings in Hungary (Debrecen), Romania (Bucharest) and Greece (Heraklion), as well as new openings in France (Paris) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam). 

Handwritten Collection offers a wide range of carefully selected hotels that are so unique that it feels like each local hotel owner welcomes guests to their charming and stylish home. The guest experience is a cornerstone of every Handwritten Collection hotel. With each host's taste, passion and personality, they create an authentic atmosphere, inspiring conversations and creative entertainment. 

The recently opened hotel features 128 stylish rooms, a gym and a bar and restaurant focused on seasonal menus and drinks. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails and locally brewed Belgian beer in sophisticated, design-driven spaces. The hotel also offers views of the city park and places a strong emphasis on personalised hospitality, in line with the philosophy of the Handwritten Collection. In each room, guests will find a sketchpad and pencils to start their own artwork, while the lobby invites quiet moments with compiled coffee-table books on art. 

The hotel is designed according to the brand promise of Handwritten Collection, combining traditional and modern design elements, with each room telling its own story. No two rooms are the same, each corner reflecting the passion, taste and personality of the welcoming hotel team. As the name suggests, the host's personal touch for Maek lies in 'the art of making', and the beauty to be found in craftsmanship. This is showcased throughout the hotel, from books on Antwerp's rich craft history available to read in the social hub, to a celebration of new makers in the city. At checkout, each guest receives a handmade biscuit made by Helpende Handjes, a local social bakery where every hand plays a part in making something meaningful. Each biscuit supports people with disabilities. Each interaction with the host is also carefully designed to reflect personal passions. Each staff member wears a self-selected pin on their uniform, telling a personal story and introducing themselves to each guest.

The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Diamond Quarter, close to Central Station and iconic attractions such as Antwerp Zoo, the lively shopping street De Meir and the historic centre with the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Art lovers can indulge themselves at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts or the Rubens House, while hip South offers inspiration with modern galleries, boutiques and culinary hotspots. The property will be managed by Step Partners, who have partnered with Accor on a host of projects, including Mercure Liege Centre and Mercure Antwerp City - South.  

"Maek Hotel Antwerp Central captures the spirit of the Handwritten Collection brand. Intimate, stylish and deeply personal. From the artisan-inspired concept to the carefully curated materials and bespoke rooms, every detail invites guests to experience culture as a living, breathing part of their stay." Says Jessica Thielmans, Cluster Sales Manager, Maek Hotel Antwerp Central - Handwritten Collection.

Maek Hotel Antwerp Centraal - Handwritten Collection is the third hotel to be launched in the Benelux, following the recent openings of Hotel Ter Zand - Handwritten Collection and Le Marin Rotterdam City - Handwritten Collection. The hotel also opens in the same month as Hotel Maison Maastricht - Handwritten Collection. 

Guests staying at the hotel are welcome to enjoy a wide range of rewards, services and experiences as part of ALL Accor, the renowned loyalty programme that enhances the experience during and after every hotel stay.