Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre — Hotel in Antwerp

I got off of the lift to relax in the lounge area. I saw 3 gentleman between the lift and the lounge. We exchanged looks and I made my way past them (it was later argued that they didn’t recall seeing me). As I sat down, they stood in the area, looking at me and talking amongst themselves. Finally, one of them decided to confront me and asked if I was a guest. Mind you, he didn’t inform me of who was and why he was asking in the first place. I said yes. Then he continued with asking me what I room number was. I answered. Still not satisfied, he asked under what name… I was fuming, as I didn’t see them asking anyone else but me. Anyone would feel a bit profiled at that point. I eventually spoke to the front desk and asked them who those men were and explained the situation. It was the management. I wanted to make a formal complaint and be provided with an incident report for my records and theirs, as well as corporate contact information. They refused and said it was against their policy and that they only handle things “internally”. My complaint would only be treated as feedback.. one of the 3 men did come out to confront me about it to tell me that I’m just blowing things out of proportion, which didn’t help the situation. He explained that they do have a security issue with non-guests entering the lounge. So, they have to ask these questions as protocol. The supervisor, Zander, de-escalated the situation as much as he could and assured me that this wasn’t racial profiling by any means. And apologised for the distress and that there really were no ill intentions. I am choosing to believe him but I do have some notes.

Keep the front doors locked and have the guests enter with their keys. Zander mentioned that they do this on weekends. So, I suggest this being a permanent solution; especially, if security is a big issue. If you’re going to question your guests, then at the very least, introduce yourself and let the guest know that per security protocol and for their safety, you’re about to verify their reservation status. Otherwise, it will leave them(guests) to jump to conclusions. You could also have the bar staff or security more involved with verifying who enters the area, if locking the doors is not the direction you want to go. Don’t just target someone who you think might look like someone “off the street”. At least proceed to question 3-5 randomly selected guests, periodically. Regardless of how they look or present themselves. It would feel less offensive and actually assure the guests that you are doing it for their safety.

I would’ve given one star but after speaking with Zander, I’ll have to bump it up. The situation was de-escalated but [unfortunately] the damage was already done and left me with a lasting impression of the Radisson Blu...

The hotel is situated in the centre of Antwerp, opposite the Central Station and the Antwerp Zoo (a must visit as a couple or with kids - a simply stunning zoo and park!)

Hotel check-in was relatively straight-forward; however I was a bit surprised when asked if I could pay upfront and asked to fill in a form! Noting I am a Radisson member, one would have they thought they could have made the check-in process more slick!

The hotel is ok. Nothing exciting about it except it does have a Starbucks at its entrance. The main reason we selected this hotel is that it is 1 of 2 hotels in Antwerp that has a swimming pool. We did not use the hotel carpark, although we tried. It has a very small entrance that only opens if you drive your car right to the point of touching the gate! Of course, nowhere is this mentioned so we ended up parking at the public car park about 50m away. For 24 hours, we paid 24 euros. If you can get over the urine smell – this carpark is a good, secure alternative. I believe the hotel charges 19 euros for their car park.

We booked an Apartment room. Our room was overlooking other buildings, so no view from the windows. The room was very spacious, with the bathroom alone, bigger than most hotel rooms with a walk-in shower and large bath. Everything was available e.g. hairdryer and iron, but you can see that everything provided is of very cheap quality and provided in order that they get the tick in the box to be graded as a 4-star hotel. One area that was very good was the free Wi-Fi. Very fast. I clocked it at about 70mb/s. The room was a bit tired looking. In fact, most of the hotel was like this. It was relatively quiet but we did hear the baby crying in the next room. Not too loud, but audible. Overall, we cannot complain about the room. Clean, spacious and had everything one would need.

We did not eat in the hotel; however the hotel is located in an area that has a significant number of restaurants and fast-food places, so you will be spoilt for choice.

I did not think much of Antwerp so it is highly unlikely we would return. Would we stay here again? Probably not. For the price, there are other hotels in the old part of town that may be better alternatives. It all comes down to how much you value the pool and having a very large room vs. having a nice and safe area and a proper...

the hotel is clean - despite an episode of bedbugs the first night on the 5th floor (but whether they were in the room or the meeting room in which the group's luggages were kept, we will not know). However, I had carefully inspected my bed! The staff is very friendly and helpful But there is a bad apple somewhere... On Sunday, October 13, I asked if you had any envelopes. I was given 2xA5 envelopes. As we didn't know where the nearest mailbox was, I was offered to leave the stamped envelopes at the hotel to leave with their mail. What is my surprise to see today at home and at my mother's house an envelope completely different from the one I had filled in and left with a philatelic stamp 'Surrealism'. because to receive any kind of postmark, I would not have made the effort to mail my cards (and spend the money corresponding to the mailing!). I might as well bring them back with me! So someone opened the envelopes and replaced them with a plain kraft envelope without a stamp! the city of the address does not even exist (Courbevoie not Lourbevoie!) Which makes me say that the problem comes from you and not from the postal services is that it was postmarked on 17th October. tHowever, for a letter left on Sunday 13/10, we can assume that it leaves on 14 or 15/10. The shipment was delayed to steal my stamps! amazing ! And u opened my mail! I therefore thank you for sending the envelopes left with my stamps!!

Add 22/11: No need to e-mail I came to the hotel reception on 30th October as I was on way to Rotterdam. I detailed the problem again to a friendly young employee at the reception. She offered to call her manager but as I had a train to catch, I left all my contact details (mobile and email) in writing and the problem in the subject line. However, no one has contacted me in any way. so I remind you of the subject: someone opened my mail envelopes (left at the hotel), put the postcards back in kraft envelopes, rewrote the names and addresses (with mistakes) and stole the philatelic stamps that I had put on the envelopes. We therefore received the envelopes without physical stamps (surrealism collection). So I ask you to send me back my 2 stolen stamps. Find the way to. I have left postmail at hotesl several times (Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, etc.). Never has such a thing happened. Beyond stealing the stamps, you...