Review of De Witte Lelie, by Gemma Pitcher

De Witte Lelie (the name means The White Lily) is a tiny, incredibly stylish bed and breakfast on Antwerp’s ancient Keizerstraat. Completely restored from three sixteenth century canal houses, the hotel is furnished overwhelmingly in white – white chairs and sofas, white walls and huge vases of fresh white flowers. Thick Persian rugs on the marble floors provide splashes of colour.

Each room is different, but all are wonderfully light and airy, furnished with contemporary designer furniture alongside bits and pieces of antiques and art. Facilities have been described as ‘More than five star’. Needless to say, each room comes equipped with phone, fax, stereo, TV, and lavish minibar. An enormous buffet breakfast in the room or on the central courtyard terrace is included in the price. The extremely chic and stylish interior and impeccable service are apparently enjoyed by discerning fashionistas like Jean Paul Gaultier and Paul Smith when they’re in town…