Historic hospitality in a tranquil, urban oasis TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTOS: KAREL V
In the heart of the vibrant city of Utrecht, adjoining the Netherlands’ biggest station on the one side and the charming historic centre on the other, you enter the tranquil oasis that is Grand Hotel Karel V. The majestic, century-old mansion lies in a walled garden, a world away from the city noise. Besides a five-star hotel, it also houses an atmospheric bistro and a world-class finedining restaurant. “Karel V has everything you need for an unforgettable week-end on its 10,000 square metres of greenery.”
great food, a comfortable night, top-notch service and plenty of unforgettable memories. “At Karel V, you don’t just come for a meal or a night away,” says Josseline de Boer, communication manager at Karel V. “You come for an unforgettable experience. The spirit of the building’s rich history still lingers through the corridors. Here, you feel just as special and important as Karel V, (Charles V), the legendary Habsburgian who stayed in the building with his sister Mary of Hungary and after whom the hotel is named.”
In a former life, it was a monastery and military hospital, today it is one of the Netherlands’ lushest hospitality sites. In its 20 years of existence, Grand Hotel Karel V has become the place to go for
The lion’s share of the building houses the exquisite five-star Grand Hotel Karel V, the only five-star hotel in the city and its surroundings. “The hotel offers so much more than most five-star hotels. The
44 | Issue 72 | December 2019
Sleeping in Utrecht’s green lung
whole of the majestic building contains details that refer to the past. Spread over many display cases, you can look at the intriguing objects that were discovered while restoring the building.” Yet, most impressive is the interior, which stays true to the historic nature of the building. That doesn’t mean that guests must sacrifice on 21st-century indulgence and facilities. On the premises, you can relax in the well-equipped spa with a sauna, steam bath, solarium and jet stream pool. On top of that, you are welcome in Puur, the hotel’s in-house beauty salon. If you prefer a more active moment of me-time, you can go to Karel V’s gym. “Or you can rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings ‘Dutch-style’. Located centrally in the city, Grand Hotel