Last updated on January 02nd, 2023
Leuven is a university town. The oldest university in Belgium, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) was founded here in 1425. It is also home to the famous beer, Stella Artois. They claim to have been brewing in the town since 1366. It’s the perfect combination, students and beer. The town is home to 25,000 students and this much is clear on an evening or a warm summer’s day in the parks.
Best hotel in Leuven is Martin’s Klooster, a 4 star accommodation within walking distance from the Oude Markt in the historic centre. Another top rated property is The Fourth – Tafelrond, this boutique style hotel is located near the town hall. Read on below.
What are the Best Hotels in Leuven City Centre?
1. Martin’s Klooster ★★★★ (Top)
Grand Market Square, 5 min. from Martin’s Klooster
The characteristic Martin’s Klooster hotel is housed in an old monastery close to Leuvan’s historic centre. The old brick building dates back to 1531, and contains many of the original features like exposed beams and stone work. The stylish decor runs throughout the hotel, which include large prints by Flemish artists. This top hotel is located in the Hertogeneiland, the historic area of Leuven. It is close to both the Oude Markt and Grote Markt and other main sites of the city. It’s one of the best top rated hotels in Leuven city centre !
2. pentahotel Leuven ★★★★ (Good Value)
The Pentahotel Leuven has a strong sense of design. There are several cool design features dotted around the place, a retro style bar and welcome desk, decorated with books and bric-a-brac. The relaxed vibe of the place spreads throughout the 103 rooms and deluxe suites. The hotel is situated in a traffic free zone in the historic area of the city, close to attractions like St Peter’s Church and the University Library.
3. The Fourth – Tafelrond ★★★★ (Top)
Leuven Town Hall, 1 min. from The Fourth Tafelrond
The name of this accommodation refers to the building’s history. It started in 1479 as a meeting place for the Guilds. In 1817 it was a theatre, in 1930 it converted into a bank and was transformed into a hotel in 2016. Elements of history are woven into its fabric, delivering a place filled with history. Attention to detail and luxury are the hallmarks of the rooms. Italian furniture, luxurious linens, marble bathrooms and hardwood floors feature throughout as well as state of the art technology in all the rooms. It’s one of the best hotels in Leuven !
4. Park Inn by Radisson Leuven ★★★ (Good Value)
This contemporary great value hotel is close to Central station. Each of the stylish and comfortable rooms has individual climate control, wi-fi and flat screen tvs. Guests can make use of the fitness suite and close by underground parking. The bar and grill room serves delicious meals, from juicy burgers to sizzling steaks. There is a modern business centre which includes state of the art audio visual technology and natural lighting.
5. Hotel De Pastorij ★★★ (Boutique)
Leuven City Centre
This centrally located boutique hotel has bags of personality. The 18th century building was the rectory of St Michael’s Church and was transformed, but left the original structure which gives a rustic feel. The cosy hotel has 7 individually decorated rooms and a peaceful garden to relax in. A breakfast buffet is freshly prepared every morning using a variety of local produce.
6. Boutique Hotel Löven (Boutique)
This elegantly decorated boutique hotel is situated in the historical area of Leuven. It is close to the Grote Markt and a 15 minute walk from the central train station. It has been recently renovated and is in the pedestrian area of the city so visitors are undisturbed by traffic noise. All the rooms have flat screen tvs, desk and seating area. They also have an open plan bathroom with free toiletries, hair dryer and shower.
7. Hotel The Lodge Heverlee ★★★ (Farmhouse)
Arenberg Castle, 4 min. from Hotel The Lodge
This beautiful and stylish accommodation is located in a recently restored historic farmhouse. The rooms have been decorated with nature in mind, using soft, natural tones that allow the original character of the setting to shine through. All 25 rooms have mod cons and the hotel has its own brasserie. Although it is set in the countryside, Leuven is close by. Visitors can enjoy strolling through Arenberg Park and Heverlee forest.
8. Theater Hotel Leuven Centrum ★★★ (Affordable)
Old Market Square, 5 min. from Theater Hotel
Situated close to the Old Market in Leuven Belgium, this accommodation is perfect for visitor wishing to take in the sights and sounds of the city. The hotel is 20km from Brussels International airport and there are museums and a theatre close by. All 21 have en-suite bathrooms, central heating, desk and satellite tv. There is a breakfast buffet served every morning and a small restaurant that serves delicious meals. Snacks and drinks can be purchased a the cafe. Guests can relax in the steam room or have a massage.
9. Novotel Leuven Centrum ★★★★ (Modern)
The hotel is located on the edge of town, 15 minutes from the city centre and 10 mins from the train station. The spacious rooms have plenty natural light and a good amount of closet space. The bathroom is well laid out, with walk in shower. There are plenty of sockets and USB ports for devices and free wifi throughout. There are 6 meeting rooms, restaurant and gourmet bar, making it an ideal hotel for people on business.
What’s the Best Hotel in Leuven with Free Parking?
1. ibis Heverlee Leuven ★★★ (Free Parking)
Leuven Belgium
The Ibis Heverlee Leuven is located just off the A3/E40 motorway from Brussels to Liège in Belgium, and is convenient for travellers who are stopping overnight or using it as a base for further exploring. The car parking is free, great for business travel or weekenders. Leuven is only 8km away and the Heverlee forest is located right next door to the hotel. Arenberg Castle is within walking distance of the hotel too, perfect for picnic or long walks. All the rooms have wifi and air conditioning.
What are the Best Cheap or Affordable Hotels near Leuven Train Station?
1. Hotel Mille Colonnes ★ (Affordable)
This hotel is located opposite the bus and train station and 15 minutes from the city centre. The rooms are clean and tidy and breakfast is included, unless you choose half board. There are 14 rooms to choose from, all with a bathroom and flat screen tv and a small desk. The rooms are small, but they are quiet and offer a good night’s rest, perfect for those on a budget. It’s one of the best cheap hotels close to the railway station.
2. ibis budget Leuven Centrum ★ (Affordable)
This budget accommodation is close to the main train station, and close to the historical centre of Leuven Belgium. It is within easy reach of restaurants, bars, historical landmarks and great shopping. The rooms are clean and modern and all have their own bathroom and toilet, wifi and tv. There are rooms available for 3 people sharing, ideal for friends or families. Breakfast is served for a fee and there are cafes and bars close by.
3. Hotel Industrie ★ (Affordable)
Hotel industrie is conveniently located, close to the train station and other attractions. It is within walking distance of the main square and the town hall, the old market and St Peter’s church. There are 16 rooms that all have a private bathroom, flat screen tv, wardrobe and wi-fi. The breakfast buffet is served in the brasserie. Visitors can also get snacks and beverages at the Grand Cafe, and enjoy them them on the terrace in good weather.
Leuven City Centre
The heart of historic Leuven is the Oude Markt, heaving with bars and restaurants, there are 33 in all and they all spill out onto the pavement when the weather is warm. The town hall was built at the same time as the KU University. This ornate building has 236 sculptures adorning the side and various biblical reliefs. The Vanderkelen Museum displays 3 sections, paintings, sculptures and craftwork. The works come from Belgium and other counties dating from the 12th century. Much of Leuven was destroyed in the First World War, only the town hall survived as is was the German HQ, so a great deal of the city has been rebuilt. The town is perfect for a weekend break. It is small enough to explore by foot, indeed, the centre is closed to traffic. Most of the shopping streets are pedestrianised and the top hotels here are peaceful and free of noise and pollution from cars. It is a relaxed and friendly town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Best Hotels in Leuven City Centre
What’s the Top Accommodation near Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (University)?
Founded in 1425 it was the main university and flourished until its abolition in 1797. It is one of Europe’s oldest Universities. It originally offered humanities, civil law, canon law, medicine and theology. It was a magnet to some of the most famous scholars, including Erasmus, the cartographer Mercator, the anatomist Vesalius, mathematician Gemma Frisius and the scholar Vives. The botanical gardens were established in 1738. The university became the centre of physics research when labs and theatres were established, one of these labs is now the M-Museum. When it closed in 1797, most of the library’s books were sent to the Central School of Brussels, although the most precious were donated to the National French Library in Paris. The library was burnt down during the German occupation of the First World War. It was rebuilt after the Second World War with financial backing from American universities. Visitor should visit the neoclassical library and climb the Scandinavian-style tower. Each floor has podcatcher points where visitors can listen to an audio recording of the building’s history and the story of the town along with a photographic display. The top floor has a balcony with breathtaking views of the city and the 7 ton bell built in 1928.
Best Hotels near University of Leuven Belgium
- Hotel De Pastorij – Boutique Hotel
- Getaway Studios Leuven – Apartments
- Hotel Ladeuze
