Immersion in unparalleled hospitality
On arrival at Boutique Hotel Franq, part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, we were immediately welcomed by the personalized and tailored service the hotel promises its guests. The historic charm and contemporary urban-chic of this former bank building in the heart of Antwerp, created an atmosphere of both luxury and comfort.
A suite that pampers and amazes
Our hotel room was a true gem, furnished with a distinct sense of aesthetics. The bathtub in the ensuite bathroom was an invitation to pure relaxation. A homemade mocktail was waiting for us upon our arrival, a subtle, tasty attention that exceeded our expectations. The rooms are designed to offer the traveler an immediate sense of tranquility and peace.
michelin starred gastronomy
A visit to the Hotel Franq would not be complete without dining in their own award-winning restaurant, helmed by Chef Tim Meuleneire. He, who decided at 13 that he would become a chef, has since built an impressive career. In less than a year, he has earned Restaurant Franq a Michelin star with his French-Belgian cuisine, complemented by international touches.
seasonal delight on world ocean day
Special to mention is that our visit to Hotel Franq coincided with World Ocean Day on June 8. A day when the whole world reflects on the important role the oceans play in our daily lives. The theme this year was “Planet Ocean: Changing the Tides.” On this occasion, we had the pleasure of sampling Chef Tim Meuleneire’s special menu.
This year marks the sixth year in a row that Relais & Châteaux is celebrating World Ocean Day in partnership with Ethic Ocean. The goal? To encourage consumers worldwide to rethink their food choices and demonstrate that the tide is changing. In line with this philosophy, Meuleneire served a menu that was an ode to the oceans, working exclusively with seasonal produce and sustainably caught seafood.
A culinary journey full of flavor
From the moment the first dishes were served, we embarked on a culinary journey that will stay with us for a long time. The appetizer of white asparagus from the polder with lightly smoked MOWI salmon and emulsion of tandoori was delicious. The entrée, a haddock under crust of sourdough with caraway seeds, young peas with Japanese cherry and dulce seaweed, was sublime. The main course, rosé baked veal back with stuffed morels and tie garlic with gravy enriched with vin jaune, was truly a culinary masterpiece. The finale with a dessert of strawberry, rhubarb, mascarpone and basil was the perfect ending to this exceptional meal. With coffee, we received an original board of tasty mignardises that linked it to the old bank vaults located in the building.
waking up with a breakfast full of homemade indulgences
The next morning we were treated to a breakfast characterized by many homemade products. From granola to jams and even hazelnut spread, everything was freshly prepared. The egg, prepared to our liking and served at the table, set the tone for a relaxing day in the vibrant city.
conclusion: A unique experience
Our stay at the Hotel Franq was more than we could have ever expected. From the stylish, restful rooms to the refined gastronomy of Chef Tim Meuleneire, everything was done to perfection. The personalized service and attention to detail made the experience all the more special. This is a place we won’t soon forget and we look forward to staying again at Hotel Franq – a true gem in the heart of Antwerp.
Practical
For more information about Hotel Franq and to book your stay, visit the website: www.hotelfranq.com. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Antwerp, steps away from the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Meir, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.
Address:
Hotel Franq
Kipdorp 10-12
2000 Antwerp
Belgium
