The Fourth - Tafelrond

I used to stay here often a few years ago, when the hotel had just opened, and really enjoyed it. The historic building is magnificent and full of charm, and it could be a top-notch place. This time, though, I was very disappointed. The bed is comfortable, but the rooms aren’t well maintained. The curtains had come off their hooks when I arrived, and the door handle keeps falling off whenever I open the door. I reported both issues at the start of my three-night stay, and they still haven’t been fixed. Housekeeping is very light. They basically just make the bed and change the towels. I had to clean the coffee machine myself, and the wine cooler I used on the first night is still hanging in the room. This hotel could be much better, and the stay doesn’t match the building’s standing.

The setting was superb, with tables spaced well apart and good acoustics. We were four and ordered two suggestion menus and two à la carte meals. The food was tasty and looked great, and the wines were excellent. The price is quite high, though, and coffee and water were supposed to be included with the menu. After checking, we still had to pay an extra 5+3 euros per person for them. That cost the restaurant a point.

The invoice took more than two weeks to arrive, even after I sent several emails. I was told the hotel had joined a new chain and didn't have enough staff to handle requests. During my three-night stay, the bed linen wasn't changed once, and reception was often unattended, so service was very slow. Given the high price for what you get, my experience in Leuven was disappointing. I'd suggest choosing another hotel.

The beds were the most comfortable I've slept in for ages, and the building is beautiful in a great location. The bathroom layout is a bit strange, though: shower water spills out, and some of the light switches don't seem to work.