Hotel to Heart: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht

Staying in unique design and boutique hotels with character and charm is one of my favourite things to do. But this hotel – the Kruisherenhotel in Maastricht- was really, really unique! It is one of the most memorable hotels I’ve stayed in so far and I’ve stayed in many design hotels all over the world. The five star Kruisherenhotel is located in a former church and adjoining monastery. The 15th century monastery and Gothic church were transformed into a state-of-the-art design hotel in 2005 by renowned interior architect Henk Vos and famed interior designers Le Corbusier, Ingo Maurer and Philippe Starck. Novelties are seamlessly integrated and combined with the historical architectural features to maintain its monumental value. The contrast and interplay between the old and the new are interesting talking points and will leave you speechless at the same time. And best of all, it is right in the heart of the bustling city center of charming Maastricht, making it the perfect base to explore the city and all it has to offer.

Unparalleled design

You enter the Kruisherenhotel through a gleaming orange tunnel and glass sliding doors, a design by Ingo Maurer. Once you step inside you’re speechless by the grandeur and immensity of the space. Breathtaking ornamental ceilings, frescos and colourful stained glass windows play with the light beams coming in. During your stay you will notice that the light and colours in the space are different throughout the day and influenced by the weather. You will discover new things and details every time. Without compromising the traditional features and authentic architecture, the design incorporates modern constructions of glass to maintain the sense of height and space, as well as to avoid obstruction of light or sight. The hotel is also a “playground” for art talents. Throughout the hotel you will see different art objects, paintings and photography.

The restaurant

The design is so much more interesting because of the use of different levels that make the otherwise spacious church very intimate. By use of an entresol, the acclaimed Kruisheren restaurant is elevated in the church space. The elevation offers guests a closer look at the beautiful centuries old frescoes and the stained church windows that are depicting Biblical stories and Saints. Other eye-catchers are the oversized scale shaped lamps.

 

Staying in the monastery

The Kruisherenhotel has 60 guestrooms. My room was located in the former monastery. The monastery, which is only accessible to guests, has kept its solemn ambiance and architecture. When walking through the corridors you automatically slow down and lower your volume. The hotel rooms are in former monastery rooms. They are all different and ultramodern with a wall covering art work, high tech amenities and contemporary furniture. Each room has different art objects and design objects. Nonetheless, the link with its traditional function is still visible in the details.

 

The courtyard of the monastery is another peaceful point in the hotel where you can enjoy a book or just meditate. The use of red and white throughout the hotel harks back to the colours of the fraternal order.

The library

Although I didn’t have to work I did have a peek at the library that overlooks the entire church.

 

Wine Bar Rouge & Blanc

Evenings at the Kruisherenhotel are best spent at the Wine Bar Rouge & Blanc. The bar is located in the former chancel of the church. An awe-inspiring glass wine cellar is the focal point as is the red velvet lounge bench. Here you can enjoy bites and wine, but also coffee with the quintessential Maastricht vlaai (a local cake).

 

The Kruisherenhotel is member of designhotels.com collection and part of the Oostwegel collection.

Bookings and rates: Book here

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