Leuven is Belgium’s most famous university city and is known for its vibrant Christmas market during the holiday season.
The market attracts thousands of visitors each year with its range of food stalls, handmade crafts, and festive entertainment.
In this guide, I’ll detail hotels that are both quality choices and situated near the Leuven Christmas Market.
Hotels Near Leuven Christmas Market
The Old Town district is the best area to stay in Leuven for quick access to the Christmas market in Grote Markt.
The area provides a convenient location within walking distance to the market and other city attractions. My top hotel pick also calls this district home.
Top Pick
The Fourth
Address: 5 Grote Markt, Leuven
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Distance to the Christmas market: This hotel is located directly on the main square.
The Fourth is a striking hotel located in the centre of Leuven, seamlessly blending modern elements with historic architecture. Its perfect central location serves as an ideal base to explore the city, and it’s particularly close to the Christmas market in Grote Markt. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfy beds and the added luxury of a balcony. The atmosphere is welcoming and enhanced by friendly staff.
Features:
- Distinctive decor and design.
- Stylish rooms with ample natural light.
- Huge selection for breakfast.
- Great location near M-Museum.
Sustainability:
- Efforts are made to minimise food waste.
- They avoid using single-use plastics.
- Opportunity for artists to display their work in the hotel.
- Arrangement of tours led by local guides.
Pros: Central location, modern design hotel, historic charm, spacious rooms.
Cons: Can be busy during holidays.
Check AvailabilityI’ll also detail a few other hotels close to the Christmas market that vary in style, budget, and eco-friendliness.
Next Best
M-Street
Address: 32 Muntstraat, Leuven, Belgium
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Distance to the Christmas market: 3-minute walk (240 metres)
M-Street Art Lodging Hotel provides a unique stay experience, emphasising ease and convenience with its online check-in and access code system, eliminating the need for a traditional reception. The hotel features new, clean rooms with an appealing design and operates on 100% renewable electricity. Located in the heart of Leuven, it’s close to various attractions, the Christmas market, and numerous dining options. The overall atmosphere is comfortable, accentuated by stylish decor.
Budget Hotel
Nieuw Appartement in Leuven
Address: 9 Parijsstraat, Leuven, Belgium
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Distance to the Christmas market: 2-minute walk (140 metres)
Nieuw Appartement in Leuven provides budget-friendly accommodation with the benefits of a central location, making it easy to explore both local attractions and the Christmas market. The apartment is a short walk from the train station, with a convenient bus stop nearby for those looking to explore Belgium further. It comes well-equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen and air conditioning, making for a comfortable stay. The host is easy to contact, and the proximity to a good supermarket adds to the convenience.
Luxury Hotel
Martin’s Klooster
Address: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat 18, Leuven, Belgium
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Distance to the Christmas market: 5-minute walk (450 metres)
Martin’s Klooster provides a luxury experience in a prime location, just a two-minute walk from the centre of Leuven and near the Christmas market. The hotel combines modern amenities with historical charm, featuring a tranquil garden and courtyard for guests to relax in. The property stands out for its well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing structure, both inside and outside. Additionally, it holds a certification for sustainability, adding an eco-friendly aspect to your stay.
Sustainable Hotel
Pentahotel Leuven
Address: Alfons Smetsplein 7, Leuven, Belgium.
Neighbourhood: City Centre.
Distance to the Christmas market: 5-minute walk (350 metres)
Pentahotel Leuven offers a sustainable lodging option with its use of 100% renewable electricity. The hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for guests to visit Leuven’s Christmas market and other attractions. Rooms are well-sized and come equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and good shower facilities. Additional amenities such as on-site parking, a gym, an extensive breakfast selection, and the unique feature of a reception that doubles as a bar add to your stay’s overall comfort and convenience.
Apartment Stay
The Heart of Leuven
Address: 12 Vismarkt, Leuven, Belgium
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 5-minute walk (450 metres)
The Heart of Leuven provides an apartment stay in an excellent location, close to both the Christmas market and other central attractions. The owner maintains clear communication, contributing to a smooth experience for guests. The apartment’s strategic location makes walking to restaurants and shopping districts easy. The property itself is bright and clean, offering ample space for a comfortable stay.
Read my full guide to Leuven Christmas Market for more information, including the latest dates, opening times, locations, and local Christmas specialties to enhance your visit.
For a broader view, check out my Belgium Christmas Markets 2023 guide, which covers key details like dates, the best destinations and unique features for markets across the country, perfect for crafting an extended holiday itinerary.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here are some tailored tips on how to make your Christmas visit to Leuven more sustainable, such as choosing an eco-friendly hotel near the Christmas market.
Opt for a Sustainable Hotel: In Leuven, a selection of hotels are committed to green practices, including using 100% renewable energy. You’re directly supporting the city’s sustainability goals by staying at one of these establishments. Look for a hotel with renewable energy certificates to ensure you’re making a greener choice.
Mindful Dining: The Christmas market in Leuven is known for its delightful variety of food stalls. Share dishes with your travel companions or ask for smaller portions to minimise food waste. Some stalls might even offer reusable or biodegradable containers—keep an eye out and opt for those.
Ethical Consumption: The allure of Christmas market stalls and local shops can be strong, but aim to purchase only what you truly need or will use. Leuven’s markets often feature artisans selling handmade goods; purchasing from them supports local craft while also ensuring you’re buying something of high quality.
Sustainable Transport Choices: Given Leuven’s compact layout, the Christmas market and most key attractions are reachable by walking or cycling. Consider staying in a centrally-located hotel to reduce your need for public or private transport. When you do need to venture farther, Leuven has a reliable public transport system that minimises your carbon footprint.
Further Information
For a more in-depth exploration of the city, turn to Visit Leuven. It provides you with up-to-date neighbourhood guides and effective trip-planning resources to ensure a well-rounded Leuven experience.
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Leuven, Belgium. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply