I travel to Mechelen frequently on business, and this is my favorite hotel. The beds are large and incredibly comfortable, and it's delightful to be in a converted church. The rooms that I've been in (524 and 525) are small; if two people are sharing, I'd spring for a larger and more expensive choice. Fabulous breakfast for 20 euros -- yes, a little more expensive than usual, but the quality makes up for it. My only complaint would be that the rooms do not contain equipment to make tea, only a 3 euro per cup Nespresso-type machine. On some trips the room rate has been too expensive for me and so I have stayed elsewhere; book on Expedia.com for the best rates!

Stayed last week at the Patershof with a friend for a weekend break. We had requested a twin room - this was not even taken into account as the greeting on our TV screen said "Welcome Mr & Mrs.........." The fact they had two different female names obviously didn't register. On asking that if the beds could be split we were told 'No'. We did this ourself in the end. Our room was incredibly dark with little light coming in from the small church windows and low spot lights in the ceiling. The lamps by the beds gave hardly any light at all. It doesn't help either that the walls are dark brown! When we mentioned this at reception we were told this was 'atmospheric'. The 'wardrobe' was approximately 12 to 16 inches across. I don't think they are used to having guests for more than 1 or 2 nights, it seemed predominately conference users. The room was clean although on one occasion we returned at 4.15 p.m. and housekeeping had still not been round. A good choice for breakfast although best to stick to the cold selection as scrambled eggs, etc. was always cold. All in all a very disappointing experience. With a bit more effort and more helpful staff they could achieve so much more. Will definitely return to Mechelen but have spotted a much more welcoming hotel for next time!

Despite its impressive facade, the Patershof is a really mediocre hotel. For > 200 EU per night, the actual room should be a little nicer than a well-kempt Motel 6, in my opinion. There're barely any windows or light, the decor is made up of cheesy plaster arches, to fit with the former church theme, and weird plastic headboards. The lighting is also atrocious (unpleasant track lighting and bedside lamps you can't even read by). They also nickel and dime you to death - sure, minibars are always expensive, but 3 euros to use the in-room coffeemaker??? 15 euros for internet? 21 euros for breakfast if you don't order when you book? (in which case, it's 6 euros cheaper)?

Unlike its sister hotels, the Patershof doesn't boast a spa or fitness center. (They also have that divided twin mattress and duvet thing for a king bed I don't get.) If you luck out and get a room like in the brochure, it might be lovely (stained glass windows), but don't just book blind. Way too much $ for what they offer.

Good things: big bathtub, nice, soft sheets, very clean rooms.
Good things

The beds at this hotel are truly something special. Cleaning staff was a little sloppy, leaving a thermos outside our door for a day, and neglecting to restock the coffee, but when we mentioned this to reception it was taken care of immediately and the bathroom was spotless. We didn't have breakfast at the hotel so I can't comment on that, but if you choose to eat out at the Main Square try De Met and avoid the place next to it. I forgot what it's called but the walls are painted red and if you order a smoked salmon platter main course the only thing you'll get for 21 euros is some smoked salmon on your plate with some chopped onion. Literally nothing else. It was ridiculous. Also, don't bother ordering a cocktail at the hotel bar. The poor girl took twenty minutes looking up the recipe and we ended up with a virgin caipirinha and an already melted down daiquiri made with salt instead of sugar. Ack! We didn't want to make her feel bad (or wait another twenty minutes) so we never mentioned it, but it was obvious she nor her coworker had ever made a cocktail before. Last but not least: if you have your girlfriend with you, be sure to take her to Chocolatier Gauthier. They sell chocolate high heels. Epic win.