I visit Mechelen regularly and I always stay in the Hotel Carolus. Its not a fancy hotel but it is always clean, friendly and welcoming, especially after a long day at work.

They have now installed free WiFi for all the rooms which makes it even more convenient and I recommend this hotel very highly.

It doesn't have a restaurant in the hotel, but the brasserie at the Brewery next door is great and gives you a good chance to sample local beers.

I have stayed here twice for business purposes as it is very handy for Mechelen and the surrounding area. It is a short journey by car from Brussels or Antwerp and very centrally located, right on the edge of the historic old town.
Reception staff are always very friendly and the check in is very quick. The property is laid out almost like a motel with approx 20 rooms in a small block and all rooms are sizeable and clean with ensuite bathrooms.
Breakfast is excellent and plentiful and check-out is always easy.
The real reason to stay here is the restauarant attacehd at the back in the old brewery which specializes in local beer and beer cooking, which is as good as any food I've had in Belgium. It's especially good in summer when you can sit outside.
Only two small downsides: no air con and I don't think there is wifi (but I could be wrong).
At €76 per night inc breakfast it's a steal.

My wife and I have stayed in hotel Carolus on numerous occasions before we moved to Mechelen. It is the best hotel in Mechelen, because it combines so many great qualities. The hosts are incredibly friendly and full of good advice, we really felt like being hosted by friends. It is so much more personal than the downtown Novotel, or indeed almost any other hotel we have ever visited. The hotel is located on the premise of Mechelen's local brewery of Carolus beer - one of the best Belgian beers around, and one that doesn't travel very widely. The rooms, most of which are situated round a nice courtyard, are large, clutter-free and affordable. Its downtown location in the historic Beguin area of Mechelen is really convenient to enjoy the town (which was the capital of the Low Lands in the 16th century, and has a fine historic atmosphere). The hotel restaurant is also one of our favourites in Mechelen, serving the local brew and dishes made with the local brew as well as many other fine dishes - and again, a place to relax and feel at home.

This is a modest hotel. It's not a 5 star hotel but it’s very clean, secure and the rooms are very large compared to others in Europe. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Rooms are kept clean and I found the area to be quite. It’s a short walk to the center of the city. Mechelen has a wonderful history and terrific surroundings. Het Anker is the brewery on site. They will do tours. The Hotel, Restaurant and Brewery are all owned by a family which has been brewing since the 1800’s. A history is found here: ----

I’ve had three of four meals at the Restaurant and all have been wonderful. Beer brewed there is available at the bar and several of the dishes use their beer in the recipe. Wild boar was one of my favorite dishes.

All-in-all this was a very pleasant stay and I plan a return visit.