Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen

Set across the street from the Dyle river, this chic hotel occupies a grand 1924 former swimming pool featuring Neo-Renaissance architecture. It's 13 minutes' walk from the 13th-century Saint Rumbold's Cathedral, and 2 km from Mechelen-Nekkerspoel train station.
Set around a central pond, the warm rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screens, and tea and coffeemaking facilities, plus sitting areas. Upgraded quarters add balconies with pond views. Suites include living rooms and/or free-standing tubs.
There's an upscale restaurant with exposed-brick walls, plus a cocktail bar. The pond has a fountain, while meeting space, parking and breakfast are available.