Antwerp Family Hotels with Swimming Pools

A swimming pool matters for families in Antwerp because Belgian weather is often grey and showery, and children need a reliable indoor activity once sightseeing is over. All three hotels here have pools and spa facilities, so a rainy afternoon becomes a swim rather than a restless hour in the room. Parents can relax in a sauna or hot tub, and the pools make longer stays much easier with young children.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a five-star member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is the most complete choice for families who want a pool in Antwerp. Rated 9.1 by more than 1,400 guests, it combines an indoor swimming pool with a kids' club, a spa and wellness centre and family suites, so parents can relax while children are entertained. Bike rental lets families explore the city's flat streets and riverside paths together. It suits families who want a special city break with high comfort and plenty for children to do between visits to the zoo and museums.

Van der Valk Hotel Park Lane Antwerpen, rated 8.8 by nearly 2,000 guests, is a strong four-star alternative. It offers family rooms with city views, an indoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre with a sauna, a hot tub and a fitness room. Children can swim in the late afternoon while parents take turns in the sauna, and the hotel welcomes pets, which helps families who travel with a dog. It is a practical base for families who want a reliable pool and spacious rooms without the price of a five-star hotel during a short city break.

Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen, rated 8.8 by more than 3,000 guests, suits families arriving by car. It sits just off the city's ring road, with free on-site parking, and the centre and Deurne Airport are about ten minutes' drive away, with public transport nearby. The hotel has a swimming pool and spa and wellness facilities, air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi, and it offers bike rental and accepts pets. For families combining Antwerp with other Belgian cities, it is an easy, good-value base with a pool for the evenings. Parking is free.

Between swims, Antwerp offers plenty for children. Antwerp Zoo, founded in 1843, sits right beside Centraal Station, itself a spectacular building, and the MAS museum's free rooftop gives panoramic views over the old docks. Het Steen, the medieval castle on the Scheldt, and the Brabo fountain on the Grote Markt bring the city's legends to life, and the riverside quays are good for walks. On rainy days, the hotels' pools and the city's museums combine well, and Belgian waffles and fries keep everyone happy. In late spring, the Sinksenfoor funfair adds rides for all ages.