Scheldt – Marilyn Ambach

Next to pop-up stores, pop-up restaurants and pop-up windows, there is now a unique pop-up hotel called “Sleeping Around”. “These days, we are all in search of a lot more than just comfort and luxury,” says Ellen Wezenbeek, PR-manager of the Sleeping Around concept. “Authenticity, comfort, adventure, design and the unexpected, these are experiences we all seek. We are all carried away by the thought of a relaxing yet stimulating retreat whether it be in our vibrant cities or in the quiet countryside.”

The idea originated when the owner of the Sleeping Around hotel, Didier Opdebeeck, was renovating his house. Sleeping in a container, decorated as a living area, made Didier think about this new concept: a compact yet luxurious hotel room, equipped with all the mod cons: a box-spring bed, rain shower, iPod docking station and air conditioning – all contained in a 20ft recycled sea container.

“We think green and employ only ecologically responsible materials. The containers themselves are produced in China, after which they are used for worldwide transport. As it is not always profitable to return the containers empty, they are often left behind in ports, including Antwerp’s. This unique concept offers the ideal mix of adventure and comfort at some of the most impressive locations in the city,” Ellen continues.

Sleeping Around contains 4 hotel room containers, a breakfast/lounge container and a sauna container. The hotel rooms provide a superior and comfortable night’s stay.

The hotel containers are currently located at the Antwerp Waagnatie, close to the Scheldt river. Who knows where they ship of to next. Maybe Tel Aviv? “Presenting our concept in Tel Aviv would be amazing,” Ellen replies. “Bring on the proposals!”

Above: trying out the bed (much approved!)

For more information about the current location and online booking visit www.sleepingaround.eu or visit their Facebook page

They say “the river Scheldt (Dutch: Schelde) owes its existence to God, and Antwerp owes its existence to the river Scheldt”. Thanks to this river Antwerp is the 2nd largest harbour in Europe and the 4th in the world. Both the Right (the historical city) as the Left Bank of the Scheldt are unique places to visit. There’s the vivid historical city center, with tons of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions on one side, and there is nature and 20th century nostalgia on the other side. With its Casino’s, the restaurants and even a small beach the Left Bank was indeed a popular place for entertainment. There’s not much left of those glory days now, but you can still feel the swing of the 60ies and the 70ies when you go for some delicious moules-frites (mussels with fries) on the terrace at Sint Anneke beach, while enjoying the view on the historical city across the river. The Sint-Anna pedestrian tunnel, build in 1932-1933, is a true beauty (if a tunnel can ever be called beautiful) which is definitely worth a visit. Let me just tell you with some pictures I took today what I can’t express with words:

Above: The statue of Pieter Paul Rubens, Antwerp’s most famous painter, keeping an eye on the Groenplaats (historical city)

Above: view on the guild halls on the Grote Markt (16th Century)

Above: detail of the wrought iron gates which used to indicate the line between the docks and the public street (late 19th century)

Above: easy Antwerp transportation: these city bikes take you everywhere as long as you dock them in another station within 30 minutes.

Above and under: enjoying a nice stroll on the boardwalk along the Scheldt between Antwerp’s North and South side

Above: time for some nice Belgian fries, while enjoying the view on the Cathedral (under)

Under: view on the Left Bank from the boardwalk.Under: the entrance of the Sint Anna pedestrian tunnel (build in 1933) Above &under: inside the pedestrian tunnel (the wooden escalators also date back to 1933)