Lifestyle // Terhills Hotel @ Maasmechelen

I'm feeling like such a proud momma right now -- my hometown Maasmechelen has another hotspot to add to the list. I'm presenting you Terhills Hotel, located in a gorgeous building that used to be the former headquarters of the mines. I love how both of the province and town that I live in try to keep the mine history of our region alive, because both of my grandfathers have worked there and I've heard numerous stories of what went down there. 

The hotel is located right next to the two mine shafts that still stand proudly together and became a symbol for the flourishing mining period in Maasmechelen, before being closed in 1987. Maasmechelen is aiming to flourish once again, focusing on tourism, shopping and nature this time. It has every element to succeed, thanks to its splendid location: shopping paradise Maasmechelen Village is located right next to the hotel and hikers can enjoy the beauty of nature in the national park that is situated nearby. Adventurers will be happy to know that the hotel is located in the Euregio, where three countries come together, meaning that the hotel is located on a 30 minute drive from Hasselt (Belgium), 20 minutes from Maastricht (the Netherlands) and an hour from Antwerp, Brussels, Liège (Belgium), Düsseldorf, Cologne and Aachen (Germany). Curious yet?

I was given the chance to stay the night at the hotel and to discover everything it has to offer to the fullest. No need to ask me twice, so I took my partner in crime Dario along with me and we had the best time. While we were driving to the hotel, we were so excited as if we were going on a holiday abroad, but we were going on a holiday in our own hometown instead! 

Click below to find out more about my stay at Terhills Hotel. 

© Images by Terhills Hotel and Shark Attack - Fashion Blog (taken with both iPhone 6 and professional camera)

As soon as you walk into the hotel, you will see the famous 'crooked stairs', which is still an original from back in the days. It is crooked because of all the mining that was going on, causing a 48 cm level variation across the entire facade. It's all safe though, I checked it out myself. ;)

This is the 'lobby' to check in, if you can call it that. Terhills Hotel decided not to go for the old fashioned way. The staff will walk around with iPads, sit down with you in the lounge and check you in, focusing on giving the clients a warm, personal experience. It literally takes a couple of minutes and that's that! 

Dario and I were welcomed with a glass of bubbles and were seated in the library -- I even spotted a book about Mario Testino, too cool! The last picture is where the guests can socialize while enjoying a bite and a drink. In the evening, it's packed with both guests and non-guests. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can enjoy go there for drinks and bites. The food (except for breakfast) is being catered by the star chef Danny Vanderhoven, so you just know that it's going to be good. 

I asked for a green tea and this is how they serve it. I love how it's all in the details.

Time to check out our room! The hotel has 60 rooms (among which 7 suites) and this is the standard room. It has everything one would need: a flatscreen TV, airconditioning, free WiFi, a safe ... The bathroom (loving all the marble!) has a shower with both a regular shower head and a rain shower. If you want to use the regular shower head, be sure to turn the right button and / or to be undressed already ... or you will literally get a rain shower while you're still in your PJs. Believe me, I know. ;) 

Some goodies that you will find across the room: snacks and a minibar with a Mojito and a Cosmo (extra points for that, hehe), all for reasonable prices. There's also a Nespresso machine -- George Clooney not included. 

Hi there! Some mirror selfies before heading down to the bar for drinks. Never mind the tired faces; we spent the entire day at Antwerp and already had a couple of cocktails, oops! 

We spent the evening at the bar, having drinks and tapas. There was quite a crowd, providing such a cosy atmosphere. It's the perfect place to socialize; Dario and I met quite some new people. Even if you're not a guest at the hotel, you can still come here with your friends. Both the bar and the restaurant are open from 12:00 - 01:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 - 23:00 on Sunday. 

We ended the night with Netflix and macarons, you know, to channel my inner Blair Waldorf. This bed is amazing. I slept like a baby and was even able to tune out Dario snoring. He's going to kill me for writing this. Love you, boo! 

Getting ready for breakfast the morning after. Here are a couple of my beauty essentials: Clinique foundation and serums, Nivea Cellular Radiance eye cream, Si by Giorgio Armani perfume, my Real Techniques stippling brush and my Zara necklace.

This is heaven! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, I really can't function properly without. They even offer homemade smoothies! The only thing missing for me were pancakes and / or waffles, but that's because I'm addicted to food and I always want more. 

Time to check out and to go back to reality ... Thank you Marion, Niki and the rest of the staff of Terhills Hotel for having us and for making us feel like home! It was more than pleasant. We will definitely come back soon. 

For more info & bookings: Terhills Hotel Website