An old monastery turned into a five-star hotel: the Kruisherenhotel masterfully combines Gothic architecture with contemporary design, right in the heart of Maastricht.
Galerie photos
Henk Monster, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A 15th-Century Monastery Converted into a Luxury Hotel
Located in the historic Kommelkwartier district of Maastricht, the Kruisherenhotel occupies a former monastery of the Order of the Crosiers dating back to the 15th century. Carefully restored, the building was transformed into a five-star hotel by entrepreneur Camille Oostwegel. Today, it is part of the prestigious Oostwegel Collection.
A Bold and Award-Winning Renovation
The conversion project began in 2003 under the direction of architect Rob Brouwers, with interiors designed by Henk Vos. The Gothic church and the cloister wings were preserved in their entirety, while modern additions—such as a corten steel pavilion and a copper tunnel entrance—offer a striking contrast. The project received several awards, including the Victor de Stuerspenning from the City of Maastricht.
Rooms Blending History and Design
The hotel offers 60 rooms, including 28 suites, spread across the cloister wings, the Renaissancehuis, and the contemporary Casa Nova pavilion. The interior combines signature furniture (Le Corbusier, Philippe Starck…) with lighting designed by Ingo Maurer. The pandhof, the former cloister courtyard, has been transformed into a minimalist-style patio.
A Church Transformed into a Living Space
The former church now houses the reception, a bar, a library, and a restaurant installed on a suspended mezzanine within the nave. A glass wine cellar can be seen below. The whole project follows a “box-in-box” architecture concept to preserve the monument.
A Hotel Committed to Art
The Kruisherenhotel hosts a permanent art collection (drawings by Philippe van Gulpen, works by Charles Eyck, Henri Landier…) and organizes temporary exhibitions, particularly of photography and glass. Ancient sculpted elements are also scattered throughout the building.
Expansion Projects
In 2021, the hotel announced an expansion project in a neighboring building, with a glass walkway linking it to the existing complex. The extension will include new rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, meeting rooms, and the Oostwegel Collection headquarters.
Practical Information
The hotel is located at Kruisherengang 19-23, just steps away from the historic center of Maastricht. It offers valet parking and provides a unique stay for lovers of architecture, history, and refinement.