Grand Hotel and Restaurant Karel V is a unique 5-star hotel in the historic centre of Utrecht.
This is where medieval charm and modern luxury come together.
The splendid complex of buildings and magnificent courtyard gardens dates from the 14th century and was reopened in 1999 after an impressive renovation.
Where the knights of the Teutonic Order once resided, with Charles V and his sister Maria of Hungary among their prominent guests, these very walls now house.
Grand Hotel Karel V has a rich history.
Walk through the impressive cloister, dine where the knights once ate in silence, meet in the old granary, sign an important contract in the strongroom tower, hold a barbecue in the Officers Garden or a presentation in the monks former dormitory… history is palpable everywhere here.
The hotel is named after Emperor Charles V, one of the prominent guests, who stayed here with his sister Maria of Hungary.
In 1543 they attended the gathering of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which held its chapter meeting in the "Balije van Utrecht", as the monastery was originally known.
It was at the peak of his glory: Charles V ruled over Europe’s largest ever empire.
His motto was "Plus Oultre" or "Ever Onwards".
Charles V had boundless ambition and wanted ‘the sun never to set’ on his empire.
Over 450 years ago, in 1348, the Teutonic Knightly Order commissioned the building of this monastery.
The "Balije van Utrecht" soon came to be known popularly as the "Duitse" House.
It was occupied by knights and priests who had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
The "Duitse" House was the point of departure for crusaders leaving for the East to bring faith to the "heathens".
The monastery had advanced facilities for the time, so also became a place to receive guests of high standing, kings and noblemen.
In 1713, for example, the House provided accommodation for
the Spanish envoy, the Count of Ossasuna and his retinue, during the negotiations for the Treaty of Utrecht.
In 1807 King Louis Napoleon purchased the "Duitse" House from the Teutonic Knightly Order for 50,000 florins.
He wanted to establish a military hospital here.
It was not until 1823 that this was ultimately achieved, after the French occupation by King William I of Orange.
The complex served as a military hospital up to 1990.
The poorly maintained property was the occupied by squatters for a number of years.
In 1992 work began on a thorough renovation of the complex, which had since been declared a national monument.
Remains were found of fireplace bearing Charles V’s coat of arms: the double-headed eagle hewn in sandstone.
This can now be admired in the Grand Restaurant.
During the restoration work the greatest possible effort was made to retain the authentic functions of the various rooms.
The wards of the former Military Hospital were converted into hotel rooms and suites in the classic style (Napoleonic wing).
In 2007 the garden wing was restored and renamed the Roman Wing, as archaeologists had found the remains of a Roman cemetery from the period 40 BC - 275 AD during the renovation.
It is possible that the builders of the Castellum Trajectum, the fort that lies under the Domplein, were buried here!
The Roman Wing now has 49 modern rooms and suites and a state-of-the-art wellness and fitness centre.
Traces of the past can be found throughout the hotel in archaeological finds, exhibitions, archive photographs and historical drawings.
The enthusiastic staff will do everything to provide all you need for an unforgettable stay in a relaxed atmosphere.
Grand Hotel and Restaurant Karel V is located in the heart of the historic centre of Utrecht, at walking distance from all the major sights and entertainment venues, with a view of the Dom, close to the Central Station and arterial roads.
The hotel has its own car park.
The 121 rooms each have their own authentic atmosphere with a wide choice of room types and rates.
The perfect balance of history and modern comfort; for every occasion, both private and business.
Large, comfortable suite with a modern feel.
The suite has a separate living room, a workstation with a desk and a conference table.
Ideal if you are staying for several days and perfect for use as an office or small meeting room.
Sumptuous suite for complete indulgence.
Spacious, classic and full character.
This suite differs from the other luxury rooms in having a separate living area and a king-size bed.
Ideal if you want to stay with us for several days.
This romantic suite is also perfect for your wedding night or a romantic weekend away; this suite is large enough to accommodate an extra bed.
A romantic suite with beautiful canopy bed and chaise longue.
Enjoy the starlit bathroom with Jacuzzi.
The room offers a special view of the garden and Dom Tower; a suite with luxury and style, especially for your wedding night.
Spacious classic-style room in the magnificent Napoleonic Wing.
Peacefully situated with a splendid view of the Officers’ Garden or the courtyard garden.
The interior is classically furnished with cherrywood furniture, a stylish wooden floor and a timeless four-poster bed.
On the top floor the Empire rooms retain their original wooden ceiling.
These rooms are large enough to accommodate an extra bed.
That means three people can share this sumptuous, spacious room.
The Deluxe room located in the Roman Wing- is a spacious, luxury room with a view of the splendid courtyard garden or an exceptional view of Utrecht’s Dom Tower.
Unique interior with exquisite desk and royal four-poster bed.
These rooms feature an unique second floor with a desk area,
chaise longue and an extra flat-screen television.
Enjoy a good night’s rest in this pleasant, peaceful room.
The standard Single room has an oversized single bed (120 x 200 cm).
The Standard Double room has a comfortable double bed or 2 twin beds; there is also an extra-large desk so you can work undisturbed.
The hotel's team invites you cordially to try the afternoon tea - a subtle variant to the traditional High Tea.
The tradition of Afternoon Tea gained popularity in the 19th century, as a way to fill the gap between lunch and dinner.
At Bistro Karel 5, Afternoon Tea is served at around two p.m.
You breach your Afternoon Tea with a beautiful glass of Prosecco, followed by a string of culinary delights, served in several courses.
How about a home-made sausage roll with Japanese Wagyu meat?
Or tarte tatin with tonka beans?
Of course, expect a generous serve of classic scones with clotted cream and sandwiches!
Reservations for High Tea in Utrecht are taken up to the day before.
Always a winner when going out with the girls, the family, or other loved ones! Naturally, the hotel's team takes note of diet needs and allergies.
Bistro Karel 5 in Utrecht: a delightful experience of the monastery kitchen with a creative twist.
In the Monastery kitchen, Chef Rutger van de Pol uses seasonal products, often regionally grown, for preparing his classics.
Classic, but always with a modern, creative twist.
Discover the menu with the latest creations, dreamed up and served by the Chef!
For a cappuccino with pie or a lovely glass of wine, you’re just as welcome in the brasserie.
And, isn’t it good to know that the snack menu offers much more than bitter balls only!
"Where you’ve seated your rump, there was once a dump" - it’s a sobering thought that, in former times, the Bar & Lounge was the place where Charles V would relieve himself of his royal burden.
The staircase beneath the glass in the monastery leads to the basement, which was once a laundry and a place where the wounded and infirm were treated.
Bistro Karel 5: popular with locals, business folk and tourists alike
For good reasons, Bistro Karel 5 in Utrecht is a favourite with locals, tourists and business folk alike.
Everyone feels at home in the informal, "casual classic" atmosphere.
And, the creative kitchen gets top marks for price/quality excellence.
That’s not even mentioning the international wine list!
The wine stock is carefully matched to the daily menus and a la carte-dishes. And, all wines can be ordered by the glass.
08.30h - 22.00h
09.00h - 22.00h
Casual Classic
Restaurant Karel 5 is a gastronomic restaurant, located in a medieval refectory in the heart of Utrecht.
It is where, in bygone days, the friars of the monastery order took their meals.
Here, sinful thoughts were taboo, and members were strictly held to the discipline of eating in silence while guarding their thoughts against improper distractions.
The restaurant's team are not quite as strict: "Care for another oyster, Sir?"
Chef de Cuisine, Vito Reekers, and maitre-sommelier Johan Kragtwijk are in charge at Restaurant Karel 5.
Working closely with their professional team, they will assure you of an unforgettable experience.
Vito Reekers mastery and the experience of maitre-sommelier Johan Kragtwijk are your guarantee on an exciting culinary evening, in the very centre of Utrecht.
From inspiring yet affordable menus, through to the most seductive of signature dishes.
To assist you with your culinary choices, the guests receive professional advice with a personal touch.
Restaurant Karel 5: style and quality, in the heart of Utrecht’s historic city centre.
Discover the joys of dining in class, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere- as it ought to be.
With us, style comes in a casual setting.
Enjoy the personal approach, skill, and generous table setting at this iconic location.
Not to forget, the beautiful outdoor terrace!
Monday - Saturday18.00h - 22.00h
Enjoy some "me" time in the wellness centre in the new Roman Wing with its jetstream bath, fitness equipment, solarium, sauna and steam bath.
Or pamper yourself in the beauty salon.
It is the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a day of meetings, shopping, working, celebrating or socialising.
Combine your stay with a relaxing massage, a soothing facial treatment or a relaxing overall treatment.
Allow yourself to relax and get a real pleasure from beauty care.
Keep your body in good shape wherever you are: on vacation or on a business trip.
The spa's team cares about its customers, so they chose this brand.
Feel how your body and mind relax together with the magnificent indoor pool.
For centuries people in many different cultures visited bathhouses, which had their origins in the Roman Thermae. They offered visitors a relaxing ritual to cleanse their body, purify their soul and achieve inner peace.
A meeting in the "Graanzolder", a contract signing in the tower vault, a wedding dinner in the iconic Medieval refectory, a tasting with colleagues in the wine cellar, or a presentation in the Monastery’s former dormitory of the brothers of the Order.
With 13 venues surrounded by magnificent gardens and terraces, Karel 5 is an ideal location for any private or business function.
Experience historic and bustling Utrecht!
Centrally located and barely 20 minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht has everything to ensure a pleasant stay for tourists and business visitors alike.
The city is rich in history and culture, making it the perfect place to explore for a day or a weekend.
With its central location and easy accessibility, Utrecht is also a major business centre.
Science Park Utrecht, with its highly regarded university, businesses and research establishments and the world-class University Medical Centre, the Jaarbeurs trade fair centre, attracting over 2.5 million visitors a year, and countless companies and establishments in the Utrecht area generate a wealth of economic activity.
Utrecht is buzzing, not least due to its 65,000 students, friendly terrace cafes and welcoming restaurants.
In the heart of this dynamic city is Grand Hotel Restaurant Karel V: 20,000 m2 of indoor and outdoor space full of culinary tradition and historic hospitality.
The canals and the delightful medieval city centre provide the perfect backdrop for world-class festivals, exceptional architecture, trendy shops and fascinating museums.
Events Karel 5: the events location in Utrecht; intimate group dinner, private party, business event, meeting or congress; inspired solutions in two price brackets with matching bistronomy or gastronomy options; venue seats up to 150; dinner for up to 135 guests.
Enjoy history and quiet contemplation in heart of city, garden with centuries-old trees, drinks with business relations, dinner with friends, or another celebration at a special location.
The hotel team will do everything possible to ensure that this special and most important moment in life was at a high level!
GRAND HOTEL KAREL V
Geertebolwerk 13511 XA UtrechtNetherlands