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Summary of reviewsHotel The Shepherd in Leuven stands out as a highly recommended option for travelers seeking a balanced mix of accessibility, comfort and quality service. Situated centrally, it enjoys an excellent location that allows guests to easily explore the city's historic heart, markets, old town and key attractions—all within walking distance. Its proximity to popular sites like the Grand Market and Begijnhof, combined with the peaceful setting despite being in a bustling area, offers an ideal base for city exploration.
The hotel's breakfast receives significant praise, often described as very good, delicious and extensive. Guests appreciate the wide variety and quality of food available, including fresh bread, tasty illy coffee and a range of sweet options, fruits and yogurt. This hearty and well-organized breakfast experience is often noted as surpassing expectations for a 3-star establishment.
Dining at Hotel The Shepherd is also well-regarded, especially the quality of lunches. While the selection at the hotel's restaurant may be limited at times, the central location permits easy access to numerous nearby dining options that more than compensate for this minor shortfall.
Rooms at the hotel are frequently praised for their cleanliness, comfort and modern design. They are beautifully decorated and feature modern bathrooms with amenities such as rain showers. Though the room sizes can vary with some considered small or compact, superior and family rooms offer ample space for larger groups. The consistent cleanliness, high hygiene standards and overall maintenance of the rooms enhance the guest experience, even if some noise issues and subtle spatial limitations are noted.
Cleanliness at the hotel is a standout feature with rooms and common areas frequently described as very clean, neat and well-maintained. Regular daily cleaning services ensure that the hotel meets high standards of hygiene, contributing to an overall positive and refreshing experience.
The staff at Hotel The Shepherd receive consistent accolades for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests often highlight the warm receptions and courteous assistance provided by the staff, including commendations for specific team members like Evy and Mirko. This attentive service substantially adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel.
The hotel provides reliable parking options, including a private lot and nearby garages, though the fees can be higher. It is also bike-friendly, catering well to various guest needs. Moreover, the facility is noted for being family-friendly, offering spacious family rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for family vacations.
While the lively nightlife scene around the hotel might pose noise challenges for light sleepers seeking tranquility, it is ideal for those looking to enjoy local bars, cafes and restaurants. The beds are particularly highlighted for their comfort, often described as exceptionally soft, warm and conducive to a good night's rest.
Overall, Hotel The Shepherd delivers a commendable stay, providing reliable three-star accommodation with a good balance of comfort, quality service and excellent location, making it a versatile choice for both leisure and business travelers. Show more
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Hotel near Nightlife Spots
This hotel is located in the heart of Leuven's university city center. It is explicitly stated to be close to nightlife, sights, and shopping streets, all within walking distance from the hotel.
Hotel with Parking
Hotel The Shepherd provides parking and is well-situated. The hotel offers convenient access to the city's attractions.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel is located in the heart of Leuven, within walking distance of the Old Market Square. It features a private parking garage, an on-site bar, and free Wi-Fi access.
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomThis room has a modern décor and a private bathroom.
Twin RoomThis room has a modern décor and a private bathroom.
Single RoomThis room has a modern décor and a private bathroom.
Family RoomThis room has a modern décor and a private bathroom.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Hotel The Shepherd boasts a prime location that consistently receives high praise from guests. Situated centrally in Leuven, it offers easy walking access to the city’s historic heart, markets, old town and key attractions, making it a perfect base for those looking to explore the city. Despite its central position, the hotel is often highlighted as being peacefully situated, providing a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle. Guests appreciate its proximity to popular destinations like the Grand Market and Begijnhof, as well as the convenience of having everything within walking distance, including restaurants, bars and shopping areas. The blend of centrality and tranquility, coupled with the ease of access to various city highlights, makes Hotel The Shepherd an ideal choice for those visiting Leuven.
Breakfast
Hotel The Shepherd offers a breakfast experience that significantly enhances the stay for many guests. Predominantly, reviews describe the breakfast as very good, delicious and extensive with a particular emphasis on the variety and quality of the food available. Guests appreciate the excellent choice of fresh bread, the availability of tasty illy coffee and a wide selection of sweet options, fruits and yogurt.
Numerous guests highlighted that the breakfast surpassed their expectations for a 3-star hotel. The breakfast buffet is often praised for being well-taken care of with plentiful and varied options, which appeal to a broad range of tastes. The notable assortment includes everything from basic but satisfactory spreads to exceptional, lavish setups that some guests called "top-class" and "world-class."
Despite overall positive feedback, some guests noted areas for improvement. There were mentions of a lack of fresh vegetables and salads, limited options for those with dietary restrictions and occasional issues with items not being replenished promptly. Nevertheless, for most visitors, the breakfast was described as hearty, well-organized and featuring a broad range of choices that cater to different preferences, making it a standout feature of their stay at the hotel.
Dinner
Hotel The Shepherd offers a pleasant dining experience with many guests praising the quality of the lunches. The hotel also features a cozy pub and a bar, which several visitors found warm and inviting. The property's location is excellent for those looking to explore the local culinary scene, as it is within walking distance of great restaurants and cultural attractions. Although some guests noted that the selection at the hotel's restaurant is limited and that no snacks or bar were available at times, the overall feedback suggests that the nearby dining options compensate well for these minor inconveniences.
Rooms
Hotel The Shepherd's rooms have generally received positive feedback for their cleanliness, comfort and modern aesthetics. Guests frequently highlight the rooms as being beautifully decorated, newly renovated and efficiently designed. The beds are described as comfortable and many rooms feature modern bathrooms with amenities like rain showers. Despite these positives, the size of the rooms varies significantly with numerous mentions of small or compact spaces, particularly in the attic and on higher floors. While many find the smaller rooms sufficient for short stays, others find them cramped.
Soundproofing appears to be inconsistent with some guests mentioning noise issues both from the street and internal sources. The bathrooms, although clean and modern, are often noted as being small and lacking in privacy due to design choices like glass sliding doors and limited ventilation. However, superior and family rooms are described as spacious and well-suited for larger groups with distinct areas for parents and children.
The rooms are well-maintained with high hygiene standards, regularly cleaned and equipped with necessary amenities, although some guests have noted minor issues like drainage problems and inadequate heating control. The hotel offers private parking spots and is conveniently located close to the city center, making it a practical choice for travelers looking for a clean, modern and comfortable stay despite some spatial limitations.
Beds
Hotel The Shepherd has garnered a strong reputation for its exceptionally comfortable beds. Guests repeatedly emphasize the comfort and quality of the beds, describing them as very comfortable, good and spacious. The bedding receives high praise for its softness, warmth and the exceptional quality of the pillows and blankets. Mattresses are often mentioned as great with some beds specifically noted for having firm yet comfortable and well-fitted mattress support.
Despite a few mentions of space constraints in the rooms, the overall cleanliness and comfort make up for this minor drawback. Reviews consistently highlight the excellent beds with descriptors like "best bed ever, like a cloud" and "exceptional bed" often used, indicating a high standard of sleep quality at the hotel. The presence of Auping beds and good bed comforters further adds to the allure.
Even when guests mention specifics about room noise or size, the consistent praise for the beds suggests that a good night's rest is almost guaranteed. The blend of comfortable beds and clean rooms creates a welcoming and restful environment for guests staying at Hotel The Shepherd.
Cleanliness
'Hotel The Shepherd' stands out for its exceptional cleanliness and hygiene standards, as consistently highlighted by guest reviews. The rooms are frequently described as very clean, neat and well-maintained with daily cleaning services that ensure everything looks tidy and well-cared for. Modern renovations and a comfortable atmosphere further enhance the appeal, providing guests with a positive experience.
Additionally, the bathrooms receive praise for adequate cleanliness and being sufficiently equipped, contributing to the overall satisfaction. The general hygiene of the hotel is noted as remarkable, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize cleanliness.
While there were a few mentions of minor housekeeping lapses, such as occasional oversight in vacuuming or replenishing toiletries, the consistent impression remains one of high standards. The staff's friendly demeanor and attention to the tidiness of both common areas and guest rooms reinforce the hotel's reputation for cleanliness.
Overall, 'Hotel The Shepherd' delivers a commendable stay primarily due to its emphasis on maintaining a clean and comfortable environment, leaving guests with a positive and refreshing experience.
Staff
Guests consistently praised the staff at Hotel The Shepherd, using terms like "friendly," "helpful," "welcoming," and "professional." Many highlighted the warm reception they received, noting specific instances where the front desk was particularly accommodating. Several reviews mentioned the politeness and courtesy of the staff with some guests explicitly appreciating the assistance and local recommendations provided.
Both the receptionists and other members of the hotel personnel were frequently described as attentive, kind and efficient. Evy and Mirko, in particular, were singled out for their exceptional helpfulness. Language skills in German and a willingness to assist with rebooking and early check-ins were additional positives mentioned by various reviewers.
Though the overwhelming majority of feedback was positive, there were a few mentions of indifferent or unwelcoming service, particularly among the housekeeping staff. However, these instances were the exception rather than the rule in an otherwise positive and consistent experience reported by the guests. Overall, the competence and friendliness of the staff at Hotel The Shepherd contribute significantly to the hotel's pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
Hotel The Shepherd provides a clean and functional environment with well-organized rooms that are adequate, productive and cute. While the rooms and amenities consistently receive praise for cleanliness and being well-maintained, the Wi-Fi experiences of guests seem quite varied.
Positive remarks highlight that the hotel offers good and useful Wi-Fi services with some guests finding the connection fast and reliable. Reports of strong and excellent Wi-Fi further underscore the availability of high-speed internet at the hotel.
However, not all guests share this positive experience. Some reviews mention instances of weak, poor or unreliable Wi-Fi connections. There are also mentions of the Wi-Fi being slow or resulting in input lag and in some cases, guests reported having no internet available at all.
Overall, while the room cleanliness and functionality at Hotel The Shepherd receive high marks, guests should be prepared for potential inconsistencies with the Wi-Fi service.
Parking
'Hotel The Shepherd' offers a range of parking options that generally cater well to guests' needs. There is private parking available, including a large private lot and a parking garage in close proximity to the hotel. Guests appreciate the convenience of having parking spaces directly in front of the hotel and across the street. Additionally, there are good parking facilities for bicycles, making it bike-friendly.
While some guests found parking fees to be on the pricier side with rates around €15 to €25 per day, others considered the parking hassle-free and relatively straightforward. Reserved parking is available but can be limited and it's recommended to pre-book to ensure a spot. Despite some reports of limited and narrow parking spaces, many visitors found the parking arrangements comfortable and suitable for their needs.
Overall, the hotel provides several accessible parking options, from on-site spots to nearby garages, making it versatile for different types of travelers. For those looking to park their car or bicycle securely, 'Hotel The Shepherd' manages to deliver a reasonably good experience.
Family
Hotel The Shepherd is a family-focused establishment that stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and suitability for family vacations. The hotel offers a variety of family rooms and suites, including a large family room on the top floor, which comfortably accommodates two adults and one child with ample space for play. Although some rooms are described as small yet cozy, the overall environment is described as intimate and simple, providing a pleasant setting for families.
The staff is friendly and attentive with special details such as providing different colored glasses for family members enhancing the family-oriented experience. The hotel is noted for being clean and not overly luxurious but maintains a good environment suited for family stays and trips.
Despite the positive aspects, some reviews noted that the rooms might not be entirely kid-friendly and specific family activities are not available, which could be a drawback for those looking for in-house entertainment for children. Nevertheless, the availability of separate rooms for children and the overall suitability for family vacations make Hotel The Shepherd a good choice for families planning a city sightseeing trip or those attending conferences in the area.
Nightlife
Hotel The Shepherd is situated in a lively area with a buzz of nightlife activity, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore local bars, cafes and restaurants. The location is particularly appealing to night owls, as it offers a cozy center with plenty of terraces and easy access to the Oude Markt, known for its vibrant bar and café scene. However, the vibrant nightlife comes with its share of disturbances; the noise from drunk students and loud pedestrian activity can be an issue, especially at night. Guests also reported occasional disruptions from people passing by, loud streets and even fire alarms caused by other guests. For those who value a lively atmosphere and enjoy being near nightlife venues, this hotel’s location is ideal, but light sleepers or those seeking tranquility might find the noise levels challenging.
3 Star
Hotel The Shepherd stands out as a commendable choice for travelers seeking a reliable three-star experience. This good clean hotel consistently meets expectations for its rating, providing facilities and services that ensure moderate comfort levels. Guests appreciate its friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a pleasant stay. Many reviews highlight the good breakfast offered, adding value to the overall experience.
The hotel's pricing aligns well with the quality provided, making it a good value for money choice. While some aspects are noted to be better than typical three-star standards, the decor and amenities reflect the expected three-star quality. It's a decent option within its category, often recommended for its location and satisfactory services, although it firmly remains a three-star establishment without any pretense of offering more.
Business
Hotel The Shepherd in Leuven positions itself as an ideal choice for business travelers, thanks to its accommodating atmosphere and range of business-oriented services. The hotel's business-like appearance and professional reception set the tone for a productive stay. It offers modern, clean rooms and various business services, making it a suitable option for those on a work trip.
Conveniently located in the center, it serves as a good base for medical examinations at UZ Leuven hospital and other work-related activities. The friendly décor contributes to a relaxed yet professional environment. The availability of business rooms and a conference room ensures that guests have the necessary facilities for meetings and work-related tasks.
Wifi connectivity supports business needs, while the attentive and professional staff further enhance the experience. The hotel's great business atmosphere and decent accommodations make it an excellent choice for short business trips in Leuven.
No, Hotel The Shepherd doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel The Shepherd.
No, Hotel The Shepherd doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel The Shepherd.