Hybrid hospitality on the North Sea Coast

In the vibrant setting of Ostend, a city with a maritime and creative spirit, a project has emerged that revolutionizes the local hospitality sector. It proposes a model that adapts contemporary hospitality trends to the soul of the place. The hotel opens its doors not only to travelers but also to the local community, fostering an osmotic relationship between the accommodation and the city. The goal is to create a vibrant and dynamic place where interaction drives a lively atmosphere. Coworking spaces, a bar complete with a dance floor, and a breakfast room that transforms into an event space throughout the day are concrete expressions of this hospitality concept.

As Dries Henau and Yuri Vandenbogaerde of The Brand Guys explain:
«We were asked to develop a concept that would make the hotel a destination within the destination. In a world where, in many hotels, you no longer know whether you’re in Barcelona or Brussels, we want The Ostendian to make a difference.» The project interprets this buzz through vibrant colors, fluid lines, soft velvet fabrics, magnetic lighting, mirrored surfaces, and pop atmospheres reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s. The hotel imbues itself with a soul, offering a stay that, far from being limited to just a bed or a coffee while waiting for a taxi, provides experiences that transform a visit into an indelible memory. These often lead guests to return to what become cherished places. Bart Balcaen of BLCN Design elaborates: «A project like The Ostendian requires customization down to the smallest details. From the furniture to the wall coverings and lighting, everything was tailor-made to enhance the atmosphere and experience.»

In the rooms, color remains fundamental, but the palette softens to create a ‘cocoon’ atmosphere. Here, the city’s history is embraced: thanks to suggestions from the local community, each room has been assigned an “ambassador” – an iconic figure linked to Ostend whose story is portrayed in the works of photographer Nick Decombel. The four suites, moreover, are each dedicated to a different theme: among them, the Recording Suite, equipped with a stereo system, bar, lounge area, and karaoke setup, is a tribute to Ostend’s musical history; the Unwind Suite, designed for ultimate relaxation with a hot tub, sauna, and cryotherapy, is an homage to the practice of thalassotherapy in the coastal city.