Grand Hotel Karel V 3.63

The Grand Hotel Karel V s a five-star hotel in Utrecht, Netherlands. It is located in the Duitse Huis complex of buildings, including part of the old monastery of the Bailiwick of Utrecht of the Teutonic Knights founded in 1348. Most of the rooms and suites are in a former military hospital, which dates from 1823 and has been carefully renovated, or in the modern Roman wing opened in 2008. The hotel contains a Roman-themed health center, conference rooms (Events Karel 5), a bar, Bistro Karel 5 and Restaurant Karel 5. It is set in extensive grounds.Building historyIn 1348 the Bailiwick of Utrecht of the Teutonic Order built the Duitse Huis as a monastery and headquarters between the Utrecht city wall and Springweg. Napoleon's brother Louis Bonaparte bought the property in 1807. During the reign of King William I of the Netherlands a military hospital was built on the property along the Geertebolwerk. For its time, the hospital was very modern. It was completed in 1823.When the hospital became vacant in the late 1980s the Bailiwick of Utrecht was able to repurchase the property. A major renovation was started in 1992. In 1995 the Bailiwick of Utrecht moved back into the 15th century Commander's house on the corner of Springweg and Walsteeg. Further renovations converted much of the rest of the complex into a hotel by 1999. The building was restored with help from the National Restoration Fund. The hospital's wards were converted into hotel rooms and suites. As far as possible the old fabric and appearance were preserved.