From warehouses to boutique hotel: the transformation of the Hoge der A
Discover Hotel Miss Blanche in Groningen, a boutique stay in the heart of the city, right on the historic Hoge der A.
Turn the corner and the city shifts. No crowded shopping streets or traffic, but water, small boutiques and monumental buildings that have stood here for centuries. This is where Groningen’s soul feels closest, and it’s here you’ll find Hotel Miss Blanche.
A canal full of history
The Hoge der A is one of the oldest and most storied streets in Groningen, a place where history seems to cling to every brick and windowpane. As early as the thirteenth century, this was a bustling artery of trade and commerce. Ships from Northern Germany, Scandinavia, and England would dock along the quay, their hulls heavy with goods ranging from grain and timber to wool and spices. Merchants bustled about, negotiating deals and hauling wares into the stately canal houses that lined the water’s edge. These buildings, now eleven in total and part of Hotel Miss Blanche, once served a dual purpose: warehouses below, family homes above. It was a practical arrangement born of necessity and enterprise, where commerce and daily life blended seamlessly.
Stroll along the canal today and the echoes of that history remain. The iron hooks on the façades, once essential for hoisting sacks of grain or barrels of coffee to the upper floors, still cling to the brickwork like silent witnesses of a busier time. The scent of tar, rope, and coffee beans has long since faded, replaced by the fresh fragrance of linen, polished wood, and perhaps the aroma of a morning espresso drifting from a nearby café. Yet the past lingers here. in the lofty ceilings that seem to breathe with centuries of stories, in the wooden stairs that creak softly underfoot, and in the tranquil view over the water, where the reflections of old warehouses ripple beside passing boats.
History meets comfort
When Hotel Miss Blanche moved into the Hoge der A, the choice was clear: preserve the character of the buildings and let their history shine through. Instead of turning them into identical hotel rooms, every effort was made to honor the charm that had been there for centuries. Each house keeps its own story, and you’ll feel it from the moment you step inside. The creak of the old staircase, the high ceilings that once witnessed merchants at work, the thick walls that have stood through storms and celebrations alike. It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to connect with history and sense the passing of time.
Across the eleven monumental buildings, every room has its own look and personality. Some come with wooden beams that frame the space with rustic elegance, others feature marble details that catch the soft Groningen light, while a few overlook peaceful gardens hidden behind the bustling streets. Together, they create one of the most unique stays in Groningen, offering guests not just comfort but an authentic experience rooted in the soul of the city.
Sleeping by the water
Wake up to the sound of a distant bicycle bell and the morning light streaming through tall windows, filling the room with a warm, golden glow. There’s no rush here, just the quiet promise of a day waiting to unfold. Breakfast is served at Café de Sigaar, right on the water, where the reflections of passing boats dance across the tables as you sip good coffee and enjoy a buttery croissant fresh from the oven. It’s the kind of morning that sets the pace for the whole day. Calm, unhurried, but full of possibilities. From there, the city is yours to explore.
Step outside and wander along the cobbled streets towards the Groninger Museum for a dose of art and culture, stroll across the lively Vismarkt where locals gather for fresh produce, or lose yourself in one of the hidden galleries in the Folkingestraat. Each corner reveals a new glimpse of Groningen’s charm, all within easy walking distance from the hotel.
