The Ostendian

The Ostendian sets a new accent on Ostend’s hospitality scene: a hotel that brings nostalgia and modernity together in a cohesive design concept. In collaboration with branding and experience strategists Dries Henau and Yuri Vandenbogaerde of The Brand Guys, the Degroote property group and C-Hotels have created a concept that not only references the coastal city, but brings its atmosphere to life.
The interior design agency BLCN DESIGN translated the creative vision into an interior that creates space for lightness and inspiration: modern in its interpretation, boldly staged, and crafted with an eye for the exceptional. The concept recalls the Ostend of the 1970s and 1980s, a time when the city was both cosmopolitan and laid-back, defined by a carefree summer feel. From the lobby to the guest rooms, warm colors, gently curved lines, and materials with retro charm come together to create an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
The bathrooms are naturally a perfect fit for this aesthetic: With selected products from timeless collections such as D-Neo, Sustano, and DuraStyle, Duravit contributes to the hotel’s distinctive design signature and weaves everyday moments of well-being seamlessly into the overall experience.


Designer retreats with character

Even the retreat itself is thoughtfully staged here: The bathrooms bear the unmistakable Ostend style and turn everyday routines into stylish experiences. Clean lines, pleasant textures, and functional elegance ensure a high level of comfort in all 113 rooms. Minimalist D-Neo toilets by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly, timeless bathroom sinks from the DuraStyle range, and sustainable Sustano shower trays made from recyclable DuroCast Nature redefine both design and sustainability.


Suites with a story to tell

For special moments of escape, The Ostendian features themed rooms that each create their own unique little world. The "Red Light Suite," featuring its own built-in champagne bar, leans into glamour and extravagance, while the Zen-inspired "Unwind" room focuses on tranquility, harmony, and minimalist lines. Other rooms surprise guests with a luxurious Paiova jetted tub from Duravit. Different tile colors, appealing glossy finishes, and carefully coordinated materials ensure that each bathroom develops its own distinct character and deliberately stands out from the rest of the space.


A unifying vision

Especially under the demanding conditions of hotel operations, Duravit products prove their durability and highlight how quality and sustainability go hand in hand. Opting for recyclable materials and exceptionally durable ceramics sends a clear message: in the future, luxury and environmental responsibility are no longer a mutually exclusive proposition.

"The collaboration among the various parties was exceptionally smooth and efficient. We were even able to complete the project three months ahead of schedule, which is pretty remarkable in the hotel sector. For future projects, Duravit will always be my first point of contact for sanitary products because working with them is fast and always leaves room for creative solutions," says Bart Balcaen, founder of BLCN Design.

Marc Heirweg, Project Manager for Duravit BeLux says: "For us, The Ostendian is a prime example of how strong collaboration among developers, the architect, and partners leads to a successful overall result. We selected products that perfectly matched their vision, and that’s reflected in the outcome: this is not a standard hotel, and these are not standard bathrooms."


Information box:
Concept: "The Brand Guys" Dries Henau and Yuri Vandenbogaerde
Interior Design: BLCN DESIGN
Location: Ostend, Belgium
Completed: March 2025
Duravit products: DuraStyle vanity basins, D-Neo wall-mounted toilets, Sustano shower trays, D-Code bathtubs, Paiova jetted tubs