We (10-12 people) are planning on going to Antwerp for New Years. Have some difficulty on picking a centrally located budget hotel (€70-100 per night). Any advice would be appreciated!

Horace, I live near Antwerp, but cannot really help you with budget hotels. If you find any, and need to know about the neigbourhood, I can help you there. I do know there's an IBIS in the centre (few minutes from the cathedral); a bit boring but not expensive. Or see if the Hilton or Best Western Villa Mozart have any special deals going on. Both are in excellent locations.

Thanks for that..Any tips on where to celebrate New Year's in Antwerp?

I would think that the pubs on the Markt and Groenplaats would be the place to be, but I have never celebrated New Year's Eve in town. There is no closing hour though, so you can party all night.

When we were in Antwerp, my wife and I stayed at the Hotel Florida, just outside the entrance to the main railway station. The rooms were quiet, comfortable, and clean. They have an attached garage building. The breakfast (included) was outstanding. Not the fanciest of neighborhoods. Front desk spoke good English and was very helpful. Think it fits your price range comfortably.

Horace, check out www.bookings.be

Hotel Prinse's prices are in about your price range. You might negotiate better prices when booking several rooms. Prinse's location is very good, quiet, in the historical centre, about 5 min. walk from Grote Markt where the Christmas market takes place. On NY's Eve there's a big firework show on the river Schelde and the ice-skating ring on Grote Markt will be open till the wee hours. All the cafes, too of course! If you want to go out for dinner, make reservations ahead, especially when you're with a party of 10/12 people. This is just FYI.

Back to hotels ... also Alpha De Keyser and Hyllit have good offers but their location close to the central station isn't so nice. Hotels are both good, though.

The Ibis, as suggested by Tulips, is also in an excellent location.

Me again ...
Prinse's website is www.hotelprinse.be
You better contact them directly if you want to negotiate prices.