Bruges hotels

There are few better places to get a taste of Bruges’ history than the 5-star Hotel Dukes’ Palace, once home to the Burgundian aristocracy.

The word opulent always springs to mind for me, from the towering turrets to its 135 luxurious rooms and suites, complete with marble bathrooms, dramatic chandeliers, gilded mirrors and framed artwork. This is easily one of the best hotels in Bruges for an indulgent escape, and not just for the lavish rooms.

If you need some peace after sightseeing, the vast manicured garden is a little oasis in the city. Or even better, head down to the spa which has one of my favourite treatments, a hot stone massage, along with a hammam. Save time for some tapas in one of the velvet armchairs of the mood-lit bar too, with cocktails or Belgian beer to accompany it.

The cross or ‘cruyce’ in the name of this glorious hotel was the emblem of the Dukes of Burgundy, who made Bruges their capital during the city’s Golden Age. Set on one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city, where two canals meet, its half-timbered facade was created from four medieval buildings.

The rooms have plenty of antique touches, from exposed beams to a marble frieze above one bed, while the cosy restaurant makes this one of the best hotels in Bruges if you like to start your day with authentic Belgian waffles.

My favourite unexpected bonus is the owner’s impressive art collection dotted around the ground floor, which includes works by Klimt, Matisse and Colombian artist Botero. Meanwhile, fans of the movie In Bruges can check in to room 10, which was used as a filming location.

With so many luxury hotels in Bruges, a B&B can rarely compete, which proves just how special Guesthouse Bonifacius is. While many of the best hotels in Bruges boast a long history, walking through this front door feels as if you’ve stepped back in time and straight into a medieval merchant’s house.

I love all the little details, from the diamond-paned windows and roaring fires to the copper pans in the kitchen and decorations including an old trunk and pewter tankards.

There’s nothing outdated about the rooms though; four-poster beds come without suffocating curtains, bathrooms have hot tubs and luxurious toiletries on the granite sinks, and you’ll find a library of films for your in-room DVD player. The complimentary minibar is another nice touch. If the weather’s good, head up to the rooftop to sip your drink and gaze out across the canal.

There’s much competition for the title here, but this is one of the best hotels in Bruges for a romantic getaway. I always wonder what the nuns who once lived within its 15th-century walls would think of the sumptuous velvets and lavish breakfasts that characterise it now. The wood panelling and the views of swans on the De Dijver canal won’t have changed much over the centuries though.

Book afternoon tea overlooking the water and nibble scones under the gaze of 17th-century portraits. Or start your day on the waterfront terrace, with an array of meats and cheeses accompanying the hot dishes, bread, cakes and jams.

Throw in king-size beds, coffee machines and designer toiletries, all with a large helping of traditional chintzy charm, for a combination that makes this one of the most unique hotels in Bruges.

Pretty Minnewater Park is only a 15-minute walk from the city’s historic centre, but I always think it feels far removed from the old town’s busy cobbled streets. Plus, you can retreat to one of the best hotels in Bruges here.

Adults-only Boutiquehotel t’Fraeyhuis is a converted manor house with just 12 rooms, decorated in minimal neutrals enlivened by eye-catching artworks, including photos and collections of mirrors, as well as tiled fireplaces. Box-spring beds and walk-in showers come with plenty of extras, from an espresso machine to complimentary soft drinks in the minibar, while there’s champagne on offer at breakfast.

An even bigger treat is the restaurant overlooking the park. Named ‘In The Mood’, there’s a choice of Flemish classics and tapas – try the croquettes with chips before relaxing with a drink under the lanterns at the heated outdoor bar.

One of the owners of Hotel Van Cleef is an interior designer, and it shows. A world away from old-fashioned chintz, you’ll find splashes of bright colour, the occasional zebra print armchair and North African influences, along with Missoni textiles in the rooms.

A hotel that welcomes guests with a glass of Champagne always gets my vote, although there are more practical extras too, from babysitting services to packed lunches.

The canalside location is similar to sister hotel De Orangerie, but this Italianate mansion is distinctly contemporary, with photos of Marilyn Monroe on the guestroom walls, white roses in the marble bathrooms, and a jumble of bright artworks and lush plants in the breakfast room and lounge. You’ll find Belgian waffles at breakfast, but my tip is to order the chef’s special, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.

Mention Belgian cuisine and you probably think chocolate, waffles and frites, but my top tip for foodies is to stay at Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage. Not only is this one of the best hotels in Bruges, but its restaurant Le Mystique is mentioned in the Michelin Guide to Belgium for its creative dishes and global ingredients.

You’re guaranteed a meal to remember in this opulent dining room – all red velvet, gilded flourishes and sparkling chandeliers – which serves vintages from the 14th-century wine cellar.

It’s also one of the best hotels in Bruges for location; any closer to central square Markt and you’d be sleeping on the cobbles. Unlike its medieval surroundings, the vibe is 19th century elegance, although the vaulted fitness room dates from the 12th century. Expect handwritten welcome notes alongside iPads and USB sockets mingling with baroque sofas.

Laying claim to being the oldest hotel in the heart of Bruges, poet Paul Verlaine once checked in to Hotel Sablon. One of his poems is now inscribed on the suite that bears his name, and its 16th-century exterior hides more than a few other surprises.

Spotting a medieval lady blowing bubble gum and a bright trumpet-wielding sculpture as you enter, it doesn’t take long to appreciate this hotel’s playful side – not all the best hotels in Bruges are historical recreations.

The style is sleek, modern and bold, from the vibrant chairs in the courtyard to the Loft Suite with its eye-catching standalone bath and glass-walled shower in the centre of the room. The bar has more of an Art Deco vibe, although the menu is just as unexpected, serving everything from signature cocktails to Japanese whisky – though I’d recommend one of the jenevers.

If you’re a fan of the movie In Bruges, as I am, copy its stars by checking in to Hotel de Tuilerieen, a former 15th-century home that’s also hosted the Belgian royal family.

Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell are just two celebrities who’ve stayed in one of the 41 spacious, light-filled rooms. All are decorated individually; the well-named Charming rooms have velvet cushions and pretty wallpaper, while others feature original fireplaces and brickwork, as well as modern-day essentials like Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, air-con and coffee machines.

It’s one of the best hotels in Bruges for location – just minutes from the centre and right alongside one of the oldest canals in the city. Another bonus is the private car park, as trying to find parking in Bruges’ medieval streets is no easy matter.

There’s something delightfully quirky about a stay at Monsieur Ernest, named for the youngest son of the family who owns it. Another is called after the family dog, with three more locations planned.

Set inside the oldest brewery in Bruges, this 17th-century building is now the hippest of hotels, mixing modern style and attractive period features, with dark blue and grey tones throughout and the promise of ‘obscure beers’ in the bar. All 28 rooms are slightly different, but there’s an emphasis on luxury minimalism, from crisp white sheets to fluffy towels.

One of the best hotels in Bruges for contemporary style, I love the thought that’s gone into the little details, from the Marie-Stella-Maris brand of toiletries, which supports projects to provide clean water worldwide, to the chance to try a free yoga class or city tour.