Hotel De Tuilerieen, Bruges

The Hotel De Tuilerieen is very conveniently situated by the river and close to the main tourist areas of Bruge so you are able to walk to all the sites. We fell in love with this hotel-its quite small but our room was large with two double beds and traditional Belguim furniture. It overlooked the river and we could watch the boats going by from our windows. There was an air of faded grandeur which we found very romantic (although I think some rooms have been decorated since we stayed). Fluffy bathrobes and slippers were provided in our room. The bathroom was a bit dated but it was a good size and there was a plentiful supply of toiletries. The hotel has a small indoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi. We used these facilities most days and always had them to ourselves. There was always a pile of clean towels and slippers available. The hotel only serves breakfast and breakfast was fantastic- everything you could imagine -cereal, fresh and stewed fruit, pancakes, meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, assorted breads , cakes and pastries with omelettes and eggs cooked to order and a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit for dipping. Everything tasted fresh and home-made. There is a small lounge and bar area -which did get a bit crowded if more than 2 couples wanted to use these facilities but there are so many other places to visit close by it didn't matter. There is a great restaurant next door where you choose a 'beer experience' or a 'wine experience' and you are served a different beer or wine with each course (with an explanationof what you are drinking and how it has been used in the dish being served). If I go to Bruge again I would be loathe to stay in any other hotel as we found the staff here could not have been more helpful and friendly and we felt really 'looked after'. Oh yes, and they also have bikes that you can borrow for free!