I love Bruges with all my heart. It’s like a beautiful fairy-tale place that smells of chocolate and filled with romance. We have been to Bruges a few times and for our last visit in spring 2006 we decided to stay in Hotel Heritage because, as it said in a brochure, it was there “to create romantic experience”. Actually, the hotel was entirely my choice as well as the whole idea of re-visiting Bruges. My husband simply agreed with me. :)
We arrived to Bruges before noon. Got a taxi from the train station and 5 minutes later were near our hotel on Niklaas Desparsstraat. The location is simply perfect. It is situated about 2-minute walk (or 50 meters) from the main square and is on a quiet street. There are a few designer shops nearby selling eyewear, clothes, bags and jewellery as well as cafes and restaurants.
The building itself is beautiful. As far as I remember, there are 3 floors (sorry if I am wrong as this information left my brain long time ago because I had to keep all the important memories instead…) and has a roof terrace where you can have a cup of tea and enjoy the view.
As soon as you walk in you see a beautiful marble staircase and a reception room decorated in a Neo-Renaissance style (well, it’s my opinion but I am not a professional) with its curved chairs, chandelier, mirrors, candleholders, and fresh flowers. A few old books on a window seal and small beautiful sculptures add special touches to the final look. The only modern item you can sport at the reception is a computer in case you feel like getting in touch with the World.
Through the reception room you can see a beautiful cream dining room that leads to the bar. However, we never got that far. But you can see what types of food they currently offer on their web-site (link below)
There’s a gym for fitness bunnies like me but, frankly, we walked so much I decided that missing my regular workout wouldn’t hurt.
We were greeted by Isabelle, the hotel owner. She is such a lovely person, very attractive (got to mention it because I really liked the way she looked) and always there to help. We were about an hour early to check in, so she offered us a map, explained where we could go and what would be best to see and also took our bags to look after them while we go for our first promenade. She also gave us a couple of vouchers we could use for sightseeing. Her English was perfect as well as her French and German. Frankly, you will never ever have a problem of communicating with the locals because they are all so friendly and speak English.
But back to the hotel. The reason of our visit to Bruges was my birthday, so I was actually greeted with “Happy Birthday” and as a surprise received a card for free drinks in case we felt like using a bar that evening. It was very sweet.
Our room was quite spacious and decorated in a blue, chocolate and cream colour scheme (my favourite colours, too) – I will try to includ a photo, so you can see. It was very beautiful (yes, using this word again…) and comfortable.
If you follow the link, you will be able to see photos of all the rooms in this hotel. I thought, some may find it useful. :)
Our room was a standard one, with a good A/C, TV, mini-bar (typical contest of tiny bottles of alcohol, water, soft drinks and few snacks), computer and web-access, everything for ironing, telephone, DVD and CD-players, safe, bathroom and shower, hairdryer, magnifying mirror and Hermes toiletries. The bathroom was sparkly clean, with piles of fresh soft towels. The bathroom shelves were decorated with hand-made lace, which looked gorgeous.
I think, I also have to mention the bed. The mattress and the pillows were very, very comfortable!
At night, we suddenly heard someone knocking at our door. You know, they actually have a person who come to “tuck you in”!!! They literally do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible, so offer to close your curtains, open/close your window depending on the weather and make sure you are all comfy and cosy in your bed. Unbelievable…
In the morning we found a card slipped under our door with the weather forecast for a day. They can also bring you fresh papers if you wish.
Next morning we met Cornelia, a front office receptionist who is also very nice and smiley and speaks a few languages fluently (I always feel a bit embarrassed because I can only speak two…)
I honestly think every member of staff in the hotel is wonderful as well as the entire experience of staying there.
For prices, packages (romance, relaxation, gastronomy, and culture) and special offers, please visit their web-site http://www.hotel-heritage.com/page.asp?iTaalID=3&iPageID=78!
Hotel Heritage, Bruges
Built as a private mansion in 1869, later in the hands of bankers, this magnificent 19th
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century classical building has been renovated and converted into the Hotel Heritage. The house has a cellar dating back to the XIV century, of which stones are now...
Hotel Heritage Brugge
Located in the heart of the city centre of Bruge, you will find Hotel Heritage. You will
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be given a warm welcome in this beautifully renovated mansion dating from the year 1869.Saunter along the narrow alleys, make a boat trip through the historic cana...
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