After a few months off (that turned into almost four years), I've got back into the swing of things....
After a few months off (that turned into almost four years), I've got back into the swing of things... concentrating mostly on travel reviews this time around.
Member since:28.07.2000
Reviews:155
Members who trust:38
Ostend is a totally underrated seaside resort that enjoys far better weather than its location suggests: Compared with British towns directly on the North Sea, the conditions are far more conducive to an enjoyable day out at the seaside than you might expect.
Ostend and the neighbouring towns boast miles of beautifully smooth, golden beaches that are clean and unspoilt. There are plenty of beach cabins and loads of space to stretch out and enjoy the sun or play an impromptu game of beach football, and on the Ostend promenade you have a wide range of places to eat and drink, most of which offer good quality Belgian food at prices that are not excessive. Whatever you do, make time to sit in a restaurant and try a pot of mussels, a local speciality. The largely Flemish-speaking locals are generally friendly and willing to speak English if you are having trouble getting to grips with the language, but some places do provide menus in English.
The stretches of beach between the towns, which are quieter than the areas directly on the Ostend seafront (and also do not have the distraction of the holiday apartment blocks looming directly behind them), are well served by the coastal tram service.
Ostend itself is easily reached by rail and is only an hour's drive down the motorway from Brussels (well, nowhere in Belgium is very far from anywhere else!), and it is now close enough for a day trip from the UK - the Seacat service has reduced the journey time from 4 hours (with the old ferry) to 90 minutes, and these swift new catamarans have all the creature comforts you could ask for.
What better way to spend a summer weekend than lounging on the beach, paddling in the sea and enjoying a Belgian waffle laden with cream and chocolate sauce? Give Ostend a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Good base for exploring, good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Disadvantages: Not as pretty as some other places. Building work is a problem at the moment.
tange 30.06.2004 (30.06.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Ostende (Belgium)
Advantages: Good base for exploring, good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Disadvantages: Not as pretty as some other places. Building work is a problem at the moment.
tange 30.06.2004 (30.06.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Ostende (Belgium)
Aug 15th, 2000
(Jun 8th, 2001)
very helpful by (88%):
helpful by (13%):
