Staying in the Heart of Bruges: Hotel de Orangerie Review

Bruges has long been on my list of places to visit. Known as the “Venice of the North,” this quaint town set in the region of Flanders in Belgium is everything picturesque. When you first arrive into the town, the winding canals and brick buildings bring to attention the historic importance. To me, a hotel that brings in everything that is the culture and history of its city, brings to life the experience of a destination. When I first saw the Hotel de Orangerie, I knew it did exactly that.

Set aside one of the oldest canals in Bruges, the Hotel de Orangerie embraces the historic importance yet provides modern amenities. It’s no surprise that the motto of the hotel is “where the past meets the present.” A renovated 15th-century convent, the Hotel de Orangerie transformed a cluster of buildings into a 20 room oasis. Maintaining elegance and tastefully-done decor, the interior is grand yet refined.

The waiting room is the first to note when you walk into the hall of the hotel. Set with high ceilings, it is bright and welcoming. As you pass through the lobby, it is without surprise that the salon and dining room is the star. Decorated with tapestries and old paintings, it is the ultimate place to settle in. The hotel also boasted a lovely terrace along the canal, making it a great spot for an afternoon drink. Each morning, breakfast is had in the dining room with plenty of choices from local breads and cheese, fresh juice, and eggs to order. Even though it is a hotel, it truly feels like you are living as a resident of Bruges.

The 20 rooms are equipped with amenities like AC, complimentary Wi-Fi, and safes. They are comfortable rooms — large closets for storage, a sitting area with a coffee machine, and a desk which I used frequently for work. The bathrooms felt homey, with a large soaking tub that was used nightly to soak in. At night, the beds were equally as comfortable, making for a good night’s sleep before the next day’s adventures. Each room is unique, decorated differently, and varies in size.

The Hotel de Orangerie was the perfect place to rest each night. It was quiet, centrally located and had incredible service. An extremely helpful front desk made the time in Bruges easy and relaxed. This historic hotel is surely a boutique and intimate experience.

Bon Traveler’s Tips For Staying at Hotel de Orangerie

• Try a traditional afternoon tea inside the hotel.
• Take in a view of the canal from the saloon, the place to have an old-world cocktail.
• Be sure to be a member of Small Luxury Hotels to get a free room upgrade (on availability).

Get in touch

Hotel de Orangerie
Kartuizerinnenstraat 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Call +32 50 34 16 49 or visit http://www.hotelorangerie.be/en/

 *Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Hotel de Orangerie. As always, all opinions are own.