Bruges hotels

Have not stayed at either... but love the Adornes. Will stay there next April.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out. Larry

We really like the Crowne Plaza.

Yes, the Crowne Plaze is modern, very nice and in a great location. We spent 7 wks traveling all around Europe last summer and stayed in many quaint and charming hotels and by the time we got to Brugge we very much wanted an upscale hotel with lots of space (big rooms!) and lots of amenities.

Is it a very modern hotel? Thought about it but wondered if it's too modern in the midst of all of these quaint hotels. Or if it's got decent character? --and bathrooms with curtains or shower doors :)

I just returned from a trip that included 2 nights in Bruge. We stayed at Martin's Brugge which is right off the Market Square; behind the Belfry. Wonderful location and very helpful staff. Our room had 2 twin beds, hair dryer, shower curtains, washclothes, towels, and basic toiletries.

If you have the opportunity be sure to eat at a restaruant called Oude Burg - it is just up the street from Martin's. The food was excellent, and the owner was very gracious. Although we only ordered a main course and dessert, the owner provided a small appetizer and after dinner drink.

Last year I stayed at the brand new Kempinski Hotel; which is the city's only five star hotel. It was just completed and was having a "soft" opening so I was able to get a very cheap rate. It's also in a good location a very short walk from the square, as you're staying off-season you might be able to get a cheap rate:

http://www.kempinski-bruges.com

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza in August. Though the hotel itself is modern, it's in the center of an old historic square and there are medieval ruins that are pretty cool in the basement if you take the elevator all the way down. Rick actually includes them as part of his Bruges walk in the Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges book. We were very happy with our stay there and booked it for a reasonable price.

We stayed in Hotel Jan Brito near the Fishmarkt (not far from the town square). We loved how clean and large the rooms were. Breakfast had many hot & cold choices, and the common rooms are very elegant. We splurged a bit on this hotel after staying in a hostel in Brussels the night before. Modern bathroom was separate from the main room. It had a tub with shower fixtures.

I can't give you advice on hotels in Bruges, but if you would consider a B&B, I would hands down recommend B&B Absoluut Verhulst. Not too far from the market square. In an old but beautiful house. Plus you will want to take Benno and Frieda home with you. They are the most wonderful hosts I have ever had.

RE: Bruges - The Tor Bruges is a beautiful hotel on one of the canals. It's been a few years since I was there, but we had a huge en suite room with high ceiling, beautiful curtains and bedspread, massive,roomy and gorgeous Belgium wardrobe...historical and built about 1500s. Have no idea how much it costs now...back then a friend and I shared the room in a travel package. I'd stay there again in a minute! It was really a treat!! Paula