Wondering if anyone has good recommendations for moderately priced, accessible B&Bs or Guesthouses in Bruges/Brugge? I'll be travelling there next summer with my senior-aged mother, who has a few accessibility issues (arthritis in hips and knees makes too many stairs very difficult for her). A hotel with a lift may end up being our best bet, but I'll look at that as a last resort as her preference is for something with a bit more character. Any recommendations and suggestions would be very welcome.
I can't recommend a specific place in Bruges but I would suggest you look for somewhere with a lift. Staircases in Flemish-speaking Belgium, as in the Netherlands, tend to be ludicrously steep - just a cultural oddity.
SD, You might have a look at Hotel Adornes. It's VERY comfortable and as I recall they have a Lift, but I'd suggest confirming that. As with many hotels in Europe they provide a nice buffet breakfast, with a choice of various cold meats, cheeses, yogurt, fruit, juices, coffee or tea, etc. The hotel is located on a beautiful canal and is within walking distance to some nice restaurants. Happy travels!
Hotel Jan Brito has a lift (a very poky, but large elevator) and has fantastic character! Our room had a nice big bathroom, but every room is different. They have a wide price range--pretty expensive on the high end, but very reasonable on the low end. Some rooms are quite fancy, others simple, and the family room, well it is a cultural experience all its own. If you let them know your needs, I imagine they will be able to put you in an appropriate room.
Thanks for the recommendations so far! I'll be sure to check them out.
"It's VERY comfortable and as I recall they have a Lift" Our memories on this matter are congruent, although if there's a wheelchair involved, it would be a difficult fit in that tiny elevator. One problem about Hotel Adorne for someone with mobility problems, however, is that it sits a little bit outside of the area of most interests to tourists. There are buses within Brugge, but if I remember correctly, the bus moves further away from the center after stopping near this hotel. But... it is a very cozy establishment. And at least when I stayed there, they allowed free, unlimited use of their bicycles.
@Tom, One reason I suggested Hotel Adornes is that while it may not have regular Bus access right in the vicinity, it's fairly level in that area so very easy to get around on foot. I couldn't remember the details on the Lift, but based on your comments it sounds like there is one installed, although a somewhat compact model. I also enjoyed the free access to the Bicycles. Several of the group took the very picturesque half hour ride along the canal to Damme and sampled a few Triples to reward us for the effort.
We liked Hotel Patritius in Brugge. They do have an elevator.
Absoluut Verhulst, a B&B ran by the most friendly Benno & Frieda, may have a room on ground floor that might be able to accomodate 2 twin beds. Check them out and ask. Benno makes the best scrambled eggs I have ever had. http://www.b-bverhulst.com/
Thanks everyone for the replies so far. It's good to know we have some options!