Atyu's first Hotel Stay!
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'd know I recently became a mommy! A very big challenge that I posed was obviously 'how to travel with a baby'! After roaming around a bit within Brussels, I had the guts to take her to Bruges. But I was still doubtful if she'll sleep in a new place! But then....... My regular readers would also know, that I'm a sucker for heritage hotels. Getting to stay in a building, built centuries or decades ago, makes any trip more special by several folds. Being added to my list now is Prinsenhof Hotel in Brugge. This was built in 1930. Originally this building and its 3 neighbours together formed one huge property with a humongous garden! However it was later split into 5 and sold to various people. 2 of those are where Prinsenhof stands today. The current facade is a 1930s mansion. It was converted to a hotel in 1986 with 16 rooms in 1 of those 2 buildings, the other still served as the owners' private property. Later in 2011, the 2nd part which was their private residence was merged into the hotel making the number of rooms 24. I had a hearty chat with Mr.Thierry, the current owner, not just about the hotel and travel, but also about being a parent!!!!! He's actually one of the most down to earth persons I've met!!! I was more than delighted when I saw a little crib for Atyudarini as soon as I entered the room. Guess what??? Atyu slept!!!!! She slept comfortably in her own crib and I really couldn't believe it! Even before checking-in, I was mentally prepared to head back to Brussels that night itself, if things go horribly wrong and Atyu wouldn't stop crying in a new place, in a hotel.... But my fears were proven wrong!!! ![]()
True to any heritage hotel, though there are 3 different rooms categories (deluxe, superior, classic), the rooms aren't an exact copy of each other. The size & facilities within a category are similar but not same. The interiors have been done tastefully and unique in every room. I esp., liked the ones that have the multicolored floral wallpaper and matching colorful cushions. All rooms have heaters and air conditioners. There are 10 each of Classic & Superior rooms and 4 Deluxe rooms. There is a fireplace in the lobby which today serves as a decorated waiting area! The superior & deluxe rooms have an inbuilt bathtub Jacuzzi. After roaming the whole day in this splendid, historic city, plus being a mom, this was my much needed place to be... It was just too good!!! A unique feature that I haven't seen in any other hotel is, in some rooms, the bathroom & toilet are separate which makes a lot of sense! Some rooms in the topmost floor have an interesting pent house feel with sloping roof & skylit windows.
There is no gym or sauna or pool in the property. However, the expansion of 2011, did help to add a bar and breakfast room. There is also a small meeting room that could accommodate upto 25 persons. The hotel doesn't have a restaurant within per se, but there is a fantastic breakfast buffet available. Best part? When I informed I was a veggie, I was particularly taken care of, with soya milk, hummus etc. The variety of cheese was just awesome. How about beginning you day with a glass of champagne? That's possible too! For the sweet tooth are quite a few options, incl the Ghent Cuburdons! However the breakfast is not complimentary or inclusive in the room rates and guests will have to pay extra for the breakfast. The bar looks very classic and minimalistic with interesting lightings!Though it located very close to the river, the hotel doesn't really have a river view. But from the top floor lobby windows (terrace is not accessible), there's a partial city view from where both Belfry and Church of Our Lady are visible.
The toiletries are the luxurious Fragonard Brand which were meticulously replaced / added everyday by the housekeeping team. Shaving & Dental kits are available on request. There's a minibar, coffee maker with coffee, tea and hot chocolate, hair dryer, safe, bathrobe, bath slippers in the rooms. When you're in Belgium, obviously you gotta eat chocolate. The housekeeping staff leave a few chocolates here & there, in the room, everyday after cleaning it!
To Get There:
Nearest Airport: Ostend-Bruges
Nearest Railway Station: Brugge Centraal
From Brugge Railway Station: 1.5km
From Brussels to Bruges: 100km (intercity trains are available and takes about 1 hr)
Room rates begin at €130 for classic double rooms.
Hotel Ph no: +32 50342690
Limited Car parking available and needs reservation
My complete Brugge Travelogue: coming up...
P.S: I was invited by Hotel Prinsenhof to stay and experience it for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
