There are a handful of places you stay in the world that really stay with you, with regular reminders of the details and the experience. Hotel Van Cleef in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium is one of those.
Bruges is a charming little city in the Flanders region, established as a port city in what is now northwest Belgium around 1000 AD. There is a rich history in Bruges, as it was once one of the largest ports on the coast. The city benefited from trade, the town prospered, and it developed a characteristic medieval architecture. Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North,” and I can see why – everywhere you look is a symphony of delights for the eyes.
The street view of the hotel is quite subtle, set behind a gate on a residential street. But step inside the large double glass doors and a richly furnished and decorated interior awaits. The hotel backs onto one of the many canals Bruges is known for. Guests are quickly greeted in the intimate space by a charming staff. The entire team is friendly and eager to fill you in on sights, reservations, excursions, food, or any other need to make your stay more comfortable. The lobby is densely decorated with art, furnishings, varying textures of materials, books, and decorations. Everywhere you look there is something capturing your attention, very much in keeping with the character of the city.
We fortunately booked (what we were told is) the nicest of their dozen-and-a-half rooms, #3, the Anna von Bourgogne suite. It’s a large junior suite on the second floor with an overstuffed and comfortable seating area separate from the sleeping area. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows grace this corner room, with canal views along the longer wall. The room features 12-foot ceilings, comfortable furniture, ample closet space, a nicely appointed bathroom, and a very (very) large king-size bed.
There are various comfortable public spaces off the hotel lobby: a salon, cocktail lounge, canal-side patio, dining room, and a boutique.
The included breakfast was a feast: bread and pastries, charcuterie, coffees, and juices to start, followed by eggs any way you like or a classic light and crispy Belgian waffle. All the flavors are refined and excellent.
Bruges is a very walkable city, maybe a mile across, with plenty of cobblestone charm and small alleys to explore. Canals ring the old city, where you can find drawbridges and windmills. The city interior is a feast of history, with the main square clock tower and government buildings anchoring the central district. The central square is ringed with many restaurants with outside tables to enjoy people-watching and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. The main attraction to me was the incredible brickwork architecture, many buildings dating back centuries, and all of them just a short walk from the Hotel Van Cleef.
The hotel, the staff, and the city get the highest marks for a delightful experience in all aspects. Our three-night stay was charming, and the hotel really anchored the experience in a very positive way.
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