Brussels and Bruges
I began my trip to Brussels with an early journey on the Eurostar train. Your first introduction to Belgium is the trilingual service announcements, in English, French and Flemish. We made one brief stopover in Lille, and before I knew it I was gazing out at low-lying Belgium, and the handsome town-houses on the outskirts of Brussels.
The connecting intercity train to Bruges is clean, fast and efficient. These trains do get fairly busy at times, so a first class ticket was an advantage in providing a single seat, with a window, and a spacious pull-out desk. Returning, I travelled in Standard, and with the Eurostar not full, I was able to enjoy two seats to myself, and had plenty of reading matter, courtesy of Eurostar’s excellent in-house magazine, to pass the time. I also treated myself to a refreshing Belgian beer. One last farewell to a land of yeasty excellence.
Most of my time was spent travelling around the city for viewing appointments with our partner hotels. I did, however, manage to squeeze in a leisurely walk around Bruges. Navigating the labyrinth of 16th century cobbled streets and canals; it is easy to take in most of the old town within a day. I chose to round the walk off with a good glass of Brugse Zot, the local beer of Bruges. Similarly, I had time to walk around Brussels, a city which definitely has the feel of a cosmopolitan capital. Majestic buildings such as the Palais de Justice, and the European Parliament, an icon of postmodernist architecture, dot the city.
In Bruges, numerous restaurants serve Flemish specialities, and the classic Mussels and chips. I enjoyed an excellent dinner of the latter dish. The mussels were caught fresh that day, as is much of the seafood in Bruges, with fishing centres such as Ostend a stones throw away. From the savoury in Bruges, to the sweet in Brussels, chocolate is the name of the game here, and the city’s proud chocolatiers compete fiercely for prime position. As a result, the quality of what you get is magnificent across the board. I was advised on the Place du Petit Sablon, a chi-chi area which is undoubtedly the best area to buy quality chocolate.
The Heritage is an outstanding hotel, run by a friendly husband and wife - what stands out here is the sumptuous decor. The design is classic, with the silk and satin blending well with the building’s 15th century heritage. The gym and sauna facilities are located in the basement, which has been recently restored and dates back to the 13th century. This hotel is something rather special. The location is also ideal, right in the centre next to the Grote Markt. All of Bruges, its cathedrals and canals, as well as the upcoming Christmas markets, are within easy walking distance.
Of the hotels I visited, my favourite in the 3* category was the Floris group of hotels, who are well located in both Brussels in Bruges. The friendly Floris Karos in Bruges is ideal for anyone planning a holiday by rail with children, as a playing area with games console included, is available. A good 4* option in Brussels is the Leopold, which is well-located, family-run and has a lovely outdoor dining area for that famous Belgian sunshine (the roof is retractable for those less lucky!).
My 5* favourite was undoubtedly the Conrad Brussels. This is the benchmark for luxury and superior location near the Avenue Louise, Brussels’ main shopping parade. In Bruges, the Kempinski has the enviable setting of a refurbished 15th century castle, set back from the town centre. For anyone wanting to make an impression, look no further than this majestic citadel.
