Grand Casselbergh Brugge This was my first 4* Deluxe experience and it wasn’t disappointing. The Grand Hotel Casselbergh Brugge is a fantastic new hotel, which combines old world charm and grandeur with a homely feel and affordable prices. This combination is topped off with an excellent location; though essentially all Railbookers hotels in Bruges are located in the heart of the city, the Casselbergh has one of the shorter strolls to the centre square. I was lucky enough to find myself in an executive room, which in all honesty could have been 2 standard rooms in a regular hotel. Needless to say, space is something that this hotel does not lack. The bathrooms are very well done too, large and immaculate, and the bed was one of the most comfy I have slept in. Whilst it was not something I had myself, the Casselbergh also offers the option to upgrade to Canal View rooms if you are looking for something extra special. The next morning I was able to sample the breakfast at the Hotel. The Casselbergh features both Continental and full American breakfast. It’s not just the range but the quality of the food that impresses. There is definitely something for everyone here. Helping its customers relax seems to be a Casselbergh specialty. Although I didn’t get the chance to use it, the Hotel features a Sauna, Steam Room and Fitness Centre. Spacious and neatly tucked away in the hotel, it offers a great place to relax. Then you have the hotel bar. One of the best things about the Casselbergh is that you can have a drink in the bar and it doesn’t break the bank. When you can come back after dinner and find that getting a local beer is about the same cost as getting one in town, it makes a pleasant change. The Bar area itself is, again, incredibly spacious and yet intimate at the same time. Whilst some hotels can tend to discriminate between different room categories, the Casselbergh doesn’t leave its standard room visitors behind. The use of the wellness centre and Wi-Fi is free for all guests, L'Occitane products and the same large comfy beds can be found in all room categories, and whilst standard rooms do not come with bath robes, the reception is happy to hand them out to all guests who ask at the desk (free of charge). De Vlaamsche Pot I am the kind of traveller who, when on holiday, has to do his best to immerse himself in the local culture, and particularly the local cuisine. De Vlaamsche Pot meets all my criteria for the perfect restaurant while away on a city break. It’s traditional Flemish cuisine in a small, cosy restaurant, and you know you're in a local favorite because you will hear everyone around you speaking Flemish. I took my chances showing up without a reservation and was lucky enough to get the last table in the house. There are 2 options that we offer, the first is the 2 course lunch/dinner, the other is the 3 course lunch/dinner with drinks. Sitting down with my colleague, I decided to attempt the 3 course dinner (in order to better inform Railbookers of course!). The portions were huge and the taste was amazing, like getting that perfect home cooked meal… but Flemish. Although with such large portions it is a bit of a struggle to get through the 3 courses, it’s the kind of meal you are willing to go that extra mile for, and not to mention getting the drinks included is great value for money. By way of comparison, I had one of the cheaper 3 course meals on the main square which set me back €25, and that was before drinks. De Vlaamsche Pot doesn’t leave you feeling like you missed out or that you didn’t get value for money. I left completely full and ready to hit the sack, and in my book that’s the mark of a great restaurant. In conclusion, if you are going to dine out in Bruges, then De Vlaamsche Pot is the restaurant to go to.
