A trip to Bruges is like stepping into a fairy tale. Medieval architecture embellishes the quaint, cobbled streets, with stunning squares girdled by delightful canals. A lover’s paradise, this centuries-old art city continues to reinvent itself non-stop, yet still feels like a place where time has stood still.
From its sheer beauty to its epic opportunities for people-watching, beer-indulging, and museum exploring, Bruges is absolutely worth adding to your Belgium itinerary.
The stunning hotels which echo the city’s unique charm range from opulent unique boutiques to stylish, romantic and grand 15th-century houses. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Bruges, Belgium (in no particular order)…
1. Hotel Van Cleef – an Instaworthy upscale boutique hotel housed in an Italianate mansion
Housed in a neoclassical mansion, Hotel Van Cleef boasts the most graceful canal-side terrace in Bruges. The main building’s origins lie in the 18th century, and its stately grandeur remains to this day.
Palatial yet intimate, an elegant country-house style decorates the public rooms, invigorated by contemporary art and fabrics. The 16 beautifully presented rooms feature box-spring beds, marbled bathrooms, and whirlpool baths.
State-of-the-art amenities including a HDTV, minibar, and coffee & tea-making facilities further enhance the in-room experience.
Located in the charming, quieter eastern quarter of Bruges on the edge of the Sint-Anna district, the historic centre is only a five-minute walk away.
2. Boutique Hotel De Castillion – Small elegant family hotel – a beautiful boutique gem with a gorgeous design housed in a 17th-century red-brick palace
This family-run, four-star boutique was the residence of the 15th bishop of Bruges in the 17th century, and is a serene spot where luxury comfort combines with a rich history.
Boutique Hotel De Castillionis home to one of the only remaining gems of the art deco period, the golden salon. During its renovation, great care was lavished on the imposing cornice, which was decorated with a draped motif.
There are different room types to suit the needs of every type of traveller. All are conveniently decked out with flatscreen HDTVs and a minibar. In the medieval basement, you can enjoy a well-deserved healthy breakfast, while soaking up Hotel De Castillion’s convivial morning atmosphere.
3. Kind Of OJ – a stunning, hip and unique boutique located in a gorgeous historic mansion townhouse in the historic centre
This charming adult-only bed and breakfast is housed in a grand historic townhouse, less than 1 kilometre from Bruges’s Market Square.
Guests aT Kind Of OJ Bruges are invited to marvel at the unique design objects and handmade pieces in their lavish guestrooms, courtesy of the cherished, bespoke work of Studio LoHo.
An industrial feel permeates the property, embellished by tall ceilings, hanging lights, and large fluffy rugs. Artwork is a key feature of this hotel, echoed throughout the stunning wall work, and extended into the designer bathrooms.
The spacious, open layout offers ample space to walk around and soak up the splendour, as huge windows provide a dazzling frame for the surrounding trees to deliver a natural backdrop.
4. Molenmeers Boutique Guesthouses – gorgeous and eclectic boutique accommodation with a striking and memorable design
This historic terraced house is located on the border of the city canal, where past and present meet in a timeless interior. Hidden behind the facades of neoclassicism, you will find hospitality and luxury synthesized in blissful harmony, where opulence presents itself in small details.
AT Molemeers Boutique Guesthousesyou are invited to take a rest on the indoor patio where the famous bells of Bruges offer an idyllic serenade to your afternoon coffee. An extensive assortment of breakfast delicacies is accompanied by freshly squeezed juices and artisan bakes.
The guesthouse’s idiosyncratic mix of antique, vintage and modern design has led to the beautiful coalescence of a stately hallway with high ceilings, and a quaint communal lounge with graceful views of the soothing canal waters.
5. Royal Swans B&B – charming, romantic and Insta-worthy accommodation located near Bruges Concert Hall
This 19th century Bruges icon sends you to the time of a bygone era, with large paintings of a historical figure welcoming you in the 5 guestrooms.
A vivid showcase of bright colours givesRoyal Swans B&B a charm of total freedom, inviting guests to revel in romance and old-fashioned tranquillity.
After a memorable day of exploring the UNESCO World Heritage City, you can sit on your private terrace or settle down on one of the sunbeds on the communal patio as you dig into a delicious Belgian aperitif.
Within walking distance, you can indulge in culinary delights, and soak up the enchanting culture in the 19th -century municipal theatre.
6. Castelsuites – a beautifully and stylishly quirky hotel with glamorous touches located in Sint-Andries district
Beautifully emanating Bruges’s elegant style, this eclectic townhouse evokes a feel of a Victorian mansion on the exterior, while the inside features a stunning array of glamorous touches.
Soft woods in the guestrooms at Castelsuites are blissfully contrasted by marble flooring in the bathrooms, while each room has a unique colour theme.
Exotic open spaces and plush dining areas are complemented by hanging chandeliers and ambient fireplaces, blending tradition and modernity.
The trendy bar area is ornated by extravagant dark tones and a moody lighting scheme, offsetting the dazzling collection of premium wines on display behind the counter.
Located on a graceful street in Sint-Andries district, a step out of the property lands you immediately in a quirky neighbourhood.
To book, check prices or availability for Castelsuites
7. Boutique Hotel Sablon – a small trendy hotel with some cool and funky decor details a short walk from Markt square
While Boutique Hotel Sablon flaunts a 16th-century façade, this elegant property is thoroughly of the moment, owing to a fresh head-to-toe renovation.
Boutique Hotel Sablon was once a favourite haunt of a bohemian crowd and as you enter the lamp-hung entrance arch you can expect bold interiors decorated by quirky artwork paying homage to the building’s history.
You can discover a comfy nook in the Living Room, as well as a spacious lounge with fireplace where fresh, homemade produce forms a top-of-the-range buffet breakfast.
The 43 modern rooms boast exclusive themes, but are all ornated with lavish wooden floors, black cupboards, and large Portuguese-leather headboards for the king-size beds.
8. The Pand Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – a romantic and exquisite hotel housed in an 18th-century carriage house
This former 18th-century coach house-turned-exclusive boutique hotel is ornated with art objects, precious antique artefacts, and pretty fabrics.
Hidden between the plane trees in one of the most serene corners of the historic city centre, The Pand Hotelis the proud holder of numerous awards and accolades.
Each room is individually decorated, with a charming selection of flowers echoing the radiant atmosphere.
You can kick back by a fireplace, in an elegant lounge and library boasting authentic parquets and graceful wood panelling, evoking the stylish glamour of an English mansion. The hotel’s signature champagne breakfast treats guests to a spot of refined luxury.
9. Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis – a stylish and unique upscale boutique set in beautiful surroundings
Set in a beautifully converted, centuries-old manor house, this recently reimagined step- and bell-gabled boutique offers a privileged position next to the Minnewater Park and Lake.
A luxurious interior of medieval and Renaissance origins combines with blissfully charming décor and a monumental wood-effect fireplace, offering the perfect spot to turn your Bruges city break into one of total comfort and refinement.
Stone-flagged or wooden floors and exposed beams at the Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis offset the modern photography and contemporary furnishings in the rooms, which have been cunningly restored yet retain a classic charm.
The on-site ‘Bar Boutique’ serves a full range of drinks and tapas dishes; however, Bruges’s many sophisticated eateries can be reached within a 10-minute walk.
10. Dukes’ Palace Brugge – a unique and stylish luxury boutique set in a 15th-century former ducal palace
The perfect spot for those seeking a stylish hospitality experience, Dukes’ Palace Brugge seamlessly blends authentic charisma with contemporary comfort, behind the façade of an old mansion.
Its 110 high-ceilinged guestrooms feature 15th-century elegance, topped with a first-rate service.
Bespoke artisan touches add a flare of tranquillity to the in-room décor, are are elaborated through unique historic frescoes, marble bathrooms, and high-quality cotton sheets.
Guests at Dukes’ Palace enjoy the rich and multifaceted culinary selection right across the street, as well as an extensive buffet breakfast on-site.
You can sit out on the terrace for an afternoon tea and coffee, overlooking the property’s lush, manicured grounds.
11. Flanders Hotel – a zen-like contemporary chic hotel located set in a rowhouse in the historic centre
This well-polished hotel is decorated in stylish black, grey-browns, creams and white, embellished by limed wood panels and upholstered chairs.
The 50 rooms at Flanders Hotel are flatteringly comfortable, all featuring a similar sophisticated, modern décor, and an easy-on-the-eye colour combination.
A fish pond and fountain, and three gardens offer a natural twist on this historic city centre hotel, and the indoor swimming pool provides a blissful space to kick back and unwind.
A breakfast of cold spreads and a hot English-style buffet is offered by one of the gardens, and a great range of Belgian beers and wines are served in the on-site bar.
To book, check prices or availability for Flanders Hotel
12. Hotel De Orangerie – a gorgeous boutique gem and one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Hotel De Orangerie is one of a handful of small hotels in the heart of Bruges that take the city beyond merely a place to visit, and into the realm of pampered luxury.
Romantic and sumptuous, this elegant hotel is tucked away in a quiet street just a short walk from the main historic squares. Upon entrance to the glass-canopied lobby, you will feel invigorated by the bright, lavish tone, as well as the historic charm that envelopes the open space.
This former Carthusian convent dating from the 15th century mingles past and present through a décor of antiques and fresh, airy colours.
13. Raphaëlles Boutique b&b – tasteful and elegant design boutique accommodation in central Bruges
Get ready to immerse yourself in timeless elegance, at this monumental townhouse home which has been transformed into a getaway of luxury style and pure refinement.
Blending the quintessential townhouse characteristics with an enchanting modern design, a visit here is more than just a night’s stay.
Quietly tucked away in Bruges’s historic streets, Raphaëlles Boutique b&b is a place where life slows down, and an omnipresent sense of luxury takes you on a sensory voyage through history.
Beams and wooden floors complement the marble and natural stone elements in the contemporary guestrooms, while the breakfast room and velvet bar are elegantly decorated to bar elevate the cosy, sumptuous feel.
14. Maison Fred Luxury Suites – creative and artistic accommodation located in the Historic Centre of the Brugge district
This luxury property is teeming with iridescence, and bespoke touches of artistry amplify the boutique ambiance. A lush, manicured garden and stone-rimmed outdoor pool ornate the exterior, girdled by towering trees amplifying the sense of seclusion.
Inside Maison Fred Luxury Suites wooden beams and quaint dashes of antique furnishings offer a soothing tone, which extends into the thoughtfully appointed, amenity laden units.
In the winter, the garden becomes a work of art as the trees become embellished with snow, whilst in the summer, this very spot welcomes a golden sunset. A barbeque area and terrace offer further chill-out spots, inviting you to soak up the charm of the quiet, residential surroundings.
15. B&B Maison le Dragon – a striking and romantic vintage-chic boutique housed in a stylishly refurbished 16th-century mansion
This 16th-century mansion has been stylishly refurbished, carried by an antique undertone of traditional furnishings and objets d’art, yet offering all the modern comforts of a top-quality hotel.
The beautiful red-brick façade, topped by a gold-plated dragon, invites you into a gorgeous lounge decorated with original painted canvas panels depicting Rococo fête-champêtre scenes.
The four bedrooms at B&B Maison le Dragon feature an eclectic range of furnishings, prints, and paintings, surrounding a grand four-poster bed. Country-style pastel-shades permeate the rest of the property, offering a vivid visual experience to soothe the heart before heading out to explore the magic of medieval Bruges.
16. Guest House Nuit Blanche – a unique, artistic and striking guesthouse with a medieval garden located on the Gruuthuse
This medieval mansion has housed many famous guests throughout its illustrious history. Guest House Nuit Blanche is set along Bruges’s most picturesque canal by lover’s bridge and the 15th-century architecture has seen a contemporary renovation, yet maintains its medieval charm through leaded stained-glass windows and exposed beams.
The name ‘Nuit Blanche’ translates to ‘Sleepless Night’, a fitting appellation echoing the physical fantasy paintings that embellish the walls of the ground-floor rooms.
The honeymoon room and the gothic room boast linenfold panelling and shutters, as well as large fireplaces, and sweeping garden views. Quirky features of the rooms include hidden drop-down screens for DVD projection and retro-style bathrooms.
17. B&B Alphabet – Luxury Guesthouse and Art Gallery – a wonderfully charming upscale guesthouse set in the Historic Centre
Driven by an overpowering curiosity, the brains behind this eclectic B&B have come up with a brand-new hospitality concept. A complete revamp has seen a personal home nestled in the heart of historic Bruges transformed into a gorgeous boutique haven for discerning travellers.
A smart art gallery with predominantly homemade calligraphic works on paper and stone defines this property’s creative individuality, inviting guests to explore this fascinating city through a new, artistic lens. Within an arm’s reach is a bountiful array of boutique eateries and artisan cafes.
18. B&B Canal Deluxe – a romantic, unique and authentic place to stay housed in a scenic 17th-century canalside B&B
Through exposed beams, intriguing objets d’art and traditional artefacts, the stage is set for an immersive experience at Canal Deluxe, one of Bruges’s most historic B&B’s.
This graceful boutique occupies a pair of historic houses, a stone’s throw away from the main shopping and sightseeing zones of Bruges. Each of the five rooms and suites at B&B Canal Deluxe share an authentic blend of antiquity and modern comforts, overlooking the canal.
All rooms have access to courtyard gardens or terraces, meaning you can step out of your secluded haven into an atmosphere of total open-air tranquillity. A delicious breakfast is served by a log fire in winter, consisting of specially prepared, internationally infused cuisine.
19. Csar Private Guesthouse – a hip, modern and trendy boutique guesthouse located in a central location
Connecting two little Brugean houses as one diversified masterpiece, the open spaces at Csar Private Guesthouse are teeming with historical accents and opulent art.
Box spring beds and lavish amenities complement the relaxing, easy-going atmosphere in the guestrooms, which boast warm details and authentic 19th-century wooden ceilings.
The hosts live under the same roof and can assist you with tailored sightseeing recommendations which transcend any information found on the web, and you will also share the house with a small and friendly Cocker Spanish and a British Shorthair cat.
The surrounding neighbourhood consists of historical architecture amid a tranquil environment, very close to the boats and scenic waterfront of the canals.
20. Hotel Portinari – a chic and trendy boutique with a funky and modern design hotel located in a building dating from the early 20th century
Inspired by the city’s rich history and contemporary artists, Hotel Portinari offers a space brimming with Bruges pride. A subtle mix of classic luxury and modern ambiance suffuses the furnished guestrooms, which are individually characterized by a famed Belgian painter.
Inviting guests to push life’s pause button from the minute you step inside, Portinari is like a sophisticated canvas for this history-steeped city.
Old masters and young artists have showcased their bold artwork in the corridors and breakfast room, where exquisite continental feasts are served. The on-site restaurant blends local ingredients with worldly cuisine, backdropped by stunning city views.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
