Prinsenhof 8, Bruges, Belgium | (251) 219-4428
Only advertised five-star hotel in Bruges; extensive property features offered
Classic rooms with rich decor, minibars, and chandeliers
Grand buffet breakfast including slabs of Belgian chocolate and champagne
Elegant restaurant and bar with variety of draft beers
Fitness center with a handful of machines including two treadmills
Spa with sauna and hammam
Beautiful outdoor terrace with seating areas looking out at immaculate garden
Free Wi-Fi
Fee for self-parking in the underground car park
Double beds are two single beds pushed together
No dedicated concierge
Hotel Dukes' Palace is one of the top luxury hotels in Bruges, and offers a luxurious experience throughout, from the doormen service to the tasty breakfast buffet (which is a highlight). The 110 rooms are classic in style with features such as beautiful paintings, dramatic curtains, and chandeliers -- though double beds are made up of two beds pushed together. Features include a fitness center, spa with sauna, a fine dining restaurant, and a stylish lounge. The hotel has six venues for hosting events, making it a good pick for business travelers. In warm weather, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace that looks out on the beautiful garden area. But if having extensive property features on hand isn't a priority, guests may also want to consider the nearby Hotel Heritage, or the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, an upscale hotel overlooking the Dijver Canal.
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Scene
Luxurious, grand hotel with rich decor and beautiful garden -- but not up to advertised five-star standards
Hotel Dukes’ Palace is certainly a hotel that makes a statement. Using "palace" in the name is not hyperbole; the hotel is housed in a former residence of the Burgundian aristocracy, dating to the 15th century. Big wrought-iron gates open to a cobblestone courtyard in front of the hotel entrance. A revolving door brings guests into the lobby with marble columns and a rich, wooden front desk. In the next room, there is a regal lounge with purple and gold furniture and a matching rug. Outside, a terrace is available for guests to sit during warmer months and admire the landscaping. The immaculate garden area is not without whimsy; a giant red poodle is the focal point of the garden, and on one of the paths a larger-than-life rabbit statue is posed on its hind feet as if ready to pounce. Overall the atmosphere is refined and romantic. Those expecting a true five-star experience, however, may be a tad disappointed. This hotel is luxurious, to be sure, but small details prevent it from fully delivering on five-star expectations -- such as the lack of a dedicated concierge.
Location
On exclusive, quiet property within a short walk to main shopping area
The Hotel Dukes' Palace is on its own exclusive, quiet property further back from the street than most hotels in the area. The outdoor market and main shopping area are both a short walk away. The
historic center of Dijver, a destination popular for its famous medieval buildings
near the canal, is less than a 10-minute walk, and the international airport in
Ostend is less than a 35-minute drive.Those arriving by car should note that the entrance to the underground car park is at the back of the hotel, in Moerstraat 27.
Rooms
Quiet, classic rooms with rich furnishings
Rooms are all classic in style, but vary in decor with differing wallpaper and furniture. Elegant features in some rooms include crown molding, chair rails, and marble fireplaces, and the rich decor includes ceiling-to-floor curtains, beautiful paintings, and gold-framed mirrors. Note that double beds are made up of two singles pushed together (king beds are by request and based on availability). Bathrooms are modern and sleek, and most have marble tiling, but not all have separate showers and tubs; some have either glass walk-in showers or shower/tub combos (albeit nice ones). The upscale L'Occitane toiletries are a nice touch. All rooms have minibars, coffee facilities, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. One free bottle of water is provided upon arrival. Turndown service with free chocolates is provided.
Features
Restaurant and bar on-site and immaculate outdoor garden
Hotel Dukes’ Palace has an elegant restaurant, as well as a stylish bar on-site serving a variety of draft bars. The breakfast is a highlight and includes a hot and cold buffet, chocolate, and champagne. There’s a small fitness center with a handful of machines and hand weights, as well as a sauna and a spa providing massages. The hotel has six unique venues for hosting events or meetings. In warmer months, the outdoor terrace is open and looks out onto a beautiful garden area.
