Hotel Patritius

This 1830-built mansion is run by family owners Elvi and Garrett, who receive praise for their friendly and hands-on attitude. Tweeting birds in a three-tiered cage by the winding lobby staircase make for a homey welcome, and they sit near an antique desk, chandelier, and knickknacks. Off reception, which isn't staffed 24/7, is a beautiful breakfast room with intricate white molding, a chandelier, gold-patterned wallpaper, and wooden tables with white cloths. Next to it is a small lounge with a couple of brown-leather Chesterfield sofas and chairs atop rustic hardwood floors and horse-themed artwork. Guests can have afternoon tea here, although taking it in the hotel's green garden is a popular summer alternative. Expect period touches throughout, although rooms mix in some contemporary touches. Guests are mostly couples on vacation and the atmosphere is peaceful. 

The hotel is on a small, quiet street in the city's heart, an ideal spot for travelers looking to explore Bruges on foot. The main Market Place is just a five-minute walk, and an abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops surround the property. Lumina Domestica Lamp Museum and the Choco-Story Museum are a three-minute walk, while the Basilica of the Holy Blood is just one minute farther. The shopping and dining district, Wollestraat, is a six-minute walk, while canals are within a five-minute walk "Lake of Love" Minnewater Park is 25 minutes on foot or by bus. A bus stop around the corner makes for a 25-minute journey to Bruges Railway Station, which offers connections to Ghent's historic town. Ostend-Bruges Airport is a 40-minute drive or twice that by public transport while it's 90 minutes by car from Antwerp Airport (or two hours by public transit).

All refurbished in 2007 or 2010, the 16 cozy rooms have a mix of period-inspired furniture and contemporary accents for an elegant finish. Design can vary a bit, but expect hardwood floors and lovely wood-beam ceilings, wide-striped wallpapers in multi-tonal blues, grays or reds, damask-patterned bed throws and curtains, and framed equestrian artwork. Standard Rooms come in at at a compact 17 square meters (183 square feet), while Superior and Family Rooms are slightly larger. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, desks, safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, but only upgraded units have kettles. Note that there's a fee for cribs. Garden-facing rooms are quieter, however, even those overlooking the street aren't that noisy. Glossy white-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, quality toiletries, and old hose-style hairdryers.

Hotel Patritius is light on amenities, lacking a full restaurant and wellness facilities of any kind, though most guests don't seem to mind as they spend their days outside the property. The only meal offered is a continental buffet breakfast (fee) with boiled and scrambled eggs, fresh-baked breads and pastries with jams, cold hams and cheeses, cereals, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, plus tea and coffee. Breakfast and afternoon tea and coffee can both be taken in a charming garden with tables and chairs. A computer in the lounge is free for guests to use. Private parking is available for a fee, and advanced reservations are recommended. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.