NH Brugge

Guests arriving at the NH Brugge are first met by a charming, 17th-century former monastery with a typical whitewashed brick facade decorated with window boxes bursting with red flowers. Inside, however -- despite a couple nods to the property's heritage in the form of a suit of armor and medieval-looking tapestry -- the lobby lacks the historic atmosphere typical of many Bruges hotels. Interiors are a mixture of traditional elements (carved wood, rich fabrics, oil paintings) with the usual trappings of a modern -- though slightly outdated -- chain hotel, while a large portion of the rooms are housed in an adjoining unattractive concrete block which overlooks a large terrace and lawned garden. 

The hotel is situated on the corner of the main Bruges ring road and a smaller residential street just opposite the main Het Zand bus station. While the road gets a steady amount of traffic throughout the day, the hotel itself is fairly quiet, set back as it is from the road, with a large paved area with trees acting as a buffer. Although one of the less centrally located hotels, the NH Brugge is still just 10 minutes away on foot from the historic center around the Markt Square. Its position also makes it convenient for those arriving by train, with the main station well within walking distance, while its proximity to the city's ring road makes it easily accessible by car, too. 

The NH Brugge has 149 rooms, the interiors of which vary depending on the category. Standard Rooms tend to feel rather dated and chain-inspired, with old-fashioned patterned carpets and fabrics, and traditionally styled furnishings often showing signs of wear. Higher-tier rooms and suites, however, show signs of more recent renovation and have a fresher, more charming historical feel. All rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while bathrooms -- some of which could also use a refresh -- include wall-mounted hairdryers and hotel-brand bath products. Most rooms have combination shower/tubs, while suites have a separate walk-in shower and a tub. Even though they're supposedly soundproofed, some of the older rooms also have issues with internal noise. 

The hotel serves a buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order items and kids' options in the wood-beamed Ter Boeverie restaurant -- though its not generally included in the rate. The restaurant also serves a menu of Belgian-French fusion for lunch and dinner, while the hotel's cozy Jan Breydel Bar -- with low wooden beams and real log fireplace -- has a good selection of Belgian beers. Room service is available around the clock and food and drink can also be enjoyed on the outside terrace, though it is only furnished in the summer months. A fitness room with a few exercise machines is also available for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the property. There are meeting and event rooms, too.