In my opinion, Bruges is the ultimate European fairytale destination, with its mediaeval centre, Flemish architecture and pretty canals. Picking between Bruges hotels can make or break your trip to the Belgian city – which is precisely why I created this guide for you.
I adore the city of Bruges and have been lucky enough to experience a number of the best hotels here. As a result, I’ve handpicked 15 of the finest hotels for this list to ensure you have a luxurious, comfortable and thoroughly enjoyable stay in this charming city.
Some four and five star hotels in Bruges come with benefits like breathtaking canal views, a sumptuous spa, an inviting indoor pool, a fine dining restaurant or a stylish bar.
They’re also located close to attractions such as Grote Markt square, the Groeningemuseum and the Belfry of Bruges.
Continue reading to discover your ideal Belgian bolthole for a break in this city of beer, chocolate, canals and mediaeval buildings. Not to mention the warmest of Flemish welcomes.
15 of the best luxury hotels in Bruges
1. Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage
Address: Niklaas Desparsstraat 11, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Elegant luxury
I’d highly recommend this five star hotel in Bruges, which occupies an elegant, 19th century building in the heart of the Belgian city.
With both the Belfry of Bruges and Grote Markt square being just a few minutes’ walk away, I think the location is just spot-on.
The range of boutique-style accommodation at Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Bruges includes rooms with marble bathrooms, iPads and coffee machines. Moreover, larger suites also feature lounge areas.
Other impressive amenities offered at this boutique, central Bruges property include a bar and lounge, a sauna and steam room, a gym and a fine dining restaurant.
2. Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge
Address: Prinsenhof 8, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Grandeur
In my opinion, hotels in Bruges don’t come much grander than this one, located in a 15th century palace.
The convenient location is also a huge plus, being just five minutes on foot from the mediaeval centre.
All rooms are luxurious with marble en-suites, modern amenities and offer 24 hour room service. I love that some of the suites even boast a second floor for the ultimate feeling of spaciousness.
Hotel Dukes’ Palace Bruges has a decadent spa with a steam room and sauna, plus a fitness centre. The hotel also has a bistro and bar with a sunny terrace, perfect for alfresco dinner and drinks.
3. Hotel Van Cleef
Address: Molenmeers 11, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Canalside location
Hotel Van Cleef is a Bruges botlhole with a lot going for it – not least the canalside position, which I think is utterly dreamy
It’s also housed in a smart Italianate mansion and is just a seven minute walk from the historic Belfry of Bruges.
Guests can expect a refined blend of the classic and the contemporary within the accommodation, including features such as designer-look decor, canal views, whirlpool baths and character wooden beams.
Hotel Van Cleef has a stylish restaurant decorated with original artworks, and here there is a waterside terrace for dining by the canal – which I’d definitely recommend.
4. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Address: Wollestraat 41/47, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Deluxe rooms
Located around five minutes’ walk from Grote Markt square, I consider Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce to be one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Bruges.
Rooms here have a deluxe feel, while I love that the antique furnishings add character. The half-timbered frontage really makes this place stand out.
There are canal views from some accommodation and the property is located in the historic heart of the city. On site facilities include a choice of 16 classic, luxurious rooms plus a snug bar, lounge and tea room.
5. Hotel De Castillion
Address: Heilige-Geeststraat 1, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Character and charm
Hotel de Castillion is positioned right opposite St Salvator Cathedral and was once home to the Bishop of Bruges.
The red-brick building was a palace during the 17th century, and is now a sumptuous four star property offering accommodation that is soundproofed and packed with character.
I love that the exposed brickwork, original ceiling beams and canopied beds add charm throughout. The hotel has a lavish bar, a palatial art deco lounge and a pretty garden.
I really think this is one of the best places to stay in Bruges, plus pets are welcome upon payment of a surcharge.
6. Boutique Hotel Sablon
Address: Kopstraat 10, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Plush suites
This upmarket four star hotel in Bruges is also just five minutes on foot from Grote Markt square, and the range of accommodation available includes plush suites with freestanding bathtubs and lounge areas.
Historic Boutique Hotel Sablon is refined yet modern in style. Personally, I love its stylish Living Room bar with twinkling chandelier and crackling fireplace.
Striking pieces of contemporary art are also dotted around the property.
7. Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis
Address: Minnewater 15, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Peaceful setting
A relative newcomer to the Bruges hotel scene, Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis is located among lush green gardens in the centre of the city. It was fully renovated before reopening in the summer of 2019.
I love that the Minnewaterpark location is convenient for all the city sights, yet provides guests with a welcome feeling of space and peace.
Rooms come with deluxe amenities like Nespresso machines and luxury toiletries.
The hotel has a lovely lounge with free tea and coffee, plus an honesty bar. Champagne breakfasts are also available for the most decadent start to the day imaginable. Count me in!
8. Dukes’ Academie
Address: Wijngaardstraat 7/9, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Art fans
I’d really recommend Hotel Academie for art fans, as it’s just five minutes’ walk from the Groeningemuseum.
The charming cobbled street makes an appealing setting for a luxurious, romantic break in Bruges, close to the Lake of Love.
Hotel amenities include a fitness suite, a bar with terrace, a cosy courtyard and a breakfast room with dramatic vaulted ceilings.
Accommodation comes with facilities such as mini fridge and cable TV, and rooms are decorated in a sleek, modern style. There is also a guest gym at the property.
9. The Pand Hotel
Address: Pandreitje 16, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Romantic stay
The Tatler Guide placed the Pand Hotel in Bruges among the world’s 101 finest, so I know you’ll be in good hands here.
With the 26 rooms and shared spaces abundant in Ralph Lauren fabrics, original objets d’art and antique furnishings, I can see why.
The Pand occupies an 18th century structure, and this member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group has an intimate, secluded feel.
Being privately run means a warm welcome for every guest, and the utmost attention to detail.
There is a bar and lounge on site, concierge service to help make your trip go smoothly, and even free book and DVD hire for younger guests at The Pand.
10. Hotel De Orangerie
Address: Kartuizerinnenstraat 10, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Boutique luxury
Hotel de Orangerie is also an exclusive member of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World. This property is perched by the Den Dijver canal and is only a three minute walk from Grote Markt square.
I love that the accommodation here is classically elegant, featuring antique furnishings and a French country theme.
Modern amenities supplied include designer toiletries and Nespresso machines, and some rooms and suites boast canal views.
Breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily at the hotel within the plush dining room or on the outdoor terrace.
By evening, I think the snug bar provides the perfect setting for a relaxing drink by the fireplace.
11. Boutique Hotel Die Swaene
Address: Steenhouwersdijk 1, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Unforgettable interiors
This contender is certainly among the best hotels in Bruges as it comes with the rare advantage of an indoor swimming pool. Other impressive features include an opulent bar with canal-side terrace.
Boutique Hotel Die Swaene offers a range of accommodation, and I love that some of the palatial rooms come with canal views and romantic four-poster beds.
Some rooms have a theme – personally, I stayed in the pink room (of course I did!), where even the toilet paper was pink!
Though traditional in style, this property offers modern amenities such as WiFi throughout and flatscreen TVs alongside antique furniture and a glamorous, gilt-edged style of decor.
12. Grand Hotel Casselbergh Brugge
Address: Hoogstraat 6, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Spa facilities
With 118 rooms, Grand Hotel Casselbergh Brugge is a larger luxury hotel in Bruges. I’d recommend this one for those seeking spa facilities, plus it also has a stylish on-site bar.
Accommodation is provided in three historic Bruges homes as well as a contemporary annexe addition.
Some are therefore adorned with the likes of ceiling beams or ornate chandeliers. Some suites are split level, and come complete with sleeping lofts.
Grote Markt square is under five minutes’ walk from Grand Hotel Casselbergh Brugge.
13. Hotel De Tuilerieën
Address: Dijver 7, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Classic style
De Tuilerieën is housed in a historic building right by the canal. The imposing structure dates from the 15th century, and within there are 45 rooms.
Likewise with Boutique Hotel Die Swaene, this property also boasts an indoor pool which I’m sure will appeal to many.
Other amenities that place this property among the best hotels in Bruges include a sauna, bar and lounge, outdoor terrace and private car park.
A delicious breakfast is available daily and some accommodation comes with a balcony, patio or canal views.
Guerlain toiletries, Nespresso machines and minibars add the perfect finishing touch to the sleek, classically styled rooms.
14. Hotel Navarra Brugge
Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 41, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Historic charm
This four star Bruges hotel occupies a listed building. From the elegant facade to the sweeping spiral staircase within, I really think that this is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city.
Highlights of Hotel Navarra include a private car park, a sunny terrace, a wellness centre with spa, sauna, pool and gym, and The Duke jazz bar.
Hotel Navarra Brugge is an iconic, family-owned, well-run property that’s also located just a couple of minutes on foot from Grote Markt square.
15. Hotel Aragon
Address: Naaldenstraat 22, 8000 Brugge
Best for: Sweeping city views
Hotel Aragon is also centrally located, yet is tucked away on a traditional Bruges cobblestone street. I love the sweeping views over the city from the rooms within, and some come with private balconies.
With 42 rooms, the hotel is large enough to offer some impressive facilities, yet I appreciate that it has a more personal feel than the bigger properties.
A guest lounge provides a relaxing space by day and doubles up as a bar each evening. Breakfast is also available each morning.
This four star property offers a great range of comfortable rooms, superb service and a convenient, central location for your Bruges break.
Planning a trip to Bruges? Read my Bruges travel guide, discover my pick of the best things to do in Bruges or seek out the very best Michelin-recommended restaurants in Bruges in my guide
If you can’t decide which Belgian city to visit, read my comparison guide for Bruges or Brussels.