Hotel Academie

The Academie Hotel is a historic former malt house that has been restored and updated to fit contemporary guest needs. Wood accents, plush and velvety chairs, and the original brickwork arches in the breakfast room feel inviting and antique while a stylish lobby and bar/lounge add some modern touches. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow generous natural light in near the staircase and an enclosed, beautiful outdoor courtyard offers privacy as well as outdoor chairs. The indoor Winter Garden features trees, greenery, and seating in addition to a bright, large glass ceiling. There is also a children’s play area the corner of the room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel’s common areas, but not in the rooms. Additionally, the morning breakfast includes a wide assortment of items and receives great reviews.

Located on a quiet street near the center of Bruges, the Academie Hotel is within walking distance to The Minnewater (Lake of Love), Grote Markt, the Bruges Train Station, De Halve Maan Brewery, public transportation, businesses, and numerous shops and restaurants. It sits away from the loud, bustling tourist traffic yet most destinations are within a five to 15-minute walk. Popular places are accessible via public transportation and renting a car is only crucial if you plan on venturing outside of the city limits.  

Rooms at this hotel vary to accommodate different types of travelers. Although the Budget Single room is tiny with only a twin mattress and small bathroom, the Triple room is large and has enough room for a family. Bright decorative pillows, trendy art, and red bed linens add some color to the otherwise neutral palette. There are mini-fridges, electric kettles, hairdryers, desks, seating areas, and flat-screen TVs in every room. Some rooms have a single bathroom sink while others have two, and in certain rooms there are a limited amount of bathroom amenities available (and some bathrooms fixtures and tiles are a little dated). All rooms have shower/tub combos except the single, which has a stall shower. 

The Academie Hotel has a fitness center with several machines and weights, but it has no windows or natural light (though machines do face a pretty, painted mural). Room service hours are limited and there is parking available, but it incurs a daily fee. There is no pool, business center, or restaurant (except for the breakfast room, which is only used during that meal); however, comfortable velour furniture and a traditional Belgian wooden bar decorate the on-site bar/lounge and give it a snug and inviting feel.