Hotel De Medici

Though the Golden Tulip De’ Medici Hotel -- which opened in 1992 -- advertises a four-pearl status, its public spaces and exterior have not been renovated since 2004, and the property shows its age. Dated elements include faded carpets, 80s-style leather couches and chairs, dropped-ceiling tiles, and visible wear and tear in some furniture. Only some of the guest rooms were updated in 2014, while the rest are still waiting on a refresh. Public spaces have Japanese-inspired theme that includes a Japanese garden and Japanese artwork complementing the red-and-black color scheme of the bar. Though its dated aspects make it a mid-range property, it has potential for more, with lovely details like spiral staircases, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the garden, and large halls with exposed wooden beams. The hotel mainly draws couples, who are attracted by the decent rates.

This property is north of the city center in a residential neighborhood next to a canal. Since Bruges is a walkable city, it’s fairly easy to reach most of the attractions. Markt, the 14th-century Stadhuis, and the Belfry can be reached in 12 minutes on foot, while the Church of Our Lady in Bruges is a 17-minute walk away. The immediate area lacks dining or shopping options, though those can be reached in the center within 10 minutes. There’s a bus stop across the canal from the hotel, while the main train station is about a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes away via public transportation. Ostend-Bruges International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, or about 70 minutes by public transit. 

Rooms here are divided between Comfort Rooms and Suites, which were renovated in 2014, while the rest have dated decor. The hotel also renovated one room in March of 2016, but was unable to continue renovations this year. The updated rooms are modern though basic, with crimson carpet, wood-veneer furniture, and mink-brown statement walls, while Standard Rooms have faded red carpets, striped yellow and red curtains, old-fashioned lamps, and wooden furniture with brass accents and signs of wear and tear. Windows overlook the canal, the street, or the Japanese garden. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have either white (in updated rooms) or salmon marble tile. Most have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries in wall dispensers, whereas Suites come with separate showers and jetted tubs. Smoking rooms are available.

The hotel has little in the way of features that you might expect of a property that claims four-pearl facilities, with no on-site restaurant. Many of the features are quite dated, such as the sauna, hot tub, and steam bath, which are great on-site options, but they're due for a makeover, and they cost a fee to use. The gym is free, but it only has six machines. The hotel’s bar, Damme, serves light snacks and drinks, and offers views of the Japanese garden. An American breakfast is offered in the morning and is included in most room rates. Business travelers may appreciate eight fully equipped meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome and parking is available, but both incur a daily fee.