Hans Memling Hotel

This charming property has a thoroughly Old-World vibe, and the tone is set upon entering the lobby, which has marble floors, damask wallpaper, high ceilings, and crown molding throughout. The breakfast room and bar exude an understated elegance, with crystal chandeliers, fireplaces, and crimson accents complementing the white motif. During warm weather, the private courtyard offers a secluded escape, and guests gather here to eat or just relax. Hotel Hans Memling has a quiet atmosphere, but the scene just outside is much different, as there's music late into the night at the neighboring pub, which draws the theater crowd. Families and friends traveling in groups are the majority of the hotel's clientele. 

Hotel Hans Memling is located on a busy street in central Bruges, within walking distance of many of the historic city’s top attractions. Several restaurants, bars, and shops are less than a five-minute walk, and some are within sight of the hotel. The Markt is only four minutes on foot, as is Historium, Choco-Story, and Christmas Market. The medieval Belfry of Bruges and the 12th-century Stadhuis city hall/museum are a six-minute stroll, and the Groeningemuseum is about a 10-minute walk. There's a bus stop one minute away from the hotel on foot, and the city's main train station is roughly a 12-minute ride. Ostend-Bruges International Airport is a 36-minute drive or about 75 minutes via public transit.  

High ceilings and ample space help make the guest rooms at this hotel comfortable, but they lack personality. Contemporary decor looks a bit spare, with beige or white walls, maple-colored wood furniture, and tomato-red accents for carpeting, drapes, and bed throws. All units contain brown leather or wicker armchairs, armoires, desks, small oval tables, and headboards, and they're equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but there's no air-conditioning or kettles. Windows open, but there can be noise late in the evening from the neighboring pub. The spacious bathrooms are the most attractive feature of these rooms, with white tiling, double sinks on marble vanities, and shower/tub combos. Unit options include Twin (two twins pushed together), Triple, and Quadruple, with size variations to match the additional beds. Rooms in the back of the property (away from the street) tend to be quieter.

This small hotel’s rates include a hearty hot breakfast buffet with standard American fare, served in a dining room with an adjacent courtyard for eating, drinking, and socializing when it's warm outside. There's also a full-service bar with a solid selection of Belgian beers. The front desk, which has a safe deposit box, doesn't stay open 24 hours, but a night manager lives next door for guests arriving late. There is no on-site parking, but a public garage is around the corner from the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout.