Hotel Martin’s Relais

Situated on a small leafy square in a quiet residential area, Hotel Martin's Relais overlooks the Spiegelrei, one of Bruges' prettiest canals. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from Market Square and the busiest section of the city, but it's far enough that guests feel like they're getting away from it all. The hotel is housed in five historic canal houses once owned by wealthy merchants. In the 18th century, the houses were rebuilt with typical Bruges stepped gables, two bull’s-eye windows, and high round-arch door. The hotel has a quintessentially Bruges feel and lots of character. Guests enter the hotel to a traditionally elegant reception area with beige-yellow walls, blue carpet, red upholstered chairs, large gilt-framed mirror, and wood-burning fireplace with an antique clock on the mantle. 

The elegant bar is a warm, welcoming space and resembles a drawing room. It is decorated with a crystal chandelier, Flemish painting reproductions, antique credenza, and a fireplace. Another superb decorative feature of the property is the original oak staircases with hand-carved railings. The enclosed, secluded garden features topiary, landscaping, and white roses in warm weather. The terrace with table and chairs is a lovely, peaceful place to enjoy the sunshine or an evening drink. The Hotel Martin's Relais draws a largely tourist crowd, who appreciate the historic charm and prime location a short walk to Market Square and other attractions. Couples love the romantic and cozy feel, while business types make use of several meeting salons and a grand library meeting room overlooking the canal. 

The Hotel Martin's Relais is located on the Spiegelrei canal in a mainly residential section of central Bruges. It's an excellent location for tourists, with shops, restaurants, cafes, and nearly all the top tourist attractions of Bruges within walking distance. It's a great place from which to explore the city by foot or bicycle and is also relatively easily accessible by car. The Brugge Jan Van Eyckplein bus station is a one-block walk southwest and the Choco-Story Museum is a two-minute walk south of the hotel. Market Square and the Belfort medieval tower are a five-minute walk southwest and the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a five-minute walk south. St. Salvator's Cathedral is a 10-minute walk southwest and the area with the Groeninge Museum, Gruuthuse Museum, and Church of Our Lady is a 10-minute walk south of the hotel. The area with the Beguinage convent, De Halve Maan Brewery, and Minnewater Lake are a 20-minute walk south. The Bruges train station is a 10-minute drive south and Ostend-Bruges International Airport is a 35-minute drive west of the Martin's Relais.

The Martin's Relais has 44 non-smoking rooms in five buildings of three floors each. Elevator access is available but there is also a back entrance with stairs. Rooms come in Charming, Great, and Exceptional categories. Pleasant rooms are fairly simple in their decor, with a gracious feel and a few boutique touches. Rooms have a largely rust-red and beige color palette, with beige walls, dark-wood furniture, upholstered chairs, and some framed pictures. Most rooms have striped red carpets, and some rooms have hardwood floors. Some rooms have elements like striped bedspreads, striped colored throw pillows and curtains, framed mirrors, and gilt-framed pictures. Rooms are clean and generally quiet, although some rooms may get a little street noise, and some floorboards creak and can be heard in neighboring rooms. 

Rooms range in size from 270 to 700 square feet and come with air-conditioning, although some guests may not find it quite cold enough and may need to open windows. Other standard amenities include hairdryers, in-room safes (fits most laptops), minibars, electric kettles, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with HD and English-speaking channels. Great rooms add sitting areas, and Exceptional rooms have bathrobes and slippers, a bottle of wine, Belgian chocolates, original parquet floors, and authentic crossbeams. Some rooms have a view of the hotel garden or the adjacent canal. Bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well lit, but some sinks have limited counter space. 

Hotel Martin's Relais has a few lovely on-site facilities, though there is no fitness center or full restaurant. One highlight amenity is the breakfast buffet (for a fee) with items including scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, smoked salmon, croissants, toast, pastries, fruit, cereal, yogurt, coffee, tea, and juice. The private outdoor garden with a spacious terrace is another property highlight, particularly during warm weather when guests take advantage of the outdoor tables and chairs. The charming lobby bar has a cozy drawing room feel and features a fairly limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and offers views of the canal. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, safe deposit box, public computer, and bicycle rental. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Secure public parking is available nearby for a fee. The friendly staff is able to offer excellent recommendations for sightseeing and dining.