August 30th, 2009 — europe
ACCOMMODATION IN Denmark, like most things Danish, is usually high quality, spotlessly clean and well run, albeit at a price. Perhaps Denmark’s most characterful form of accommodation is the kro, the historic stagecoach inn. Located on main roads (don’t worry – Danish traffic light), the kro is ideal for touring the country and it offers value for money. Leaving aside the lights of Copenhagen and other large cities, Denmark remains essentially a rural country. Farmhouse holidays are enduringly popular, and economical. Staying on a farm for a few days as well as in a hotel or inn could make a happy combination. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
BOUILLON Hotels – Hostellerie la Pommeraie
At this grand hotel, dine on the terraces in sight of Bouillon’s floodlit medieval castle in summer.
Borgloon Hotels -Kasteel van Rullingen
The public rooms at this serene lakeside castle have grand chandeliers and pastoral wall paintings; bedrooms are decorated in a simpler style but with beautiful casement windows. On summer weekends the chapel is a popular place for weddings. Under new management. Rullingen 1, 3840 Borgloon.
CORBION-SUR-SEMOIS Hotels – Hotel des Ardennes
This family-run hotel run in wooded countryside has two excellent restaurants, a pool table and games for children. rue de la Hate 1, 6838 Corbion. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
Brussel Hotels – Manos Premier
A spectacularly styled hotel of deep comfort and character, the Manos feels like a large and elegant private home where everything has been carefully thought out to charm and surprise. There are comfortable public rooms overlooking an extensive garden, and a fitness suite with Moroccan-style hammam. Chaussée de Charleroi 100-106, 1060 Brussel. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
Brugge Hotels – Oud-Huis Amsterdam
This canalside hotel with a 400-year-old façade is packed with antique treasures. Córdoba leather covers some walls, and there are original 18th-century chimneypieces and staircases. Bedrooms are individually decorated and furnished. There’s a bar in the old kitchen, a crackling fire in the breakfast room in winter, and a courtyard terrace for summer drinks. Spiegelrei 3, 8000 Brugge Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
Antwerpen Hotels- De Witte Lelie
This modish yet restfully decorated B&B hotel occupies three interlinked 16th-century houses in the oldest street in Antwerp, and is run by a mother and son. High ceilings emphasize the spaciousness of the bedrooms. In the morning, a filling breakfast is accompanied by the day’s newspapers. NKeizerstraat 16-18, 2000 Antwerpen. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
BELGIUM AND ITS diminutive neighbour have much in common: they fall naturally into the same section. Many of their old castles and pretty half-timbered mansions have been converted into luxury hotels, and everywhere you will find an emphasis on food. Some hotels do two rounds of breakfast (the second starting at 11am). Expect generous portions.Simple soup can turn out to be a ‘relay race’ of several different flavours; a humble espresso may be elaborated with a side order of whipped cream and pralines. If the eating gets too much, you could try resting your liver at a ‘thermal centre’, such as one of those found in the Belgian town of Spa – parent of ‘health farms’ worldwide. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
GRONINGEN Hotels – Hotel Corps de Garde
Bedrooms are in military guards’ former sleeping quarters in this relaxed hotel, which dates from 1634. Oude Boteringestraat 74, 9712 GN Groningen Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
Hotel Blakes
Overlooking the prestigious Keizersgracht canal, Blakes is arguably the city’s chicest hotel. Anouska Hempel has created a stylish retreat in a discreet location. Rooms are decorated in luxury fabrics and individually themed on Dutch history. The restaurant’s cuisine is equally distinctive, inspired by 16th-century merchant adventurers. Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
Aduard Hotels – Hotel Herberg Onder de Linden
In an inn dating back to 1735 is this Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, serving enticing French and Dutch specialities. The old building is well maintained and free of historic tweeness; rooms are decorated in restful, contemporary style. Burg. van Barneveldweg 3, 9831 RD Aduard.
EDAM Hotels – De Fortuna Hotel
A row of old step-gabled houses now makes a popular restaurant with rooms, decked in pine and patchwork quilts. Spuistrat 3, 1135 AV Edam.
De Smidse Hotel
Clapboard-clad guesthouse with simple rooms, good home cooking and quite old-fashioned atmosphere. Walkers welcome. Molenweg 9, 6285 NJ Epen. Continue reading →
August 30th, 2009 — europe
DUTCH HOTELS offer some interesting contra Amsterdam you’l rows of canalhouses kno through to make one hotel. Decorated with great panache, these places mix antiques with contemporary urban Away from the big cities, you’ll find smart rusticity: old box beds, or flagged floors and candlelight, and great cooking. The level of hospitality is high, with some hotels prepared to set up the Jacuzzi or light a log fire for your arrival. If your taste is for gritty realism, head instead for the bustling port of Rotterdam, where the ‘left bank’ has been retivalized with bars and cafés, presided over by the Hotel New York , a stylish hotel in a landmark port building. Continue reading →
ACCOMMODATION IN Denmark, like most things Danish, is usually high quality, spotlessly clean and well run, albeit at a price. Perhaps Denmark’s most characterful form of accommodation is the kro, the historic stagecoach inn. Located on main roads (don’t worry – Danish traffic light), the kro is ideal for touring the country and it offers value for money. Leaving aside the lights of Copenhagen and other large cities, Denmark remains essentially a rural country. Farmhouse holidays are enduringly popular, and economical. Staying on a farm for a few days as well as in a hotel or inn could make a happy combination. Continue reading →
