Detailed Review
De Orangerie Hotel, which used to be a small convent in the fifteenth century, is located right on the most picturesque canal of medieval Bruges in the very heart of the city centre. It has been converted to a wonderful "boutique" hotel, furnished with exclusive fabrics, antiques and objets d’art, all brought together by the lady of the house, who is an antiques dealer and interior decorator. In the elegant lounge along the canal, guests can relax by the open fire, in comfortable sofas, while going through the available art books or international magazines and enjoying a drink which is served round the clock. The winter garden lounge with its views on the “trompe l’oeil” Italian gardens is a haven of rest and tranquillity in fresh white and light-grey colours. All 20 bedrooms have been individually decorated with many antiques (authentic mirrors, engravings and paintings), reprint wall tapestry of 18th-century collections and thickly stuffed matching curtains which revitalise the atmosphere of times gone by. Nevertheless the rooms offer all the modern comfort that the discerning traveller expects (direct dial telephone with modem/fax-connection, mini-bar, remote control television with most European channels, clock-radio, safe, air-conditioning, marble bathrooms, hairdryer, magnifying mirror, WIFI-internet and 24 hour room service ). We provide valet-parking to our garage, which is approximately 120 meters from the hotel. We highly recommend the typical English “Afternoon Tea” on the waterfront terrace where the small boats leave every 15 minutes for a trip on the canal or in the dining room with its stunning collection of 17th- and 18th-century portraits. Some guests may prefer a refreshing Flemish beer, an aperitif, one of our 18 single malt whiskys or any other request, which will be professionally looked after by one of the butlers.
Press Quotes
"A beautifully restored 15th-century convent, this ivy-clad boutique hotel is perched on the banks of the Den Dijver in the centre of Bruges. It's an ideal base for exploring." The Independent 07
Independent Reviews
-
"An intimate townhouse retreat, a short stroll from the Markt, with views over the canal and a stylish, contemporary interior."
Hotel de Orangerie
By Gemma Pitcher
Position-wise, the Orangerie couldn’t be better – its ivy-clad front looks out over the Dijver, one of the widest canals in Bruges, and relatively cool and spacious even among the tourist hordes of high summer. Built in the fifteenth century, the building was once a convent, and the 20 rooms still have a cloistered feeling – they’re all different shapes and sizes, with low ceilings and tiny leaded windows. Quite a challenge for an interior designer – but Pieter Porters, who created the Orangerie and its cross-canal sister hotel the Tuilieeren, has succeeded brilliantly, with each room individually designed incorporating original features such as fireplaces, and furniture expertly fitted around nooks and corners without ever seeming cramped. Clever lighting ensures that any lack of natural daylight isn’t a problem. The public spaces – lobby, lounge, breakfast room and terrace - are modern in feel, with light woods, red panelling, and plenty of quirky details including a carillion-shaped umbrella stand and a stuffed goose standing watch over an indoor pond complete with carp and terrapins. Service is quick and efficient, but opt for breakfast downstairs rather than in your room – cold toast, no milk and dry croissants appear on the tray rather than the hearty fare on offer on the buffet. Guests here can use the lovely swimming pool and jacuzzi at the Orangerie’s sister hotel the Tuilieeren, just across the canal. Rooms with disabled access are available.
© Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved
Client Reviews
Ground floor room for disabled use is well kitted
Posted by Christopher Goodchild on 2004-05-14.
