Steenhouwersdijk 1, is on a canal near the city's most photogenic corner. This place is a wonderful Belgian treat that suffers from its popularity. It is still an enchanting hotel, but no longer tranquil nor a bargain as rates soar and package tourists descend with brute force, baggage in tow. Meetings, too, are becoming de riguer, commandeering public areas with impunity. Still, personal service and character prevail. The location can't be beat, just one block from the Burg, and for motorists, the hotel even manages to defy Brugge's tight streets by providing parking with valet service.
Dating partly from the 15th century, the hotel has period charm throughout. The rosy-hued, rococo reception area displays lovely flowers and period seating, and the elegant second-floor parlor
is exquisite with its gilt ceiling, tapestries, sparkling chandeliers and candelabras, and grand piano (where guests sometimes enjoy impromptu fireside recitals). The latter room is also the one most likely to be out of bounds, thanks to meetings.
The full breakfast—often included in the rates—is served in the renovated streetside salon amid roses and good silver. To the rear is the formal restaurant (closed two weeks in July and January). Intimate and elegant with its shimmering red satin drapes, it offers exquisite food and attentive service. It also features a winter garden overlooking a courtyard with sculptures. A cozy after-hours bar adds further pleasure.
One of the big surprises is the small indoor pool and sauna nestled in a Japanese-style garden. Antiques and Jose Storie originals adorn the delightful loft function room for 25, a large pillared and beamed attic with an immense stone fireplace backing red velvet sofas and massive wooden tables.
The individually decorated guest quarters are all romantically appointed with thick fabrics and carpeting in rich hues, papered walls, period antiques culled from around the world, fresh flowers, art and fine attention to architectural detail. All have minibars, phones, TVs, tall windows that open and mostly small tiled combination baths with hair dryers, robes, WCs and ample toiletries (although little vanity space for anything else). Some units have canopied or half-tester beds, and some 
boast fireplaces, delicate chandeliers, or private patios. Canal views are in 14 rooms, with the rest facing the garden court. The street is very quiet at night. The hotel has renovated another historic brick town house directly across the canal which adds eight rooms, two suites, and a conservatory that houses a new restaurant at the water's edge where drinks and light meals are served overlooking the canal. Pets are allowed, and turndown and babysitting services are offered.
The blue-ribbon staff is as appealing as this little gem, but crowds keep tranquility at bay. The equally luxurious Pandhotel proves a viable option when this one is full.
