B&B Royal Swans — Hotel in Bruges

On a road trip through Europe, Bruges was on our list as we’d never visited. After reviewing lots of hotels we found the Royal Swans as it met our needs. Just outside the outer canal in a quiet area but walking distance to the centre, perfect for a 3 night stay. On arrival we were given a very warm welcome from Griet. We were shown to our room which was a lovely mix of up-cycled furniture and fittings along with modern essentials. Griet spent time telling us about the theme of the room and talking about where she had obtained the furniture and fixings along with their history. The room was beautiful and designed with real thought and passion. Griet then spent time telling us the best places to visit and eat in Bruges along with some interesting history. When we returned to the hotel each afternoon, we had been left homemade cake in our rooms which was a nice thought. We loved the breakfast which you select the day before and it’s delivered to your room on a little trolly at your chosen time. We had a private courtyard where we sat each day in the towel robes provided and enjoyed the breakfast. You can also take your trolly to a roof terrace if you prefer. Our room had a Kettle, microwave, toaster and coffee percolator along with tea and ground coffee. It was 31c deg outside when we were there but the room was a nice temperature and the bed large and really comfortable so we slept well. The hotel was easy to find and you can park outside the hotel for 2 hours then for free unlimited time a couple of streets away which is easy to find but Griet will give you directions.|We were initially concerned about the booking process as we couldn’t pay directly with credit card and was requested to transfer money directly which is something UK residents are advised not to do. We raised our concerns and the hotel completely understood and sent us a ‘wise’ invoice so i could download the app and pay with a credit card which was easy.|We stayed in 7 hotels on our trip including large chain hotels but the Royal Swans was our favourite and the lovely friendly greeting from Griet along with her attention to detail made it very special. A lovely hotel, great for couples looking for something a bit different.|Would we stay again? Definitely. ...

The only place to stay when visiting Brugge. This is a brand new B&B ran by two wonderful hosts Griet and Maarten. This was our first ever visit to Brugge but this is the only place we will now stay if we return. What an amazing find. A boutique top quality B&B just outside the main city walls. You can be in the centre within a 10 minute walk. The rooms are contemporary and lovingly created incorporating historic items lovingly restored by Griet. For example in one of our rooms was a stain glassed window from the local church now placed between the en-suite bathroom and bedroom. This is just one wonderful example. On arrival Griet gave us detailed information about the city and places to go including historical information. Her knowledge is amazing and we were lucky to have her advice! Maarten also greeted us with homemade bread pudding laced with Rum on our arrival! He also made beautiful pastry creations every day which were left in our rooms for us to enjoy at our leisure. Breakfast was perfect and Griet went the extra mile for us so we and our friends could share breakfast in the same room. Nothing was any trouble. Parking was easy and there was no issue locating the free car park less than a 5 minute walk away, with Griet's help. The area is very safe and the car was fine. There is a little park next to the B&B on the way back from Brugge. We stopped there a few times to enjoy wine from the outside bar which is open quite late. A lovely atmosphere. As I say, this place is a true find. A perfect haven in a perfect location with the most perfect hosts. An absolute must when visiting Brugge and we will most certainly be back. Thank you Griet and Maarten. Brilliant in every respect. Wendy, Wendy, Diane...

The gold standard! Bruges is a beautiful place to visit, but staying here made it even more of a magical trip. Griet and Maarten have put so much thought into this place, and I absolutely loved that you could see and feel that - all the little touches!|We stayed in the Guido Gezelle room. The B&B is run with sustainability at its heart and that includes the sourcing of the furnishings - our bathroom door was originally a front door; and it had grilles from a radiator put in; there was a wonderful vintage dresser - and it was all supremely clean and neat, with a comfy, spacious bed.|My partner and I slept so well here - it was quiet, dark and comfortable.|There was a well equipped kitchenette and I loved that the coffee grounds were provided to a local business which used them to grow mushrooms which were then made into burgers for sale. |Breakfast is ordered in advance so there is no waste and you get exactly what you want, all silently delivered on a delightful trolley full of (again) thougtful little touches.|We were visiting for my birthday and they hung balloons and provided some cake on arrival.|Griet gave us a great rundown of Bruges and some top tips for places to visit and things to do.|The food was delicious as well! I wish I'd taken some photos of the room and the bits I loved, but you'll have to just put up with the terrible ones I did take - cute pastry! Cute notes! Wonderful swan salt and pepper shaker!|I cannot rate this place highly enough and would...