It was the beginning of high season in Bruges, Belgium. Fortunately, our group of travel writers had reservations at the Grand Hotel Casselbergh, as most hotels were fully booked in early May. The hotel has been created out of three historical residences, resulting in 118 hotel rooms, combining 18th century Bruges with modern luxury.

Everyone told me that I would love Bruges, from the canals with swans gliding by, to the lace, tapestry and chocolate shops dotting this charming town. They were right. Not only is Bruges a UNESCO world heritage city, it is an easy city to navigate on foot or bicycle and holds plenty of history. It’s also a wonderful location for photographers of any skill level.

We were in Bruges to witness the Holy Blood Procession, a festive cultural parade of sorts with the majority of the towns people participating in this religious procession.

Located on Hoogstraat 6, the Grand Hotel Casselbergh looked over one of the many canals threading its way through Bruges. Our four star hotel had a great wellness center. However, I can’t image why guests would not take advantage of the wonderful walking and bike routes along the canals.

My room, #2409 was small, yet efficient. On this particular visit, the service did not represent a four star experience. I did not receive my wake up call and several of my colleagues were treated as more of a nuisance than guests of the hotel.

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If you are planning a visit to Bruges, rent the self-titled movie In Bruges. You’ll see the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, where Colin Farrell stayed in the movie. Nearby, the Hotel de Tuilerieen is where Farrell actually slept as a visitor while filming In Bruges.

IF YOU GO:

Grand Hotel Casselbergh 32 (0)50 44 65 00

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of  Grand Hotel Casselbergh.

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