Property
The Kempinski Hotel Duke’s Palace Bruges is a new 5-star hotel located in a refurbished 15^th century ducal palace in the center of Bruges. The 93 spacious rooms are done up in palatial style but that doesn’t mean this hotel doesn’t cater to the toddler set. Even when they stomp up and down the palace’s main wooden staircase.

Location
The hotel is located on the Prinsenhof, just steps away from one of Bruges’ main shopping streets, as well as a quick walk (about 5 minutes) to the famous Markt square with its Belfry, 10 minutes to the canals, and 15 minute drive to the Boudewijn Sea Park.

Sleeps
2-6. Of the 93 rooms, 22 are suites that can sleep larger families. Others may have to splurge on additional rooms.

Highlights
What kid wouldn’t love to stay in a palace? The hotel’s décor keeps to its medieval roots and makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. But the property is not the only attraction – the staff is as happy to give 5-star service to its child patrons as the adults, whether it be to get them that extra glass of juice at breakfast before they ask for it or to help them with a jumping game in the front courtyard.

Good to know
Bruges gets both hot and crowded in the peak of summer. For fewer lines, lower prices and better comfort, try to come in the shoulder season – April-May or September-October.

Written by Kayt Sukel

Property
There are those people who tend to get a little sniffy when they see the words “Best Western.” I have just one thing to say to those people: indoor heated swimming pool. Besides, the Hotel Navarra is an elegant 17th-century mansion (listed as a historic monument) that still features much of its original charm, so it’s not like you’d be staying in an Ikea building or anything.

Location
The hotel is situated in the very heart of Bruges, nearby the world famous Market Square and its Belfry Tower and close to all major attractions including shopping, dining out, canal boat trips, and (should you dare with kids) museums. Bruges is a children’s paradise. Besides the canals and boats, there are horse-drawn carriage rides, pocket parks, and chocolatiers on every corner.

Sleeps
2-4; more in connecting rooms.

Highlights
Buffet breakfast included.

Good to know
I urge some restraint in allowing small children to eat their weight in truffles. We were once confined to our hotel room in Bruges for many hours while my two-year-old worked out some explosive chocolate-related digestive issues.

Contact
www.hotelnavarra.com

Written by Jamie Pearson