bevfremont

We three (2 rooms) will be 1 night, 2 days, in Brussels; 2 nights, 2days in Bruges - unfortunately on a Th., Fri. and Sat. Suggestions, please, for places to stay, eat. We are foodies on a budget.

uflecku

No 11 Guest House in Bruges. Stayed there many years ago and it was fantatic. Very small (3 rooms), so might be tough for you to get two rooms depending on how soon your travels are.

http://www.number11.be/index.asp?taal=uk

Bitter

I'd be very suprised if there weren't a number of threads on these two locations. You might try to search, if you haven't already.

Brussels: stay near the Grand Place. Last year I stayed at the Novotel, between the station and GP. I'm not going to say I loved it, but the price was ok and the location was excellent.

Brugges: We stayed at the Botaniek. Good price, good location, good breakfast, nice host. I really liked it.

I'll let some other self-proclaimed "foodie" chime in on restaurants.

farrermog

In Brussels and Brugge just a few weeks ago and very pleased with my hotels - the Scandic Grand Place and Hotel Loreto respectively, the first just five minutes walk from Brussels Central and near the Grand Place (walk through the St Hubbert galleries/ arcade on the way) and the second about ten minutes walk from the Brugge train station on the way to the centre of the old town, the Markt. The Loreto doesn't have many rooms, so you may need to book early to secure two. Very good buffet breakfasts included at both and for dinner in Brugge a nice place to eat is De Postiljon, just along the street (Katelijnestraat) from the Loreto.

bevfremont

Thank you for the input - hope we can land one of your suggestions; because we arrive on a Friday, for a weekend, many of them unavvailable. We will definitely try DePostiljon - reservations needed?

farrermog

bevfremont - I'd think booking De Postiljon would be a good idea as the small room filled up quickly on a Sunday night in March. As I've said elsewhere, from what I saw of tourist numbers in Brugge in late March, admittedly on a weekend in beautiful weather, I wouldn't particularly relish visiting in the high season. Also, in respect of my Brussels hotel, the Scandic Grand Place, some may find the rooms (the double I was in anyway) a bit dark and stuffy, but otherwise I thought it was good value for money - the location, staff, breakfast, bath - and from what I saw obviously a lot of European business people do too.

bevfremont

Ferrermog; Many thanks - will make De Postiljon reservation!

4bams

just got back from brugge and we stayed at the ter duinen hotel. quite lovely. one of the busiest weekends of the year (easter) so I saw the crowds, but do not let that deter you from going. there was lots of space at restaurants, and we did a tour (quasimodo triple treat) that only had 12 people on it so again do not fret about the weekend. we went biking in the countryside- fabulous! few people as well. i would not worry about booking restaurants ahead- let the hotel recommend a few places when you get there and wander over. stay away from the market square for dinner- food ok and pricey/touristy. we ate very will in brugge!

Sominex

We're staying at the Hotel Patritius in Bruge; checked it out on Tripadvisor.com and got really good reviews....
Also after dropping off our car, we are staying at the Ibis Brussels off Grand' Place; checked it out and got average reviews but it's right on the Grand Place and within walking distance to the train station so we can take it to the airport in the morning.
Hope this helps.
Som