Fodor's Expert Review Hotel de Orangerie

Hotel de Orangerie, one of a swarm of boutique hotels that have colonized central Bruges, is family owned---and perhaps the most enchanting of its kind. Perched delicately over the Den Dyver canal, it lies in the beating heart of the city but just far enough removed from the busy main street. What was once a former 15th-century convent has been sensitively renovated. Rooms pitch hardwood floors against soft, flowery drapes, antique furniture, tapestries, and neutral tones. Afternoon teas range from the cream to the Champagne variety and are served daily (2–5) in the conservatory overlooking the water. They are worth a try (€20–€40) even if you're not staying here. While the bar is in essence a simple living room with a fireplace, it oozes stately home elegance—a phrase that accounts for much of the interior.