An affordable boutique hotel in Europe’s best-preserved medieval city

The Hotel

Hotel Marcel, Bruges

A quintessentially European hotel located within Bruges’ city walls.

Check-in

Located within the walls of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, the Hotel Marcel is just two blocks from the Grote Markt in the centre of town. Arriving by train and knowing the city well, I opt to walk the 15 minutes along the canals and through the cobbled streets to the hotel, although with more luggage, I’d recommend a taxi. The city’s strict policy against vacation homes in the historic centre, along with its focus on small-scale hotel growth, means reasonably priced boutique hotels like the Marcel have thrived. I arrive at 11am, and am happily surprised to find my room ready. I’m handed a code for the front door, which closes at 6pm.

The look

Few cities are as picture perfect as Bruges.

Occupying a building constructed in 1901, the hotel sits quietly on a cobbled street and features a subtle entrance. On entry there is a small reception nook. A set of stairs and a tiny elevator are located to the right; to the left, a courtyard, cafe and bar. There are 20 non-smoking rooms over three floors, while four family rooms are in an adjacent building. The hotel has opted for a modern, minimalist design, juxtaposed by pops of colour provided by wall-sized photographs of Bruges tourist attractions, including windmills, canals and churches in every room.

The room

The bathroom sink is in the main bedroom.

Staying at the Hotel Marcel is a quintessentially European hotel experience: you can’t swing a cat, but it’s comfortable and clean. I’m in room 22, which features a massive wallpaper print of the eaves of the local Jerusalem Chapel. The bathroom is a simple, frosted shoebox affair with toilet and shower; the sink (with mirror) is in the main room (a similar setup to what you’ll find in older homes in the Netherlands and Belgium). I’m glad I’m travelling alone, as the frosted glass wouldn’t leave much to the imagination.

Food + drink

Bruges has a huge culinary pedigree, and it’s a short stroll to both casual street snacks like waffles or Michelin-starred fine dining, as well as the 80 chocolate shops the city is renowned for. The hotel offers a wonderful European-style breakfast bar for in-house guests, which is included if you book direct. The front desk manager boils eggs for me (in between checking out guests), while there are cheese slices wrapped in handy little packages, fresh prosciutto, and good coffee on offer.

Out + about

Hotel Marcel is centrally located, but on a quieter street, featuring a mix of businesses, residences and hotels away from the heavily trafficked tourist drag. It’s also next to a small laundromat (a blessing if you’re on the road for an extended period). Bruges itself is compact and beautiful: along with its incredible food and beer scene, there is remarkable medieval architecture, beautiful canals (don’t miss a boat tour) and a rich collection of museums featuring everything from high art to early medicine. Australian artist Patricia Piccinini has had her work The Bridge displayed alongside incredible Hans Memling works at the newly renovated Museum SintJanshospitaal.

The verdict

Comfortable and clean rooms with a statement piece on the walls.

Cheap and clean, this is a great hotel to plan a rest day or two on a bigger European trip.

The essentials

Rooms from $155 a night. Hotel & Cafe Marcel, Niklaas Desparsstraat 7-9, 8000 Bruges, Belgium. See hotelmarcel.be

Our rating out of five
★★★★

Highlight

The views of the streets below.

Lowlight

The small lift is a little claustrophobic. I opted to take the stairs.

The writer stayed as a guest of Visit Bruges.