Tucked away along a quiet street facing the canal, this traditional and delightful hotel is perfectly located for visiting the old masters at the Groeninge museum, or for strolling over tiny bridges and along the canal to reach the main Burg and Markt squares. The past is ever-present here: walk through the front door into the lounge, and you’re greeted with 18th-century painted panels, antique furniture, and large, comfortable sofas for sinking into by the fire. The same style maintains in the guest rooms, where there are plush fabrics, bold colors, and antique furniture. Eight of the rooms are in a building on the other side of the canal, which also houses the conservatory-style La Pergola restaurant and a patio for sunny meals. Rooms in this part are larger than in the main hotel and have an over-the-top, almost Napoleonic style of décor, with huge half-canopy beds and dark red colors. Some rooms are at canal level, which may be disconcerting. There’s also a sauna, as well as a small pool, which is a real plus and unusual for Bruges.