Boutique Hotel Sablon
Poets’ haunt
Cobbled, gabled old town
Frou-frou fans, look away: Boutique Hotel Sablon may flaunt a 16th-century façade, but, fresh from a head-to-toe renovation, this city-centre stay is thoroughly of the moment. It was once a favourite haunt of a literary and bohemian crowd; expect bold interiors and quirky artwork alongside nods to the age and history of the building. Make like Verlaine and co and linger a while with a cocktail in hand, shooting the breeze on the inviting terrace. Bruges’ delights, when they’re needed, will be just a few steps away.
Facilities
Rooms
43, including nine suites.
Checkout
11am. Earliest check-in, 3pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.
More Details
Rates don’t usually include the lavish buffet breakfast rustled up from fresh local produce, including made-to-order omelettes and daily specials (€35 each).
Also
Make a pitstop in Boutique Hotel Sablon’s courtyard, cheerfully dressed with neon-bright furniture and bold, playful artwork.
Free Internet Access
Room Service
At the Hotel
Courtyard terrace, lounge, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, air-conditioning, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, tea, free bottled water, Codage toiletries.
Our Favourite Rooms
Rooms are pared down but cosseting: expect oversized leather headboards, tactile rugs and cushions, and handpicked artwork evoking the building’s storied past. French poet Paul Verlaine – he of the scandalous liaison with Arthur Rimbaud – stayed here in 1893; his words grace the wall of the airy suite he gives his name to. The Loft Suite is even more enticing: it’s the biggest in town, with a delectable bath tub in the room and views over the church spires.
Packing Tips
Bruges’ cobbled streets will make short work of flimsy soles, so bring good walking shoes to tackle long ambles around the old town. And leave plenty of luggage space for cocoa treats to bring home.
Also
All rooms are accessible by lift; some have been adapted for wheelchair users.
Children
Welcome, though the hotel is more of grown-up bolthole. The restaurant has high chairs and will happily reheat baby food.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Grab a seat at the long communal table, or, if the weather’s playing ball, a pew in the courtyard.
Dress Code
Rock something from a Belgian designer: impeccable slacks by Dries Van Noten, say, or ethereal knits from local shop Duka.
Hotel Restaurant
With its cosy banquettes and inviting armchairs, the Breakfast Room is a welcoming spot for a leisurely start to the day. Dressed with velvet armchairs, a striking light installation and quirky artwork, the lobby’s Living Room is good for quick lunchtime bites. Nibble on Iberico ham, a plate of locally smoked salmon, or the scrumptious quiche of the day.
Hotel Bar
Find a comfy nook in the Living Room for a pre-prandial tipple. Sample a traditional jenever, a gin-like drink with a bit of a kick that’s usually poured up to the rim of the glass. Expert mixologists from the Pharmacy – a speakeasy in nearby Knokke – have created a menu of signature cocktails: sip on a Hopped Manhattan or a fragrant Cherry Negroni.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served from 8am to 10.30am. Order nibbles in the Living Room or on the terrace until 2pm.
Room Service
Cheese and cold cuts platters can be brought to your room, alongside champagne and cocktails.
Planes
A half-hour drive away, Ostend airport is the nearest, with flights to popular destinations in southern Europe. Brussels airport, a 90-minute drive away, is the main international hub; the hotel can arrange one-way transfers for an additional cost.
Trains
Bruges station, a 10-minute drive away, runs frequent services to Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels – a handy connection for Eurostar trains to London.
Automobiles
Compact Bruges is best explored on foot, but if you’re bringing your own wheels you can stow them at Parking Zilverpand, 150m away (€15.80 for 24 hours).
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
You needn’t stray far from Boutique Hotel Sablon to sample Bruges’ best sights: the Markt, once the bustling heart of this mediaeval wonder, is barely a five-minute walk away, and still hosts a food-and-flowers market on Wednesday mornings. Get your bearings from the top of the Belfry – the views are certainly worth the climb up 366 steps, but it’s the melodic chime of the bells at the top of the tower that will take your breath away. Put the Groeninge Museum’s Flemish art trove, ostentatious Basilica of the Holy Blood, and The Church of Our Lady’s Michelangelo sculpture on your must-see list, but leave plenty of time to get lost in Bruges’ atmospheric side streets, too.
The city may be compact, but there’s no shortage of tempting boutiques and quirky shops. Christmas enthusiasts and grinches alike should make a beeline for De Witte Pelikaan, a year-round temple to all things baubly. Boetik Ruth stocks desirable Scandinavian, French and Belgian togs. Rockstar chocolatier Dominique Persoone has made headlines with The Chocolate Line’s subversive confections, but there’s something dark, milky or pralined for every taste in Bruges’ multitude of chocolate shops. Try royal favourite Mary for classic numbers, Sweertvaegher for on-trend ruby chocolate, or Pol Depla for its impressive bean-to-bar sourcing.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
