Tag Archives: Belgium

Strolling Around Bruges And Surroundings

Posted on May 11, 2022 | Leave a comment

A Huge Need for Beauty And Culture

At the beginning of spring, it was freezing cold and I walked for a long time in the historic center of Bruges without any real goal, just the huge need for beauty and culture. Cobbled streets, old buildings and the Reie river. Following the inspiration of the moment, I follow the narrow passage that opens onto an interior courtyard with a pretty garden. Continuing, near the canal, small bridge probably dating from the Middle Ages extremely curved and slippery. I observe the old stones steeped in history. And it’s off again to get lost in a maze of streets until nightfall. Walk, stroll and visit a museum!

In the city of chocolatiers, I finally tasted the famous chocolate (with hazelnuts) from Dominique Persoone, star chocolatier. Its chocolate is fine, subtle and tasty, without fuss: such a treat! I think the decor of his shop doesn’t represent well to the finesse of his creations. Close to the Ellis Gourmet Burger: very good burgers with quality meat. After many feasts (lololol), I finally head the Groeningemuseum to discover eminent Belgian painters over six centuries, starting with the Flemish masters Jan van Eyck (15th century) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (16th century). The museum is not huge, but there are many major art works. A really exciting visit, collections absolutely to see!

The big breath of fresh air : on the way to Bruges, we made a detour through the landscape park of the Bulskampveld castle estate. The tour started with the Herb Garden (herbs that can be purchased from a vending machine; bring change). Then the Paths through the water: soothing landscape, even under a threatening sky. We continued into the nearby woods. Very pleasant walk without great difficulty, beneficial for both the mind and the body. As a reward for these 10 km walk: my first homemade ice cream of the season!

                                The day trip in pictures below

Stroll Through The Old Bruges

Flemish Painting, Chocolate And Hamburger

Bulskampveld

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Related articles : Destinations

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Staycation @ The JAM Hotel

Posted on October 6, 2017 | Leave a comment

Hi Brussels!

Staycation @ The JAM Hotel

This summer, I spent a weekend in the trendiest hotel in Brussels with a friend. I heard so much about the famous terrace. And I was very curious about the interior design, rooms, comfort etc … A former art school transformed into a hotel …

So during the summer in Brussels deserted, I tested this hotspot by myself! 

  

The Room

We let our bags in the lovely simple room with two beds. One is quite unusual and serves (I guess) as an extra bed in a sort of storage (photo montage above). Clever fun design. 

Special mention for the beautiful wall shelf (left picture). The light wood contrasts with the raw concrete and small retro fan. 

The weather is very hot. Yes, (sometimes) it happens in Brussels! The small minimalist bathroom reminds me of some of my Pinterest pins. 

The Terrace

What a pleasure to discover the terrace with a little corner of greenery and the outdoor pool! We will swim the next morning after the breakfast with the swimming pool and terrace just for us.

Wow, bathing (in the shelter of the glances) in the center of Brussels with a direct view on offices! Being at the heart of urban activity without taking part! This boutique hotel has a really cool concept, architecture, decoration and location.

At The Beginning Of The Evening

The Bar

The staff at the bar is very nice. Slowly, there are more and more people and no more sits on the terrace. No problem as the huge sofa inside is extremely comfortable! With a direct view on the concrete cylinders library! Great! 

Very cool atmosphere and music, we could stay hours and hours. But we have to go dinner Place du Châtelain, because the hotel restaurant is closed. So we have no time to change clothes, we’re already super late (lol)!

Good Night!

Back to the hotel late, it’s the perfect timing for a quick photoshoot of the reception (picture above) and lobby inspired by the Russian Constructivism (picture below). 

The Breakfast

After A Short Night Of Sleep

We chatted until early morning! Then the wake-up was pretty difficult (considering I am not a morning person)! Very good breakfast followed by a long swim in the pool only for us! I laughed a lot when my friend yelled while getting in the water. She is not used to cold water!

Then we go to BOZAR, my Brussels favorite museum (go there!) for the “Yves Klein Theater of the Void” exhibition about the creative process of the artist! Awesome! Photo below : postcards of the exhibition. This museum has always an interesting program.

The interest of being in a hotel close to everything!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

JAM Hotel

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to the JAM HOTEL for this lovely stay and to Joséphine and karine! As always, these are my opinions.

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The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Posted on June 4, 2017 | Leave a comment

On My Way To The Airport

I have to be at Brussels airport at 4:30 am (great!). I won’t sacrifice hours of a precious sleep and start my journey exhausted! That’s why I decided to test the airport hotel option, to benefit from a real night’s sleep.

I leave the center of Brussels (picture 1 of the photo montage below) for the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, located opposite the entrance gates of the Departures of the airport. Five minutes walk to the check-in counter of my flight! 

The Club Room

On the fifth floor,

Club rooms provide access to the Club Lounge. I am nicely surprised when I enter my renovated 20-25 m² room thought in a very practical way, to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Very efficient double glazing (no sound from the outside), several electrical outlets scattered throughout the room, free wifi and Evian mini bottles.

I woke up at 4 a.m. I feel rested, despite the fact that I have slept few hours. The bedding is impeccable and the new bathroom is very clean. And I really liked the Galler chocolates with the draw of Geluck’s comics hero, Le Chat (photo below). It’s really Belgian sense of humour.

The Club Lounge

To Combine Usefulness With Pleasure

The Club Lounge is a space for work and relaxation, with drinks and snacks. Two computers and a printer are also available, as well as several national and international daily and magazines.

The Breakfast Corner

4:30 a.m.

I am a little bit late. As the breakfast restaurant opens at 5 a.m., I stop to pick up a fresh croissant on a buffet converted into a breakfast corner in the entrance of the hotel.

The hotel staff is very smiling and professional. While I wrap the croissant in a paper towel to eat it later, the receptionist brings me a full breakfast in a bag especially prepared for me. But I can’t take it away for it would be thrown by the customs.

I leave the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel delighted with the experience. What a pleasure to come zen and rested (without the stress of the taxi) at the check-in! When my fellow travellers look like The Walking Dead’s zombies! LOL! Sorry guys ; )

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations   

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Related posts : HOTEL REVIEWS & HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TRAVEL

Many thanks to the team of the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel for this lovely invitation. As always these are my opinions.

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