Hotels

If what you’re after is a picturesque medieval town, criss-crossed with canals, you should know that Bruges out-Amsterdams Amsterdam by some distance. And only in Bruges could you find a hotel like the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. It occupies a pair of gorgeous, delicate old timbered houses, and presents the very real risk that you’ll spend more time out front, photographing it from the canal side, than you will in your room itself.

The interiors are what you could call consciously classic — they depend more for their historical atmosphere on careful selection and placement of antiques (and the occasional modern piece) than on simply not moving any of the furniture for a hundred years or more. Views of the canal are most highly prized, though only a few rooms have them, and to look out the back towards the charming little courtyard is not exactly punishment.

There’s a restaurant associated with, but not quite on the premises of, the Relais Bourgodisch Cruyce — though room service is available round the clock. Even without the stunning setting, the intimate vibe of the place (much helped by the small size, and the presence of the family owner-operators) would be enough to recommend it.