Hotel Dukes' Palace | Princess Castle Vibes

It's safe to say we all have our personal favourites when it comes to the design of hotels.  However, something that tends to bring us all together in agreement and simultaneous swoons, is princess castles.  Bear with me.  By this, I'm talking about traditional, luxurious architecture that seems taller and grander than any of its surroundings.  They usually feature gold embellishments, grand gates and if you're very lucky, turrets!  With this in mind, Hotel Dukes' Palace has been my go-to hotel when visiting the beautiful city of Bruges.  Sure, there's no moat, but the city does offer plenty of canals...

The five-star hotel is located at the heart of the city, and within walking distance from many of the places I featured in my recent Bruges travel diary.  After spending hours roaming around from waffle shops to chocolatiers and back again, the tranquility of the Hotel Dukes' Palace refreshes you like no other; floor-to-ceiling voile curtains line corridors, Medieval-themed art covers walls and a beautiful combination of traditional elegance and modern design is carried throughout the hotel.  Like I said, definite 'princess castle' vibes - without having to kiss a frog to stay there!

Does anybody else have a thing about making the most of room service when staying at hotels?  There's something ridiculously comforting about sipping on champagne and slathering butter on bread, all the while in your dressing gown!  On the first morning, a generous breakfast was enjoyed in the room before heading out to explore.  The best features?  Smoked salmon and a delicious array of sweet pastries.  If you find yourself in Bruges anytime soon, waking up at this hotel to the sound of ringing bells and horse-drawn carriages, my advice would be to indulge in their champagne breakfast.  It's the perfect start to any day spent in the UNESCO World Heritage city.

There are tons of different seating areas on the ground floor, including the gorgeous spot shown above that leads out onto the hotel's garden patio.  If 'Instagrammable' is on your travel tick-list when exploring new places, Hotel Dukes' Palace is definitely an avenue worth exploring.  I mean, there's a reason I've returned three times now, it truly does give those 'princess castle' vibes!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this dreamy hotel!  Does anything in particular catch your eye?  Also, let me know if you've ever stayed in a hotel that gave you those indisputable 'castle vibes' (because I need to go there!).

Hotel Dukes' Palace
Prinsenhof 8
8000 Brugge
Belgium

With love,

Gabrielle x