Jeroen Hamers

Review of Kempinski Hotel Duke's Palace

With claims of being a unique 5 star property in...

With claims of being a unique 5 star property in Flanders and the high review score, expectations were high leading to a disappointed stay.

The hotel building is quite nice, with sumptuous reception area, the staff is very friendly and the rooms are quite spacious. And the hotel had made a good flow dealing with the COVID-19 situation.

That s where the good vibes stops however. The room itself was nowhere near 5 star levels. Think more of late 90s 4 star chic with a perfume of rundown. The towels we got in our room were completely worn down, including holes in them and threads dangling from them. We could hear every step in the room above and the doors slamming in the hallway, the amenities in the bathroom are from some off brand supplier, no bath salts or anything for the bath; the shower itself is also something that belongs more in a hostel or sports club shower room. Giving the bathroom a distinct utilitarian vibe rather than luxurious. So maybe this is quite unique in a 5 * hotel :-)

I ve long avoided Bruges fearing it s somewhat of a tourist trap and this experience didn t completely prove me wrong, however I m sure there are many better hotels in the city.