Citytrip in Parijs voor 3 dagen

Volgend weekend vertrekken we met het hele gezin voor een (hopelijk) geslaagde citytrip naar Parijs. Vooral de oudste kijkt er naar uit, hij is nog nooit in Parijs geweest en wil ab-so-luut de Eiffeltoren zien! Net een paar hotels in Parijs online bekeken, nog geen keuze gemaakt want we zijn op zoek naar familiekamers voor meer dan 4 personen, die liggen natuurlijk niet dik bezaaid..

Marvellous trip to a hotel in Bruges!

Couple of days in a hotel in Bruges centre

Always been in a hotel in Brugge want to sleep? The medieval town in the west of Flanders attracts a lot of visitors. Including myself, because I just returned from a wonderful and unforgettable weekend in one of the many very fine piece Bruges hotel. The heart of Bruges is surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals, by far the best preserved examples from the medieval Flanders. The center of the city, if you will during a short or long holiday in a hotel Bruges immediately Trade is really a post card, and rightly as the Venice of the North described. Almost impossible to make bad pictures!

The historic center is not very large, making it very easy to put all important things to see. Many Bruges hotels are also useful in the center. The easiest way might be to you in the center to move to use public buses operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn. Taxis in the market and drive costs about 10 €. Bikes are easy to rent and get into the city very quickly, although the cobblestone streets all a bit bumpy and uncomfortable to make sure. My last hotel Brugge, a beautiful luxury hotel Bruges let guests use of a stock bike, really easy, and sporty at the same time!

Bruges, the whole year by a large number of tourists visited (most of them stay in a Hotel Brügge) and this opportunity may be annoying, especially around the Markt and the Burg. The important thing to remember is that few tourists a trip far from the main shopping business, so if you want some peace and quiet you have many small cobbled streets far from the main squares take. You will find yourself in a whole other world, the real Bruges as it were. Here and there you will have a hotel in Brugge find, for the absolute tranquility seekers here!

Restaurants are not always cheap or quality. Stay away from especially the central market square (Grote Markt) and Burg (eg Tom Pouce Restaurant) where you want to eat. Tourists are easy victims. You will find many restaurants as you of the beaten track afdwaalt. Find a street with more locals than tourists and ask someone to a good restaurant. The locals will be happy to help. You can also usually hotel in Bruges good food, if a restaurant is located of course!

Wonderful holiday in a hotel in Amsterdam

You do not have to speak English to a hotel in Amsterdam come about everyone speaks English in Amsterdam, and is proud of the fact. Many also speak German and French. If you speak English, speak English (unless you also speaks English): You are more likely to offend than someone a favor by trying to make your French or German.

A common misconception is that Dutch is very close to German. In reality they are not mutually intelligible: Dutch people have to learn German at school, and in general they speak better English than German. German and Dutch are similar in the same sort of way that French and Italian are similar. The receptionist of my hôtel Amsterdam for example, spoke no German, but English. They learn just from small on TV.

The currency used in the Netherlands is the euro, expressed in EUR or €. Staying in a hotel in Amsterdam is therefore particularly easy. There are 16 countries using the Euro zone: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. You can use the euro in these countries. (To remember the list of countries that you used to be able to use the Mnemonic phrase "difficult pigs, but after Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia joined, there are the additional letters" CMSS ").

The Dutch guilder is not longer usable. I had my Hotel Amsterdam a number of them, still earlier, the receptionist had a good laugh! You need to exchange old coins and banknotes in a bank do. Many luxury hotels in Amsterdam have their own exchange, so you do not need to go out to make money in order to get.

There are many places to make money in the city, often not so far from crazy Hotel Amsterdam. Postkantoren usually the best rates. The GWK to the Central Station is also good. Compare prices carefully at the exchange offices in the city. Hotels are usually an expensive way to make money. Banks can be slow. There is an American Express on the Damrak, and a Thomas Cook on the Dam.

You should not change money if you an ATM card (a card for getting money from a machine in the wall), will most likely work in the Netherlands (even across Europe), so you do not need to travel checks . Please check with your bank before departure whether what more info in the hotels Amsterdam where you reside. Such cards, especially if they have a Maestro logo on them, can often also be used for direct debit payments in shops (shops that display the blue "PIN" sign, that almost all shops).

From Belgium to a hotel in Paris, France

Planning to hotel in Paris? If not, please consider adding it to your lists and GO. Paris is a fantastic city, a historic treasure and the center of art, literature, food and fashion. It is sophisticated in 'technician' means the 'capital of the cosmopolitan. My recent trip to hôtels Paris was enlightening, as one would expect the City of Light. Being able to 'work' of this enchanting city is enhanced by a few things to know before you go.

For those of us who recall the De Gaulle Days? France and the pro and anti-American mentality, you will be pleasantly surprised. The people in hotel in Parijs were warm, open and friendly and very helpful. My first experience many years ago was the opposite and I talked a marginal French. The margins were significantly reduced in time, but I studied grammar and phrases and tried to talk. And the people responded positively.

Lucky for me I was with two friends who live there 3 months a year, and I learned a lot from them. Sherris Goodwin is the executive director of San Francisco's Hospitality Institute, and Marc Kauffman is a wine importer and connoisseur, and the restaurant Radar? expert.



Hôtel Paris is distributed unequally proportioned in twenty districts (arrondissements) in the form of a slag. The largest, the 15th, only to nearly 10% of the total area. The smallest, the 2nd, is barely 1% of Paris area. The city is 30 meters above sea level. The highest point in hôtel à Paris is located in the Rue du Télégraphe (20th district) to 148 meters.

Hotel Paris has a temperate climate with mild winters and relatively Clement summers. The coldest winter recorded in 1953-1954, when the thermometer dropped to -15 ° C and the warmest recorded temperature reached 38 ° C during the heatwave in 2003. These temperatures are exceptional. Average temperatures in fact vary between 5 ° C in winter and 20 ° C in summer. July is the warmest month of the year and January the coldest. Spring, from March to May is the driest season. Other seasons have their fair share of rain. Overall, it's always a little warmer in Paris hotel than in the suburbs. The urbanization of the capital has led to significant differences in temperature between the center and the outskirts, regularly recording one or two degrees less.

Visit Belgium

Belgium: A country to visit

Belgium, home of the European Capital

The country famous for its Belgian fries, chocolate and beers. Now home of the European Capital Brussels. This country has a lot to offer to any visitor. Belgium is divided into 2 major parts, french and flemish. The coastal region and and all major historical cities are situated in the flemish part of Belgium. The Ardennes on the other hand and the beautiful nature parts Belgium has to offer are completely in french-speaking territory.

The most important cities in Belgium are without questioning: Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp. Of course Belgium offers a lot more than just these few cities. Less known amongst tourists but certainly worth the trip are Knokke and Ostend (during summer time), Ghent, a bustling city in the middle of Flanders, Bastogne and Dinant in the Ardennen and if you are a fan of cycling, a trip to the province of Limburg can be most promising.

Bruges: Romantic city

Bruges: World's History

Who has not yet heard of this marvellous city at 20km from the sea. Bruges has a name which is not easily forgotten, certainly not for someone who has visited this city and wandered around in the curling alleys. This city is all about the world's history. The entire inner city was declared Word Heritage by the Unesco.

During the middle ages Bruges gave birth to the concept of modern banking and modern trade. Historic facts most people don't know. The canals through Bruges were once the blood of the beating heart of the world's leading tradepower. Bruges is a city which you should visit at least once. The charm and romance found in this European city will easily enchant you.

Of course in such a city it is difficult to know what to visit first so i have pointed out a few important places:

• The basilic of the holy blood: They have a relic containing Christ's Blood. It is on display every day and absolute worth visiting. The basilic itself is a very old roman church unique in Flanders
• The famous belfry which you should be climbed all the way to the top. At clear weather the towers of Ghent maybe even Antwerp and a major part of the coast can be seen from up there
• A little well known are the diamond museum, the chocolate museum and the lamp musuem (Lumina Domestica). But they are certainly worth a visit
• The kathedral of our Lady with the famous work of Michelangelo (Madonna with child) and the graves of Maria of Burgundy and her husband

Bruges has a rich amoutn of hotels and restaurants to offer. The overwhelming choice makes it rather difficult to decide on your hotel in Bruges aswell as on your place for dinner.

Hotels in Bruges

Hotels in Bruges

Hotels in Bruges come in all sizes and shapes. There are quite some luxurious expensive hotels but the largest part of hotels in bruges are made out by smaller charming familyhotels. Honestly i believe that those are the hotels in Bruges were you should spend the night as they will most certainly add to the experience of medieval Bruges.

Luxurious hotels in Bruges

The Pand hotel in Bruges is a very luxurious charmant and cosy hotel but of course has a priceticket to it. If money is not the issue than The Pand hotel in Bruges is an absolute preferred choice. The Pand Hotel is situated just of the most beautiful canal in Bruges right in the middle of the city's centre. A romantic stay in absolute luxury is guarateed in the Pand Hotel.

Hotel de Tuilerieën in Bruges is close to the Pand Hotel and offers the same amount of luxury but is a different style. It is one of Bruges' most reknown hotels so expect to be charmed upon arrival. Hotel de Tuilerieën is located along the canal "De Dijver" close to the magnificent kathedral of our lady. In short, hotel de Tuilerieën in Bruges: Charming 4 star hotel in Bruges.

Hotel Die Swaene in Bruges is also situated in the surroundings of the hotels above. Hotel Die Swaene is also beautiful pearl in the inner centre of Bruges, it can be considerd as one of the most charming hotels in Belgium. After a busy day in Bruges Hotel die Swaene offers you a swim in their indoor swimming pool. They have suites at water level which are unique in Bruges.

Romantic hotels

Small romantic hotels in Bruges

The charming Hotel Maraboe in Bruges is situated on the edge of the city centre. The Maraboe hotel Bruges has everything a big hotel tends to offer but on top of that you will find a housely atmosphere, a feeling that large hotels cannot come up with. The Maraboe familyhotel in Bruges is uniquely located a short stroll from the picturesque canals, the lovely " ’t Zand " and the new concert building of Bruges.

Hotel Walwyck in Bruges is a fairly new hotel and just newly renovated, offers a very good price/quality and is located calmly in the heart of Bruges Hotel Walwyck is most definitely worth a visit and guarantees a pleasant stay in Bruges.

The elegant Hotel De Castillion in Bruges is located at the very heart of the historic city of Bruges. You will fancy yourself in an 18th century mansion during your stay in this hotel. Bruges is a city to explore and the hotel De Castillion has the perfect location to do so. It is found in the shadows of the Sint-Salvators church. Also this hotel offers quite some specials and arrangements as the have an excellent restaurant in house.

The elegant and luxury 4-star Hotel Oud Huis de Peellaert in Bruges has also a remarkable location right in the historical centre of Bruges at no more than 200 metres away from the Market Square of Bruges. A charming hotel in Bruges with an exceptionnel friendly and helpfull staff. Hotel Oud Huis de Peellaert is a hotel which to my opinion is close to the 3 luxurious hotels in Bruges mentioned above.

Bruges where to ...

Restaurants in Bruges

Restaurant are even more numerous than hotels in this city. Choosing your preferred dinner table is best done during the day, while you are wandering through the streets keep an eye open for a lovely restaurant where you would like to have dinner. There is one restaurant on the other hand which you will probably never pass but has an excellent kitchen and charming atmosphere. Restaurant Aneth is a restaurant with only 7 tables so an early reservation is probably the best.

From Bruges to where ... ?

From your hotel in Bruges it is easy to visit some other regions worht visiting. For example we have the coastal region closeby. No more than 20km away you will find Knokke-Heist, a city to be seen, this coastal city is one of the most expensive places of Belgium. Also just a 30min trainride away is the harbourtown of Ostend, well known amongst UK travellers. A day in Ostend at the sea can be a welcome intermezzo from visits in Bruges. It might be an idea to choose Bruges as a base to visit Brussels. This city is a must see when you are in Belgium but although many times stated otherwise, Bruges has far more to offer than Brussels if you are looking for historic visits and want to have a romantic vacation.

Antwerp

Antwerp: Diamondcentre

Antwerp is a major city in the north of Belgium. It has the biggest harbour of Belgium and is an important distribution center of goods through Europe. Antwerp is of course even better known as the world's leading diamondcentre. Antwerp became fully grown during the 16th century during the decline of Bruges due to the closing of the Zwin ( the waterway that connected Bruges to the sea ). At the end of the 15th century bit by bit all important trading houses were replaced from Bruges to Antwerp and Antwerp became the leading power of the entire international economy. During the years 1500-1550 Antwerp became the second largest European city norht of the Alpes. At the end of the 16th century Amsterdam came up as new world center and Antwerp lost most of its power to the golden age of the Dutch Republic. The famous Grand Place and city hall still remind of the times were Antwerp was the centre of the world. This city is absolutely worth a visit as it has a rich history and today still plays a leading rol in diamond trading and as a harbour.

To visit in Antwerp

The Antwerp Zoo

The Zoo in Antwerp was build in 1843 and has more than 6000 animals and about 769 species. The Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is highly recommended because of research done in the Antwerp Zoo. The Zoo is all year open for visit

Cathedral of Our Lady

This cathedral was build during the high times of Antwerp's evolution. Building started during the 14th century and was completely finished in the year 1518. Inside the cathedral you can find different works of Rubens, one of the most prominent flemish primitives. If you are in Antwerp this is an absolute must-see during your stay in Antwerp.

The Central Trainstation

The entire Central Station is a monument on itself it has been completely restaurated during the last few years and is probably one of the finest trainstations in the world (The antwerpen zoo is right next to it so it is easy to visit both the same day) The railway station was designed by Mr. Delacenserie and is completed in the year 1905. It has a huge glass dome of about 60m and two enormous neo-baroque facades. Much of the interior is created out of Marble.

Royal museum of fine arts

As Antwerp has been a home to different flemish primitives and many important figures in the world of science. ( Rubens, Plantijn, Moretus, Mercator). Antwerp has a fine collection of Art to offer. In this museum you can find different works from Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck.

Hotels in Antwerpen

Hotels in Antwerp

There are 2 major parts in Antwerp where the hotels of Antwerp are located. You'll find many hotels in Antwerp close to the central Station and the diamond quarter, and another part of the hotels in Antwerp is situated in the historical city centre. Antwerp has different types of hotels. There are a few charming family owned and operated hotels but most hotels are really specialized in bed and breakfast and no more. There is one hotel in Antwerp that is part of worldwide chain: the Hilton Hotel Antwerp.

Charming small hotels in Antwerp

The 4-star hotel Firean hotel in Antwerp is a family operated hotel. The Firean hotel has a well established international reputation of being one of the most charming hotels in Antwerp. This Art deco building was built in 1929 and converted into a boutique hotel in Antwerpen by the family Iserbyt in 1986. This family takes exceptional pride to offer outstanding service and quality. All the rooms and suites of the hotel Firean have been individulally designed and almost all the original features remain. A perfect 4-star hotel.

A peaceful, convivial, comfortable and friendly welcome in Antwerp, this is how the guests describe their home from home in Antwerp in Hotel Industrie. Enjoy your visit in Antwerp in an oasis of tranquillity and hospitality. Just as soon as you cross the threshold of this carefully restored, stately mansion, you become conscious of the calm surroundings. The pastel decoration, soft music, and personalized attention, all provide you with a warm welcome. The Hotel Industrie offers you a stay in Anvers full of peacefulness and comfort.

Hotels around the central station

Hotels close to the central station and diamondquarter

The Tourist Hotel in Antwerp is a friendly budget hotel in the heart of Antwerp. When you book a room at the Tourist Hotel, you may expect a simple but very comfortable room, provided with all modern appliances such as full comfort bathroom, TV and minibar. The cosy restaurant, Curnonsky, serves gastronomic and modern menus. You are always welcome to visit the lively hotel bar for a chat, a drink and a snack. The Tourist Hotel is situated in the middle of the Diamond district.

The Antwerp Diamond hotel is situated in the residential neighborhood behind the diamond quarter and the large city park. Although the Antwerp Diamond hotel still has a very central location, the vicinity is very peaceful. It takes a 10 minutes walk to reach the Central Station and the Meir (shopping street) and a 20 minutes walk to get into the old city.

The Hyllit Hotel Antwerp is a luxurious modern hotel, situated on the most prestigious shopping avenue “De Keyserlei”. The Hyllit Hotel is in the financial heart of Antwerp, near the diamond district. The Central Station, the zoological garden as well as renowned museums are within a radius of 500 metres. All the rooms of the Hyllit hotel are equipped with Wireless Internet Access (WiFi).