You’re looking at hotels in Bruges and honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming. There are dozens of tiny boutique spots that look like they’re straight out of a medieval fairy tale. Then there’s the NH Brugge Hotel Bruges Belgium. It’s a bit different. It’s housed in a 17th-century former monastery, which sounds incredibly cool, but it’s also a massive chain hotel. So, you’re probably wondering: does it feel like a corporate office or a historic retreat?
Bruges is a walking city. You’ll be on your feet all day. If you pick a hotel that’s too far out, you’ll regret it by 4:00 PM when your legs are screaming. The NH Brugge sits right on the edge of the historic center. It’s basically across the street from the Concertgebouw (the Concert Hall) and the ‘t Zand Square.
It’s big. It has 149 rooms. That’s unusual for Bruges. Most places here have twelve rooms and a steep staircase that’ll make you question your life choices if you have a heavy suitcase. Here, you get elevators. You get a gym. You get a massive breakfast buffet. But you also get that weird "chain" vibe sometimes. Let's break down whether this is the right base for your Belgian chocolate binge.
The monastery bones and the modern reality
Walking into the lobby, you can actually see the history. It’s got these heavy wooden beams and stained glass that remind you this place used to be a convent. It’s atmospheric. You’ll see the original brickwork in the bar area, which is probably the most charming part of the entire building.
But here’s the thing.
The rooms aren't always "monastic" in a cool way; sometimes they’re just standard NH rooms. If you’ve stayed in an NH in Madrid or Berlin, you know exactly what the carpet looks like. It’s clean. It’s functional. Is it the height of Flemish romance? Not exactly. If you want a canopy bed and hand-painted frescoes, look elsewhere.
However, the beds are arguably the best in the city. NH is known for their "Brilliant Bed" mattresses. They are thick. They are soft. After walking five miles on cobblestones, that matters more than a fancy antique wardrobe.
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Why location is the real winner here
The NH Brugge Hotel Bruges Belgium is located at Boeveriestraat 2. If you’re arriving by train, this is a godsend. It’s a ten-minute walk from the station. Most people arriving in Bruges have to navigate narrow alleys and crowds with their rolling luggage. Not you. You cross the road, walk past the fountain at ‘t Zand, and you’re there.
You aren't right in the middle of the Markt (the main square). That’s actually a good thing. The Markt is loud. It’s crowded. It smells like horse carriages and tourist-trap waffles. Staying at the NH means you’re five minutes away from the action but far enough that you can actually sleep without hearing a bachelor party stumbling home at 2:00 AM.
The breakfast situation is kind of a big deal
Look, hotel breakfasts are usually a "skip it and find a cafe" situation. Not here. The NH breakfast is legendary among frequent travelers for a reason. They have a massive spread. Fresh pastries, cheeses, meats, and those little Belgian waffles you've been dreaming about.
They also have a "lazy Sunday" policy. On Sundays, breakfast stays open until noon and you can often get a late checkout for free. It’s a small detail, but it changes the entire vibe of your trip. You aren't rushing. You’re lounging.
Let's talk about the Bar Jan Breydel
The hotel bar is named after a local hero, and it’s tucked into that old part of the monastery. It has a fireplace. On a rainy Tuesday in November—and it rains a lot in Bruges—this is the best spot in the house. They serve a solid selection of Belgian beers.
You should try a Brugse Zot. It’s the local brew. You can literally see the pipes for the brewery running under the streets of the city. Drinking it in an old monastery? Yeah, that’s the vibe you’re looking for.
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What most people get wrong about staying here
People often think that because it’s a big hotel, it’s impersonal. It can be, sure. But the staff here are locals. They know the shortcuts. They know which chocolate shops are tourist traps (avoid the ones with the massive neon signs) and which ones are the real deal, like The Chocolate Line.
Another misconception: "It's too far from the canals."
Bruges is tiny. You can walk from one side to the other in twenty-five minutes. From the NH, you’re a three-minute walk from the start of the canals. You aren't missing anything. In fact, you're closer to the "real" Bruges—the side where people actually live and shop at the Saturday market.
The "Not-So-Great" stuff you need to know
It isn't perfect. No hotel is.
- The AC can be finicky. European air conditioning is notoriously weak compared to American standards. In the dead of summer, the rooms might feel a bit warm for some.
- The decor is safe. It’s beige. It’s brown. It’s "corporate chic." If you’re an influencer looking for a "vibe" for your Instagram grid, the hallways might bore you.
- Parking is expensive. They have a private lot, but it’ll cost you. If you’re driving, factor that into your budget. Pro tip: The public parking garage under ‘t Zand is right next door and sometimes cheaper.
How to get the most out of your stay
If you decide to book the NH Brugge Hotel Bruges Belgium, don't just take the first room they give you. Ask for a room in the "old wing" if you want the high ceilings and the beams. If you want quiet, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard rather than the street.
Also, use the gym. It’s small, but it’s there. Most hotels in this city don’t have one at all. It’s located in the basement, which feels a bit like a dungeon, but hey, you’re in a medieval city. Embrace the aesthetic.
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Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Book the "Newt" rate. NH often has a rewards program. Join it before you book. You usually get 5% off and a later checkout just for giving them your email.
- Skip the taxi from the station. Honestly, unless you have six bags or it’s a literal monsoon, just walk. It’s a straight shot.
- Check the Concertgebouw schedule. Since you’re staying right next to it, check if there’s a performance. The acoustics in that building are world-class, and it’s a shame to stay ten feet away and not experience it.
- Explore the West-Brugge neighborhood. Everyone goes East toward the Belfry. Go West from the hotel. You’ll find quieter cafes and the beautiful Smedenpoort (one of the old city gates).
The NH Brugge is the "safe" choice that happens to be in a really cool building. It’s for the traveler who wants a guaranteed good night’s sleep, a massive breakfast, and a location that doesn't require a GPS to find your way back to at night. It’s not the most romantic spot in the world, but it’s arguably one of the most practical and comfortable.
When you leave the hotel, turn left and walk toward the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. That’s the "back way" into the center. It’s quieter, the architecture is stunning, and it’ll lead you right into the heart of the city without the initial crush of the crowds.
Bruges is best seen early in the morning or late at night. Staying here allows you to do both easily. Walk the canals at 7:00 AM before the tour buses arrive. See the lights reflecting on the water at midnight. The NH might be a chain, but the experience of Bruges from its doorstep is anything but ordinary.
The next time you're looking at a map of the city, stop stressing about being "dead center." The perimeter is where the space is. The perimeter is where the air is. And at the NH, the perimeter is where the history meets a really, really comfortable pillow.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the NH Hotels official website for "Smart Choice" deals, which usually pop up 14-21 days before a stay. If the price for a Standard Room is within $10 of a "Superior Room," take the upgrade; the extra square footage in these older buildings makes a massive difference in your comfort level. Finally, download the "De Lijn" app if you plan on using the bus system, though from this specific hotel, your feet will be your primary—and best—mode of transport.