Cool Bruges

Bruges is so pristine, it's akin to a film set, which seems appropriate given that 2008 marks the premiere of In Bruges, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell, which features two hit men holing up in the city after a difficult job. Farrell allegedly stayed in Bonifacius Exclusive Guesthouse (Groeninge 4) while in town filming, which might seem a bit of an anomaly but with little nightlife in Bruges to keep the notorious hell raiser up all hours, he obviously decided to bed down in one of the most stylish - and quietest - places in town.

Hotels in general, because of the nature of the city, tend to be charming, small and family-run. One family making a name for itself in Bruges is the Vanhaeckes, who not only own Bonifacius, but also The Pand Hotel (Pandreitje 16) and Maison le Dragon (Eekhoutstraat 5); all are stunning individual properties, which manage to successfully combine stylish interiors with a warm welcome.