Dukes’ Palace is the grandest address in Bruges. The hotel occupies the Prinsenhof, the fifteenth-century landmark where the dukes of Burgundy held court when Bruges was at the height of its wealth, restored and extended into a five-star hotel set back from the street a few minutes west of the Markt. It has 93 rooms, including 22 suites, six of them in heritage-listed parts of the building, so you can sleep under historic ceilings or choose a calmer modern room in the newer wings. Restaurant Manuscript serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Belgian focus, and the spa offers a sauna, a hammam and a wide range of treatments, which is rare in the old centre. Once a Kempinski, it now belongs to the Dukes’ Hotel Collection. It is the place for a special occasion, and the palace setting makes even a short break feel like an event.
Location and getting around: the Prinsenhof sits in a quiet pocket of the old town, about five to ten minutes on foot from the Markt and the Belfry, and a little further from the Groeningemuseum and the canal-boat landing stages. Everything in the centre is walkable, and the station is a short taxi ride away, which helps with luggage on the cobbles.
The rooms: the heritage suites are the reason to splurge, with period details and more space, while standard rooms are comfortable and calm. Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard and gardens if you want quiet.
Who it suits: couples on a romantic weekend, honeymooners and anyone marking an anniversary, as well as travellers who want a spa and a full-service restaurant on site in a city where most hotels are small. Families can book suites, but the mood is grown-up.
Good to know: rates are at the top of the Bruges market and breakfast may not be included, so compare packages. Ask the hotel about parking before you drive, because car access in the medieval centre is limited, and book spa treatments ahead in busy periods such as the Christmas market weeks.
Why stay here
- ✓Fifteenth-century palace setting
- ✓Spa with sauna and hammam
- ✓Restaurant Manuscript
- ✓Heritage-listed suites
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Walking distance to the Markt
Good questions
Where is Dukes’ Palace in Bruges?+
It is at Prinsenhof 8, in a quiet part of the old town about five to ten minutes on foot from the Markt. The Belfry, the Burg and the main museums are all within walking distance.
Does Dukes’ Palace have a spa?+
Yes, the spa has a sauna and a hammam and offers a wide range of treatments. Book treatments ahead, especially at weekends and in December.
How many rooms does the hotel have?+
There are 93 rooms, including 22 suites, six of them in heritage-listed parts of the building. Restaurant Manuscript serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
