B&B Huyze Elimonica

This hotel, located in a quiet side street of bustling Ostend, is most definitely a bijou - a small jewel. The house dates from 1899 and is built in the Belle Époque style that was very popular throughout Belgium and especially in the well-to-do cities and coastal resorts. It is a Protected Momument and rightly so. Despite its age it has been carefully and lovingly restored by the owners Marc and Filip. Walking through the entrance door and up to the marble-floored hall, one is immediately enveloped in a warm sense of style and graceful, timeless elegance. Here, there is an exquisitely decorated reception and lounge. The guest rooms - there are three of them - are located on the upper floors and all are large and filled with light. The room on the first floor is the largest with its own lounge room and terrace overlooking the garden. All rooms have large, private bathrooms. Here too the rooms are wonderfully decorated using tasteful colours and modern fittings with a nod to the past. The bed is super comfortable with more than enough big pillows and after a good night's rest, the in-room facilities mean that you can enjoy your first cup of tea - or coffee - while sitting up in bed and browsing through one of the many magazines that can be found in the room. Huyze Elimonica is a Bed and Breakfast so of course I have to mention the latter. The breakfast room is located on the ground floor and is large enough to accommodate all the guests at the same time and not have them jostling for elbow room. Marc and Filip once had their own Michelin-starred restaurant and so, as one might expect, there is an unparalleled level of service and attention to detail. Fresh fruit served with yoghurt, croissants and pains-au-chocolate, jams, marmalades, chocolate-hazelnut spread, muesli, bread rolls with a choice of cheeses (and meats for the non-vegetarians), all washed down with a large glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice and a seemingly unending supply of tea and coffee. In summary, Huyze Elimonica, with its beautiful rooms, great breakfast and the warmest and friendliest of welcomes, is something extra special and thoroughly recommended to anyone looking for a quiet splash of luxury. I for one, can simply not wait to go back.