The Notary
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Location
The Notary · Bruges, Belgium
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Expert Review: The Notary
The Notary in Bruges, Belgium, a Michelin One-Key property, consistently receives exceptional reviews for its unique blend of historic charm, luxurious comfort, and impeccable service. Guests frequently describe it as a serene urban oasis, offering a distinct and memorable experience.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for The Notary is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as "exceptional" and a "joy." It's often highlighted as a "very special stay" and a "magical place" that guests wish to return to. The sentiment leans towards a romantic, luxurious, and tranquil escape, feeling more like a private, opulent home than a typical hotel.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Notary:
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel, a converted 19th-century manor, is celebrated for its elaborate, ornate, and non-minimalist interiors, exquisitely decorated by Pieter Porters. It maintains an antique atmosphere with a "castle-like" or "opulent yet bohemian family home" feel. The magnificent private garden, leading to a canal-side terrace, is a significant draw, offering luxurious seclusion in the heart of the city.
- Amenities: The natural swimming pool, curving across the lawn and filled with plants and fish, is a star attraction, described as "magical" and blissfully private. A bijou spa with a sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and massage services further enhances the relaxation offerings. Other appreciated amenities include multiple cozy lounges (like the library), free WiFi, and in-room Sonos sound systems and iPads.
- Service: The friendly, professional, and thoughtful staff are frequently praised for their attentiveness and for making guests feel incredibly welcome and special.
- Location: While offering a sense of seclusion, the hotel boasts an excellent and convenient location in the historic center, just a short walk from major attractions like Bruges Market Square, Bruges Christmas Market, and the Belfry.
3. Room Quality
The nine suites at The Notary are a major highlight, with each being uniquely designed and themed, incorporating diverse stylistic influences from classic European to Moroccan and African. They are described as lavish living quarters with modern comforts. Key features include:
- Emperor-size beds with premium bedding and Egyptian cotton sheets.
- Dramatic drapery, ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and an "Aladdin's cave of art, antiques, and curiosities".
- Working fireplaces in nearly all suites, adding to the romantic ambiance.
- Show-stopping bathtubs, such as a clay tub in the Cloister Suite and a hand-hammered bronze tub in the Morian Suite.
- Air conditioning, mini-bars, tea-making kits, Nespresso coffee machines, and Atelier Rebul bath products.
- Spacious bathrooms, with some guests specifically highlighting the large showers.
- A "pillow menu" has also been mentioned as a beloved detail.
4. Dining Experience
Breakfast at The Notary is consistently described as an exceptional and indulgent experience. It's often referred to as a "six-course, butler-delivered breakfast" or a "tasting journey," featuring charcuterie, French cheeses, pastries, and other European delicacies. Healthier or continental options are also available. For warmer days, breakfast can be enjoyed in the garden.
While breakfast receives high praise, dinner experiences have mixed reviews. Some guests have enjoyed very good dinners, with the chef personally discussing the menu. However, there are criticisms regarding dinner being overpriced and disappointing in terms of quality and portion size for the cost. A Sunday afternoon tea service is also a highlight, requiring reservations. The hotel also features a cocktail bar serving drinks indoors and in the hidden garden.
5. Service & Staff
The service at The Notary is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Staff members are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, professional, helpful, and attentive. Guests report thoughtful touches, such as homemade iced tea upon arrival and crackers with a poolside drink. Many feel that the staff genuinely made them feel like "very welcome guests" and that the attention to detail was outstanding. One particular staff member, Charles Louis, was noted for being exceptionally helpful and attentive.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Notary is ideally situated in the Historic Centre of Bruges (Moerstraat 54, 8000 Bruges), offering a balance of central access and secluded tranquility. It's within a 5-minute walk of major attractions like Bruges Market Square, Bruges Christmas Market, and St. James's Church. The Belfry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are also within a short walking distance.
Bruges train station is a short bus ride away or an 18-minute walk. Ostend-Bruges International Airport is approximately a 32-38 minute drive, while Brussels Airport is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. While the city's cobbled lanes are noted as not ideal for cars, the hotel offers private parking for a fee, which is advisable to book in advance. The property has a lift and offers wheelchair access.
7. Value & Pricing
The Notary is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Prices can start from around €420 per night, with other sources indicating nightly rates from approximately $237 to $291, excluding taxes and fees. While it's acknowledged as "pricey," many guests consider it "worth the splurge" for the unique experience and high quality of service and amenities. Some reviews specifically mention "excellent value for money" considering the quality of the stay.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:
- Dining beyond breakfast: Some guests found the dinner menu to be disappointing, overpriced, and not living up to fine dining expectations in terms of quality and portion size. Dinner reservations have also been canceled last minute for some.
- Spa/Facilities extra charges: The spa facilities (sauna, jacuzzi, massages) are often available for an extra fee, which some guests felt was unnecessary given the hotel's luxury status and price point.
- Room heating issues: In colder weather, some guests experienced temperamental heating in their rooms, with fireplaces not consistently working, leading to chilly conditions despite warm bedding.
- Parking costs: The €38 per day parking fee was considered steep by some, especially compared to street parking options for locals.
- Natural pool experience: While generally praised, the unheated natural swimming pool with slippery steps and dark water might not be to everyone's taste. The jacuzzi in the spa was also once described as "a bit smelly and not clean."
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:
- •Room heating issues: In colder weather, some guests experienced temperamental heating in their rooms, with fireplaces not consistently working, leading to chilly conditions despite warm bedding.
Google Reviews
191 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Doriana Gusita
I visited The Notary in Brugge and had just a coffee, but the experience was truly memorable. The highlight for me was enjoying it in their charming garden — a peaceful and beautiful spot that instantly made me feel relaxed. The atmosphere is cozy, elegant, and quintessentially Brugge, with every detail thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and serene environment. The coffee itself was exce...
Peli peli
We recently stayed at The Notary and unfortunately our experience was very disappointing. After our stay, money was taken from my friend’s credit card without any prior notice or consent, with the claim that we had damaged hotel property. Only after the payment was taken did they provide so-called proof. Taking money first and explaining afterwards is absolutely not acceptable and feels very disr...
Response from the owner
Dear Peli,<br><br>For transparency towards future guests, we feel it is important that the true story is communicated here.<br><br>Following your departure, our housekeeping team identified extensive ...
Nora Ab
Upon arrival the woman the checked us in didn't lift her eyes of the computer screen to welcome us, and we didn't get offered a drink upon arrival which is always appreciated. We got notified that there will be no chef in our time of stay so there is no option to dine in. We were not allowed to sit in the library room which is one of the rooms out of two one evening as it was booked for other gue...
Andreas Brosjo
I've stayed in endless 'great' hotels, but there are only a few that offers a sense of uniquenss (where no other options in the location are remotely meaningful in comparison), compassionate and professional service (professional of course, but compassionate is the extra step) and also sports aesthetics that do not feel contrived but rather truly organic and thought through. I've stayed at The No...
Mo
The hotel itself was beyond beautiful. Perhaps the most beautiful hotel I’ve stayed in. The location, especially for the Christmas markets, was perfect. And the staff that greeted us on our first night was very welcoming and exactly as helpful and dedicated as you’d expect for this level of hotel. Unfortunately, our morning breakfast ruined our stay. I could clearly hear the chef complaining about...
Arlind Deveja
The moment the door of the Notary Hotel closes behind you, you’re immersed in a wave of music that follows you everywhere — soft, sensual, and almost hypnotic. The air carries an aphrodisiac aroma, and a deep sense of spiritual calm settles over you. The interior design is truly a masterpiece — every detail thoughtfully curated, every corner telling its own story. The garden, with the gentle soun...
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
