The Flemish tourism agency Toerisme Vlaanderen has awarded Hotel De Tuilerieën in Bruges (West Flanders) a 5th star. This makes it the third five-star hotel in Bruges, and only the 8th in Flanders. To obtain 5 stars a hotel has to meet specific requirements with regard to guest comfort. The hotel has had to make a lot of investments in recent years, but guests can now enjoy gourmet meals in a brand-new restaurant.
‘We are very proud,’ says hotel manager Kristof Vandenheede. "Our guests are on holiday as soon as they step in the door. They no longer have to think about anything: their luggage is taken care of and placed in their room, and so on. Our new restaurant “Mémoire” serves gourmet food that guests can enjoy every day. That investment also contributed to our 5 stars."
‘The star rating remains an important tool for hotels to position and distinguish themselves,’ explains Peter De Wilde of Toerisme Vlaanderen. ‘It is a way of highlighting the quality and diversity of service in the sector.’
A hotel building with a rich history
The hotel is housed in a white mansion dating from the 15th century in the centre of town: "It has always been inhabited by members of the nobility," Mr Vandenheede continues. "In the 17th century, a Spanish city councillor, Juan Perez de Malvenda, lived here. He kept the relic of the Holy Blood here at that time."
"We see the award of a 5th star as a promise to our guests to keep working on our service. We don't want to be a stiff hotel, but as a family hotel we want to emphasise a feeling of hospitality."
Big names were guests
Hotel De Tuilerieën has already welcomed many famous names including Hollywood actor Colin Farrell as well as the Belgian royal couple, before they became king and queen. "Even the king of Spain has stayed here. But to be clear: we treat everyone in the same way. Everyone is welcome here."