Escape to Durbuy: Your Dreamy Belgian Holiday Awaits!
Escape to Durbuy: My Dreamy Belgian Holiday… Almost! (A Rambling Review)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just stumbled back from Escape to Durbuy and, let me tell you, it was an experience. Not always a smooth one, mind you. This place…it's a LOT. Think fairytale Belgian town meets modern luxury attempt, with a sprinkle of "WTF just happened?" thrown in.
First Impressions (and a near-disaster in the lobby):
The website promised a dreamy escape, and, well, it does look pretty. The hotel is nestled in Durbuy, which is literally the "smallest town in the world" (or so they claim). Picture cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and… well, mostly tourists.
The lobby itself? Grand – lots of marble and chandeliers. Very impressive. But, let me tell you, navigating it with my suitcase almost ended in disaster! I'm not usually that clumsy, but the fancy floors are… slick. I swear, I saw a security guy flinch as I wobbled past, clutching my bags for dear life. That being said, the doorman (yes, a proper one!) was a lifesaver, and very polite. Points for that!
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the Stairs… Oh, the Stairs:
Now, listen up, because accessibility is important. And, unfortunately, this is where things get a bit… uneven.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The hotel claims to be accessible. And yes, there's an elevator, which is a huge plus. However, getting to the elevator from certain areas? Let's just say there are some tight turns and a few (yes, a few!) small steps disguised as "artistic design." It's not perfect. The lack of clear accessible routes feels a bit like a game of "find the staircase." Inside the rooms, I find that some of the details feels thoughtful
Facilities for disabled guests: The hotel claims to provide it and I find that some of the details feels thoughtful, I find that a bit of confusion in the whole thing, I would suggest to contact the hotel directly to see if their accommodations are ideal for you.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Unsure. I didn't personally check the restaurants specifically for accessibility, but the layout of the hotel made me a little worried about easy access to all areas.
Rooms: Cozy (Maybe Too Cozy) and Connected…Sometimes:
My room? Okay, it was… fine. Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness. It was clean (major brownie points for cleanliness!), and the bed was comfy. They had blackout curtains, which is crucial for sleeping in after a late night (more on that later).
- Available in all rooms: The amenities air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, on-demand movies, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] are available in all rooms which is really great.
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! (And it actually worked! A small miracle.) They also had Internet access – LAN (which I didn't even bother with, because, hello, free Wi-Fi).
- For the Kids: There is babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal. I was traveling solo, so I can't comment on the effectiveness of these, but I saw a lot of happy little faces running around.
- Room decorations: It was a bit basic for me, but some guest can take into considerations.
- Soundproof rooms: YES! I didn't hear a peep from my neighbors, which is a huge win.
- Pets allowed : unavailable.
The Spa: Heaven… Until You Try to Find Your Way Back:
Okay, the spa. This is where Escape to Durbuy almost redeemed itself. Almost.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: There's a huge range of ways to relax.
- For the kids: The facilities include a swimming pool , which is perfect for the kids.
I had a massage that was pure bliss. Honestly, I think I drifted off into a blissful coma for a bit. The pool with a view was breathtaking. The sauna and steam room were incredible, and the whole area just smelled of lavender and… contentment.
But again…getting to the spa? A labyrinth of corridors and confusing signs. I swear, I think I walked through the same hallway three times before finally finding my way out. If you're prone to getting lost, bring a map (or a very helpful friend!).
Dining: From Basic to… Well, Also Basic:
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant,: I have to say, they had quite a range of options, but I found them lacking in some aspects.
The breakfast buffet was… fine. Standard scrambled eggs, croissants, and some very suspicious-looking sausages. (I stuck to the croissants.) The Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay, but nothing to write home about. I had lunch at the poolside bar, which was a bit overpriced for what it was (a sad-looking salad and a lukewarm beer).
Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Bottle of water, Happy hour, Room service [24-hour]: They seem to have various options.
Safe dining setup: The hotel claims to have this, and they seemed to be following the regulations.
Cashless payment service: They did not accept payments in cash, so you will need a credit/debit card.
Breakfast in room: There are breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service, which can be a great option.
Individually-wrapped food options: The hotel implemented the best practices.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: The hotel claims to have this.
Safe dining setup: The hotel claims to have this.
Staff trained in safety protocol: The hotel claims to have this.
Safety & Cleanliness: A Mixed Bag:
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: They seem to be going all-in with the sanitization.
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: The hotel seems to have some security and safety measures in place.
Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: It's good to know that everything is in place in case of an emergency.
Sterilizing equipment: They did a good job by using the equipment.
Shared stationery removed: I hope they were providing all of the stationary items.
Staff trained in safety protocol: This is a big plus.
Services & Conveniences: Lots of Options, Limited Execution:
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Well, they have a lot of options, but some of them may not be available.
**Check-in/
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my Durbuy escapade, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Think less "meticulously planned" and more "winging it with a healthy dose of 'what the heck just happened?'".
Cozy Holiday Home in Durbuy with Garden - My Belgian Blitzkrieg: A (Mostly) Unfiltered Account
Day 1: Arrival and the Almost-Disaster of the Tiny House
1:00 PM - Arrival: Okay, picture this. Me, a suitcase overflowing with questionable fashion choices (comfort over style, always), and a car rental that's probably seen better days, rumbling its way through the Belgian countryside. Finally, we arrive. The "Cozy Holiday Home" looks… cozy. A little too cozy, actually. The garden? Promising. The house? Tiny. Like, "can-I-swing-a-cat-without-breaking-a-lamp" tiny. My first thought? "Oh god, I hope the wine cellar isn't also mini."
1:30 PM - The Luggage Shuffle: Unloading the car. This is where the real adventure begins. I swear, my suitcase has a grudge against me. It kept getting jammed in the doorway, which is a good warm-up for me.
2:00 PM - Settling In (With a Side of Mild Panic): Okay, now, getting properly settled. Showered, and I found that the bathroom is so small, you could probably stand in the shower and brush your teeth at the same time. I hope I can fit.
2:30 PM - Grocery Shopping (and the Existential Crisis in the Cheese Aisle): Found a fantastic store nearby. I saw cheeses, meats, breads, beers, chocolates… I literally stared at the cheese selection for a good 20 minutes. Am I a Gouda person? A Brie person? Did I even know myself? This cheese situation could make or break my day. I ended choosing the Brie, because I like to be elegant, and not like the Gouda.
4:00 PM - Garden Exploration (and the Mysterious Case of the Missing Sun Lounger): The garden is beautiful! Lush, green… and missing a sun lounger. Seriously? I was so looking forward to lying in the sun with a book and a glass of wine. Guess it is going to be an adventure.
7:00 PM - Dinner (and the Revelation About Belgian Fries): Home-cooked chicken, veggies, and Belgian fries. Proper Belgian fries. Oh. My. God. These are fried in beef tallow by definition, and they're a revelation. Like a religious experience encased in crispy potato. I may have eaten an entire mountain of them. No regrets.
9:00 PM - Wine on the Tiny Terrace (and Mild Mosquito Mayhem): Sat outside to enjoy the evening with a glass of red. Mosquitoes found me. They are the perfect little devil. I am itching so bad.
Day 2: Durbuy the Tourist Trap (That's Actually Pretty Great)
9:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Caffeine Dependency Realization): Coffee. I need it. Because of the lack of sleep from the mosquitoes.
10:00 AM - Durbuy Town Exploration (and the "World's Smallest City" Hype): Okay, let's be honest. Durbuy is touristy. Very touristy. But the people are friendly, the buildings are adorable, and the views are stunning. I'm not going to lie, I went to a lot of shops, and took pictures.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Terrace Restaurant (and the Accidental French Fluency): Found a charming restaurant by the river. I ordered in my broken French, and somehow, I made complete sentences. It was a miracle, or maybe the wine was helping.
2:00 PM - Kayaking on the River (and the Sudden Fear of Water-Based Activities): I'm not gonna lie. I didn't want to go kayaking. But everyone insisted. This is where the messy structure takes hold. I was fine. I didn't flip the kayak. I got some good pictures and had some laughs with the guide. However, I am not going to give it another go.
5:00 PM - Chocolate Shopping (and the Sugar Rush of the Century): Chocolate shops everywhere. Seriously. I ate so many chocolates, I'm surprised I didn't bounce off the walls.
7:00 PM - Dinner (and a Case of the Meat-Eater's Regret): Found a local restaurant, and tried the steak. I was a bit disappointed.
Day 3: Relaxation (Attempted) and the Great Garden Getaway
9:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Sun Lounger Triumph!): I did it! I went out and got a sun lounger. Now I can relax.
10:00 AM - Book in the Garden (and the Unexpected Rainstorm Drama): Finally settling down with my book, feeling all zen, when… BOOM. The heavens opened. Rain. Pouring. I scrambled inside, soaking wet.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Art of Leftover Remixing): Thank goodness for leftovers! Made a sandwich. It was delicious.
1:00 PM - Garden Exploration 2.0 (and the Ultimate Escape): The sun eventually re-emerged! Time for a little walk, and a drink or two. I am going to be more prepared this time.
3:00 PM - Local brewery (And the realization of what it means to truly taste beer): Yes. I want to go to a brewery, and taste all of the beers. It was amazing.
7:00 PM - Final Dinner (and the Sadness Creeping In): Okay, I got a pizza from a pizza place. It tasted like home. I don't want to leave!
Day 4: Departure and the "I'll Be Back" Promise
9:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Emotional Rollercoaster): One last coffee, one last croissant. Feeling sad.
10:00 AM - Packing (and the "Why Did I Buy So Much Stuff?" Realization): My suitcase is more full than ever. How did this happen?!
11:00 AM - Goodbye, Cozy Home!: Time to leave. Saying goodbye is always hard. But Durbuy has been a great adventure.
**1:00 PM - The drive out is a beautiful one, and I am so glad that I came. ** And the Imperfections:
The Weather: Belgian weather is as fickle as my moods.
The Language Barrier: My French is… well, let's just say gesturing is frequently involved.
The Sun Lounger Saga: Seriously, where was that thing?!
The Mosquito Army: Those bloodthirsty little devils.
The Food Coma: May or may not have happened on multiple occasions.
So there you have it. My Durbuy diary. Flawed, messy, and full of delicious food and unexpected adventures. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world. Until next time, Durbuy!
Sun-Kissed Luxury: Your Dream French Villa Awaits (Felines-Minervois Pool!)
Escape to Durbuy: Your Dreamy Belgian Holiday Awaits...Maybe? (Let's be Real)
So, Durbuy. Is it REALLY the "Smallest City in the World"? Because...marketing, right?
Okay, alright, let's tackle this right away. "Smallest City in the World"? It's a hook, a lure, a clever marketing ploy that absolutely works on charming, naive travel bloggers like *ahem*... me. Durbuy *is* tiny. Like, you could probably walk across the "city" in about ten minutes, assuming you don't get distracted by a particularly tempting waffle. Which, let's be honest, you will. But "smallest city"? Semantics. It's more like a really, really cute, incredibly picturesque village that got a fancy title. Don't let the label ruin it for you, though. It's adorable, I swear. Just don't expect New York, you know?
What's the vibe in Durbuy? Is it all cobblestones and...quiet?
Oh, the vibe. Okay, so picture this: imagine a fairytale, but with a slightly cynical, tired old man in a beret playing an accordion in the corner of the town square. That's Durbuy's vibe. It's charming, undeniably. Cobblestones? Check. Charming little shops selling everything from artisanal chocolates to... well, more chocolates. Quiet? Depends on the season. I went in peak tourist season, and the quiet was *slightly* drowned out by excitable children, camera shutters, and the incessant clinking of glasses in every restaurant patio. Honestly, I loved it. Even the chaos felt... quaint.
Okay, food. Belgian food. Waffles? Fries? Are we talking culinary heaven or tourist trap hell?
Alright, listen. The food. This is serious business. Waffles? YES. Eat them. Eat them all. Don't judge. Just do it. Fries? Also yes. Preferably with a generous dollop of mayonnaise. (Don't knock it till you try it, trust me). Tourist trap? Potentially. But honestly, the food in Durbuy is generally pretty darn good. I had one *amazing* meal at that restaurant by the river, the name escapes me now (it's all a blur of deliciousness, okay?), but the steak frites were perfection. Crispy fries, tender steak – I remember thinking, "This is it. This is the life." (Then I promptly spilled red wine all over my new white shirt. But hey, it happens.)
What are the "must-do" activities in Durbuy, besides stuffing your face?
Okay, let's be realistic – stuffing your face IS a must-do. But, besides that, the "must-dos":
- Wandering around the Old Town: Obvious, but essential. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets. Take a million photos. Accept that you will probably get turned around. It's part of the charm.
- Kayaking on the Ourthe River: Do it! It's fun, it's scenic. Prepare to get slightly wet. I may or may not have capsized my kayak at one point. (Don't judge, the current was stronger than I anticipated.) I mean, the upside? I got to experience the river *firsthand*.
- Durbuy Adventure Valley: Okay, this is for the thrill-seekers, which I am not. But, friends of mine said the activities there was actually really fun, like the ziplines and stuff.
- Checking out the Topiary Park: Plants shaped into things. Sounds weird, is actually pretty cool.
Is Durbuy good for kids?
Yes! Absolutely. The Adventure Valley, the cute shops, the ice cream – it's a child's paradise! I saw a kid, probably 7 years old, with a cone overflowing with chocolate and whipped cream. The sheer joy on his face warmed my cynical heart. (Okay, fine, it probably made me a little jealous, but mostly warmed my heart.) Just be prepared for the sugar rush. And maybe bring spare clothes. And definitely pack wet wipes. And maybe earplugs. (Just kidding... mostly.)
Is it romantic? I'm considering proposing.
Oh, it can be. If you pick the right spot, at the right time. But like... consider a backup plan just in case. Because you know, crowds, the weather... My friend did propose here and it was beautiful. But what was even funnier, once he was on his knees, a stray dog came and tried to steal the ring. It didn't work. But I almost fell over laughing. So... yes, potentially romantic! But also potentially hilariously awkward. But in a good way! Mostly.
What's the best time to visit Durbuy?
Depends on what you want. Summer? Beautiful weather, lots of people. Spring/Autumn? Milder weather, fewer tourists. I went in summer, and while the crowds were intense, the atmosphere was amazing. Actually, think about going off-season if you can. It'll probably preserve your sanity! The winter probably would be nice too. There's something about Christmas lights and snow...
Are there any hidden gems, secrets, or things that the travel guides won't tell me?
Ah, the secrets! Okay, this is where it gets good. Here's the lowdown:
- The patisserie off the main square: It's tucked away, easy to miss, but the pastries are *divine*. Seriously, go there. Thank me later.
- The little bridge over the Ourthe: Perfect for sunset photos, and for generally feeling like you're in a movie. Just prepare to fight for space with other people trying to take the same photo.
- That quirky little shop run by the guy with the ginger beard: He sells antiques and local crafts, and he's a total character. Chat with him. He has stories. He definitely has stories.
Okay, so final verdict: Should I go to Durbuy?
Yes. Absolutely. Go. Book theHotel Search Trek
