Escape to Durbuy: Luxurious Holiday Home Near Belgium's Fairytale Town!
Escape to Durbuy: My Ups and Downs in Belgium's "Tiniest City" (and a Fancy Holiday Home!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Durbuy, that ridiculously charming (and tiny!) town in Belgium, and I'm still trying to unpack… both physically and mentally. I stayed at "Escape to Durbuy," this luxurious holiday home, and honestly, it was a rollercoaster. Let's dive in, shall we? This isn't your polished, corporate review; this is real.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Question… (Ugh, It's Complicated)
The website promised "luxurious" and delivered, at least on the surface. The pictures of the holiday home were all sleek lines and minimalist chic. I arrived late evening, jetlagged and craving a decent meal, and the initial impression was… well, impressive. Huge windows, a roaring fireplace, and a kitchen that would make Gordon Ramsay weep with joy. But the whole accessibility thing? Let's just say it's a minefield.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Nowhere near perfect. The property technically has features, like an elevator (thank goodness!), but navigating the various levels, especially around the outdoor areas, was a nightmare for anyone with mobility issues. Forget about truly enjoying the pool view, it’s not that easy to approach. The online description really sells short the challenges here. Accessibility Score: 5/10 - Could do MUCH better!
Getting In & Around (The Basics): The front desk, thankfully, is 24-hour, which was a godsend after my delayed flight. They also offered a contactless check-in/out, which was perfect for my germaphobe tendencies. A elevator was present, but access to it wasn’t ideal from all points. They had car park [free of charge] and valet parking, which definitely removed some stress.
Internet Woes (or, Wi-Fi: The Eternal Struggle): Okay, massive props for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and even Wi-Fi for special events. But the signal? Patchy at best. And when I tried the Internet [LAN] option for a more stable connection, the cables looked like a nest of angry snakes. Frustrating. I needed to work! Had to drag myself to the lobby to finish that presentation. Internet Score: 6/10 - Speed and reliability need MAJOR improvement.
The "Things To Do" & The "Things To Relax" Paradox
Right, the fun stuff. Durbuy is all about charming cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and that ridiculously photogenic river. And "Escape to Durbuy" promised a haven of relaxation…
Spa & Wellness: The Temptation and the Reality: The Spa/sauna was a highlight – Sauna, Steamroom, massage, and Body scrub, Body wrap available. That Pool with a view, as promised, certainly existed… when you could actually get to it! The Gym/fitness area was small but functional. Overall, the promise of relaxation was there, but the actual execution felt a bit… rushed. The Foot bath was a nice touch, though! Relaxation Score: 7/10 - Good intentions, could be better executed.
The Swimming Pool: A Tale of Two Halves: The Swimming pool [outdoor] should have been a highlight. Beautifully designed, with that stunning view. But here’s where the imperfection sneaks in: it wasn’t heated! I tried braving it early one morning, and I swear I could hear my teeth chattering. The view was spectacular, though. The other issues were that the area was very small, and the pool had an overly chlorinated smell. Pool Score: 6/10 - Gorgeous to look at, not always practical.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Odyssey (with a Few Blips)
I’m a foodie, so this was important. And "Escape to Durbuy" certainly offered options…
Dining Options (The Good, The Bad, and the Buffet): They had Restaurants, a Poolside bar, and Room service [24-hour], which was perfect for those late-night snack attacks. The A la carte in restaurant menu was good, if a little predictable. Sadly, the Breakfast [buffet] was a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting an authentic Asian breakfast option, but the offering was, let's say, Western breakfast inspired. The food quality and presentation were a bit uneven. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good, though! The Snack bar was a lifesaver for quick bites. Dining Score: 7/10 - Plenty of choice, the food could be more inspired.
Drinks & Ambiance: The Bar was well-stocked, and the Happy hour was actually happy! They also provided a Bottle of water in the room, which was a nice touch. Poolside bar was a great spot to hang out.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Those Annoying Little Details
Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. In the current climate, cleanliness is paramount.
Covid-19 Precautions (A Mixed Bag): They Rooms sanitized between stays, and offered Room sanitization opt-out available. They also had Anti-viral cleaning products and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Staff was Staff trained in safety protocol. I appreciated the Hand sanitizer. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was generally observed. But the Daily disinfection in common areas didn't always seem obvious. The Safe dining setup was observed though. Cleanliness & Safety Score: 7/10 - Pretty good, but vigilance is key.
The Little Things (That Make a Difference): Daily housekeeping was efficient. Luggage storage was helpful. They had Safety deposit boxes. Air conditioning in public area was very welcome. Non-smoking rooms (thankfully!). Facilities for disabled guests were, as I said, a bit hit-and-miss. Overall: 7/10 - Solid, with room for improvement.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and a Few Quirks)
The Rooms sanitized between stays and the Non-smoking policy gave me peace of mind. The Air conditioning was bliss. Here's a rundown of the room features:
- Essentials: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Bonus Points: The Additional toilet was a godsend. The On-demand movies kept me entertained. Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher were reassuring.
- Quirks: The Extra long bed was literally extra long… I felt a bit like Goldilocks trying to find the right pillow. The Bathroom phone felt a bit… 1990s. Room Score: 8/10 - Comfortable, with a few minor oddities.
Services & Conveniences: The Behind-the-Scenes Stuff
- The Useful Stuff: Cash withdrawal was convenient. The Concierge was helpful, although sometimes a bit overwhelmed. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Dry cleaning and Laundry service were available. The presence of a Convenience store was very useful.
- The "Nice-to-Haves": Babysitting service and Family/child friendly were good to see even though I wasn't traveling with small ones. A Gift/souvenir shop was present. Optional Services: Car park [on-site] was helpful, along with the Airport transfer
- The Business Angle: Meetings/banquet facilities, and Meeting stationery and the Xerox/fax in business center were available. Convenience Score: 7/10 - A good range of services.
For the Kids: (I Couldn't Resist, Even Though I'm Child-Free)
They had Babysitting service. Family/child friendly was the main thing. Kids Score: Not rated - No Children.
Getting Around (Because Durbuy is Small, But Still…)
- *Car park [free of charge
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Durbuy. Not just to see Durbuy, but to become Durbuy, or at least, to try and not be completely baffled by it. This isn't a pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is the reality of a holiday home getaway, peppered with my usual brand of chaos.
The Durbuy Debacle: A Messy Memoir of Moments
Pre-Departure Ramblings and Existential Dread (aka, Packing)
- Day 0 (or, the Day of Panic): Packing. My nemesis. I swear, I pack for an apocalypse every time. This trip, though. This trip is just a few days in a holiday home in Belgium. Do I need a hazmat suit? A machete? No. But I'm still packing like I’m fighting off a zombie horde. The "just in case" list is my lifeblood, my curse. Toothpaste, toothbrush, maybe a small axe in case of rogue branches, several pairs of socks, and multiple "emergency" chocolate bars. Always. Always.
- The Drive: Of course, I'm convinced my car is currently conspiring against me. I swear the GPS is actively trying to get me lost. Expect detours, wrong turns, and a soundtrack of me yelling "Are we there yet?" at intervals.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Perfect Belgian Fry
- 14:00: ARRIVAL! (Finally, praise the Gods of GPS and good luck!) The holiday home, thank heavens it is more or less what it looked like online. We're talking charming, slightly wonky, and with a garden that might or might not be overrun by squirrels. Initial impression: Good vibes! Hope the beds aren't lumpy.
- 14:30: Unpacking. It's like a reverse Tetris game. Somehow, everything fits, even though I swear the car was bursting at the seams.
- 15:00: The Hunger Games Begin (aka, finding a decent grocery store). We ventured into Durbuy with the goal of finding a good place to eat. After a brief, frantic search, we ended up in a place that looked a bit touristy, but we persevered.
- 16:00: The Fry Revelation. Forget the Eiffel Tower. Forget the Mona Lisa. For me, the experience will be the first bite into the perfect Belgian Fry. It's a quest, a holy grail. The fries were good, mind you, but not mythological. Still, dipping those golden, crispy fries in the tangy mayo made it all worthwhile.
- 17:00: Wandering Durbuy. It's tiny, adorable, and packed with more medieval charm than I know what to do with. Cobblestone streets, cute shops selling things I don't need but desperately want (chocolate! more chocolate!), and enough history to make my head spin. Started feeling a bit like a character in a fairytale, and honestly, I’m here for it.
- 18:00: Dinner at a local restaurant. I ordered the local specialty, and I nearly choked on my beer when the waiter told me it was rabbit. Rabbit, you guys! It seemed like bunny’s day. I ate it. It was surprisingly tasty and I'm pretty sure I have a new found love for it.
- 19:00: Evening stroll along the Ourthe river. Absolutely gorgeous. The way the light hits the water is something else.
- 21:00: Settling in. Red wine and board games. My competitive streak is legendary (and, let's be honest, often results in some lighthearted cheating…).
Day 2: The Durbuy Dungeon of Doom & Chocolate Overload
- 09:00: Waking up. Still dark. Still cold. Trying not to panic about the laundry pile that's already forming. Coffee, coffee, coffee.
- 10:00: The Mysterious Durbuy Dungeon. Okay, maybe it's not really a dungeon. But there are a few sights to see. I have mixed feelings about the historical re-enactments, but the historical significance is undeniable. I get the feeling that the people who lived here were not messing around.
- 12:00: Chocolate! We found a local chocolatier. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The chocolates were so good, I almost cried (okay, I might have teared up a little). I bought more than I should have, because, well, why not? Life is short, and Belgian chocolate is eternal.
- 14:00: Kayaking on the Ourthe. I’m not the most coordinated person. We're going to get wet. Probably capsize. And likely offend the local ducks in the process. Wish us luck.
- (Post-Kayak Debrief): We survived. The ducks are still speaking to us. Miraculous! Actually, it was amazing. The scenery was incredible, and even though I nearly tipped over a few times, it was a hilarious mess. A solid 10/10 for pure, unadulterated fun. I can't believe I got some beautiful pictures.
- 17:00: Dinner. I'm cooking. Pray for us.
- 20:00: A film.
Day 3: Goodbye Durbuy, and the Final Fry
- 09:00: Sleep in.
- 10:00: Last stroll through Durbuy. One final look at the cobblestones, the shops, and those damn charming buildings.
- 11:00: The last meal, a final bite of those fries.
- 12:00: Packing.
- 13:00: Depart.
- 13:00: Leaving Durbuy, taking more than just memories. I'm taking chocolate, and the knowledge that even the most chaotic trips can hold moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
So there you have it. My Durbuy adventure. It probably wasn't perfect. There were undoubtedly moments of frustration, wrong turns, and questionable choices. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? Because in the messy, imperfect moments, we find the real magic. And that, my friends, is a memory worth keeping. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go eat some chocolate.
Wheelchair Accessible Paradise: Your Dream Dutch Holiday Awaits!
Escape to Durbuy: FAQs (Because Let's Face It, You're Probably Googling!)
Okay, So Is This Place Really "Luxurious"? Like, Champagne Bubbles and Robes Luxurious?
Alright, let's be real. Luxurious? Yeah, in a "I haven't felt this relaxed since…" kind of way. Think less diamond tiaras, more high-quality linens, comfy furniture you can actually *sink* into, and a kitchen that makes you *want* to cook (even if you're secretly terrible at it, like me).
It's got that "lived-in elegance," you know? Not stuffy, just… *good*. The kind of place where you can leave your socks on the floor and not feel judged by a hotel maid. Though, maybe *I* left a few... (shifty eyes). The sauna was AMAZING, though. Absolutely amazing. Spent *hours* in there, sweating out whatever stress I'd accumulated, mostly from my own internal monologue.
Think less "palace" and more "very, very comfortable castle for the weekend." And the view? *chef's kiss*
What's Durbuy Itself Like? Is It All Just Tourist Traps and Crepes?
Durbuy. Oh, Durbuy. Okay, fine, yes, there are *some* tourist traps. And yes, the crepes are delicious. But it's also genuinely charming. Picture this: cobblestone streets, houses that look like they've been plucked straight from a fairytale, and a general feeling of… well, *whimsy*.
I remember one evening, we were strolling around, got slightly lost (as usual), and stumbled upon this tiny little chocolate shop. The smell! Oh, the smell! It was heaven. Ended up buying way too much, obviously. My partner *judged* me, but then he ate half the truffles. Go figure.
But back to Durbuy itself: it's the kind of place where you can lose track of time, wander aimlessly, and just… be. It's a good antidote to the everyday grind. Be prepared for crowds during peak season though. We went in the autumn, and it was *perfect*. Weather was lovely, the leaves were changing, and the crowds had thinned out. Goldilocks situation - just right.
Is It Actually Easy to Get To? (Coming from the UK, Specifically…)
Getting there… It feels deceptively close on a map, but factor in travel time. We took the Eurostar (which, let's be honest, is *much* better than flying) and rented a car in Brussels. The drive to Durbuy is pretty straightforward, scenic even.
The train bit can be fiddly; you're reliant on the schedule, and the whole "get to the station on time" stress... always a fun game. Also, Brussels airport has that *one* sign that's impossible to find, leading everyone in a wild goose chase.
But honestly, the journey is part of the adventure. The anticipation builds, the landscape shifts, and suddenly you're in this gorgeous little corner of Belgium. Totally worth it. Just don't forget your passport!
Is There Anything To *Do* Besides Look at Pretty Buildings and Stuff My Face with Chocolate?
OMG, yes! Okay, so *I* spent a lot of time stuffing my face with chocolate, but there's actually loads to do. Durbuy's got adventure activities (kayaking, mountain biking, the works), hiking trails with stunning views, and enough restaurants to keep you fed for a month.
We went kayaking one day. Let me just say, I'm not exactly the most graceful person. Let's just say I spent a significant amount of time, mostly, in the water. My partner found it *hilarious*. Me, less so. But the surroundings were beautiful, I’ll give it that.
Seriously though, you could easily spend a week there and not get bored. There are also nearby towns to check out. Don't miss the local market! You will not regret it.
Okay, But What if Something Goes Wrong? Like, REALLY Wrong? (I'm A Worrywart, Don't Judge Me).
Right, okay. So, I'm a worrywart too, so I completely get it. The good news is, the property management company was super responsive. We had a little issue with the internet (first world problem, I know, I know!), and within an hour, it was sorted.
The local area seems pretty safe (unlike my driving, apparently. Just kidding... mostly). The house itself felt secure, and the owners clearly care about their property and the guest’s experience. They've thought of everything. Honestly, the biggest disaster we encountered was running out of coffee. Crisis averted, thanks to the local shop! They are literally a lifesaver.
So yeah, breathe. If something goes wrong, chances are someone will be there to help. And if not... well, there's always chocolate. And wine. And that amazing sauna...
Are There Any Hidden Costs I Should Be Aware Of? (Besides My Excessive Chocolate Consumption)
Ah, the dreaded hidden costs! Okay, so… read the fine print. Always. But generally, the Escape to Durbuy place is pretty transparent. They usually include things like linens, and cleaning. Always double check though!
Parking can be… well, be prepared to pay something. And, of course, your food and drink costs are separate. We ended up spending a small fortune on local beer and cheese. No regrets, though!
The biggest ‘hidden’ cost for us was the temptation to spend more time there! It's so easy to just settle in and stay forever. But hey, that’s a good problem to have, right?
Would You Go Back? (Be Honest!)
Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, YES! I'm already plotting my return.
Everything about it was simply relaxing. The views. The food. The sauna. The peace and quiet. And, okay, the chocolate. Yes the chocolate.
I'm already saving up for a longer stay. Prepare to see my mug on the next trip!
