An opulent, romantic hotel with rooms in the 18th-century building and in the modern “pergola” overlooking the river. Amenities include a swimming pool, a gastronomic restaurant and the Kaffee Pergola brasserie.

This delightful hotel in a 15th-century convent has a gorgeous panelled breakfast room and lounge with a terrace overlooking the Den Dijver canal. The hotel exudes character and charm.

In a 15th-century nobleman’s house overlooking the canal, this lavish hotel has hosted many a celebrity. Swimming pool, steam room and bar.

This boutique hotel, in a fine 18th-century town house, is the ideal place for a romantic getaway. It is beautifully decorated in a very comfortable, deeply upholstered style, with canopied beds. Close to the Burg in a pretty tree-lined street.

This former ducal palace has definitely earned its five stars thanks to the spa pool, art gallery and chapel make it extra special. The Manuscript restaurant serves a great breakfast. The bar is not cheap but locals seem to think it’s worth it.

A superb boutique B&B in a 16th-century building overlooking the canal and Bonifacius Bridge. Each room is decorated individually with rich fabrics and authentic antiques, and features an en-suite granite bathroom with Jacuzzi bath. Bonifacius is located opposite the Michelin-starred Den Gouden Harynck.

Once a 17th-century monastery, this building retains some lovely features such as stainedglass windows, large fireplaces and wooden beams. Rooms are modern, but the Jan Breydel bar has old-world charm.

Occupying a 17th-century bishop’s residence in the west of the city, this comfortable hotel has imaginatively decorated bedrooms and bathrooms. The high standard of the rooms is matched by the hotel’s sumptuous restaurant, Le Manoir Quatre Saisons.

You could not get more central if you tried: the Crowne Plaza overlooks the Burg at the very heart of Bruges. An efficiently run, modern establishment, it also incorporates some historic remains: the excavated foundations of the medieval church of St Donatian. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, the PlazaCafé and its own car park.

This smart, modern hotel, overlooking the canal in the quieter, eastern part of town, is a member of the Golden Tulip group. It has Japanese and Italian restaurants, as well as a bar, a gym, a sauna and Turkish baths.