Life's Too Short to STAY In Places That SUCK...

💭 🏨 "Bienvenue à Belgique!

This week, we're whisking you away to Belgium, the land of waffles, chocolate, and some of Europe's most magical Christmas markets.

From the five-star elegance of Brussels to charming converted churches in Mechelen and whimsical hideaways in the Ardennes.

🔵 Here's a little Belgian magic: The Smurfs, those beloved blue characters, were born right here, created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford in 1958!

🌴 🍹 Coming next week: Trade frost for paradise in our "Escape Winter" Caribbean stays edition!

...GET INN-SPIRED ⤵️

💡Weekly Inn-Sight

Belgium is home to the world’s first recorded casino: La Redoute, built in Spa in the 18th century.

(Yes, the town that gave "spa" its name!)

Suite Spotlight 🎄

🇧🇪 Brussels' Christmas Crown Jewel: Hotel Amigo

From what travelers have said, Hotel Amigo might be the most perfectly positioned hotel for Christmas magic in Brussels. The building itself has quite the story – it was actually a 16th-century prison before becoming a luxury hotel.

• (Fun fact: Spanish rulers accidentally named it "Amigo" when they confused the Flemish word "vrunt" (prison) for "friend." Talk about a lost-in-translation moment!)

Based on recent guest reviews, this five-star spot hits different during the holidays. You're literally steps from the Grand Place Christmas market, and travelers can't stop posting about waking up to those sparkling market views.

Hacks & Insider Tips:

• 🛏️ Room Hack: Higher floors mean quieter nights and killer views. Apparently, Room 419 gets bonus points for its view of City Hall—write that one down.

• 🍫 Insider Tip: Skip the hotel restaurant for dinner one night and let the concierge hook you up with Brussels’ best local spots. You’ll thank them later.

• 🎁 Bonus Hack: If you’re visiting during the holidays, ask the staff about exclusive holiday packages—they sometimes include perks like tickets to light shows or complimentary hot cocoa on arrival.

The Buzz: From what we're seeing in reviews, if you're chasing that perfect Brussels Christmas experience, Hotel Amigo seems to be living up to its reputation. Just remember to book early – apparently, those prime holiday slots disappear faster than Belgian chocolates! ✨

Suite Stay 🙏 

Stay devine in Mechelen ✨

In the spirit of Christmas, why not stay in a beautifully converted church? From what travelers say, this hotel is as magical as it sounds. Located in the heart of Mechelen, Belgium, Martin’s Patershof is a neo-Gothic church turned boutique hotel. It’s the kind of place people rave about for its charm and uniqueness.

• ❤️ What Travelers Love: Guests rave about sleeping under stained-glass windows in a converted church that mixes historic charm with modern comfort. Plus, the location is unbeatable—10 minutes to Mechelen’s Christmas market and a quick train to Brussels or Antwerp.

What to Watch Out For: (Naughty List)

• Ask about events; parties in the hotel may carry throughout the building.

• Some guests mention that certain rooms are smaller and darker than modern hotels —ask for a room with larger windows if that’s a concern.

  • Plus there have been occasional reports of insufficient heating and cooling, likely due to the building's historic nature.

Pro Tips:

• Upgrade to an "Exceptional" room for jaw-dropping stained-glass windows.

• Parking is €30/day, but free street parking is often available nearby.

Rates start around $100 per night—a fair price for a stay you won’t forget. Just don’t expect ultra-luxury, and you’ll leave with some incredible holiday memories!

Stay of the Week 👌

📍 Location: Tervuren, Belgium

🚴‍♂️🌲 | Green Pavilion ^(Airbnb)

1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 2 Guest

⭐️ Guest Grade: 4.87 Stars | 95+ Reviews

🗣️💬 | Guest Vibe Check:

Your cheat sheet – the the 'good to know before you go’

What’s Hot 🔥

• Perfect Location: Nestled by the Arboretum, ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and bikers, yet only 20 minutes from Brussels, Leuven, and Wavre.

• Stunning Views: Guests rave about the private terrace overlooking serene meadows, offering a peaceful escape.

• Comfortable & Modern Amenities: Free WiFi, flat screen TV, fully equipped kitchen, and a Nespresso machine for added convenience.

What’s Not 😬

• Temperature Challenges: Some guests noted heating and cooling issues due to the open layout and large windows.

• Compact Spaces: The shower room and overall size may feel tight for families or larger groups.

• Event Noise: Occasional noise from nearby events or parties could affect the tranquility.

🤯 | STAY Inn the Know

Stay curious with these travel tidbits

1. BELGIUM TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Belgium + What NOT to Do! | 🎥 (link)

2. 10 money-saving tips for budget travelers in Belgium | 💸 (link)

3. Don’t ask local Belgium restaurants for Brussel sprouts | 🤯 (link)

Stay Gone Wild 👀

Nestled in Belgium’s Ardennes, Le Cheval de Troie feels like a fever dream of a sugar-high kid. Sleep inside a literal Trojan Horse, a magical forest cabin, or a glow-in-the-dark space room. It’s like someone let a fantasy novel loose and said, “Sure, let’s make it a hotel.”

Ridiculous Factor:

• The rooms are hand-sculpted with uneven beams, quirky nooks, and fantasy decor. It’s equal parts hotel, art project, and total chaos (in the best way).

⭐️ 4.5 | 595 TripAdvisor Reviews 

Stay 👍️ or Nay 👎️

Welcome to Les Nids des Marais in Fernelmont, Belgium—where walls are optional, and so is your privacy. This all-glass cabin gives you 360° views of lush marshland, sparkling water, and a sky full of stars. It's perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “You know what would make camping better? If everyone could see me snore.”

So, if you’ve got nothing to hide (or if exhibitionism is your vibe), this is your spot. Otherwise, maybe bring a curtain... or ten.

 Inn-side Scoops 🗞️

News and Tidbits You Can’t Miss

👆️ Belgium's most bizarre flex: a 335-foot-tall, stainless steel atom that proves even scientists can have one too many Belgian beers, Visit the Atomium

🫠 Airbnb’s 2024 Winter Release reveals the hottest destinations to inspire your next adventure.

🌍 The Top Trending Global Hotspots

• Brazil: Joinville, Fortaleza, Itajaí

• Spain: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Logroño

• Australia: Jervis Bay

🧳 🫠 | Suitcase snippets

Bite-sized lodging news & insights

•  🏰 Bruges, Belgium may be the most photogenic city in Europe — with scenic canals, cobblestone streets, and twinkling Christmas markets. (link)

• 🎄 The most beautiful Christmas markets in Belgium ranked - from North to South, and East to West (link)

• 🏨 12 hotels in the US that go all out with their Christmas decorations (link)

🛎️🗣️ | Check-in chatter

Gossip from the guestbook

• 💰 ‘Resort fees’ are a curse in the US. These cities are notorious for it (link)

• 🎅 Even the home of Santa Claus is now suffering from over-tourism (link)

• 📝 Going to Spain? Be prepared to give more personal information to hotels (link)

🫶  | Thanks for reading

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