For refined living in period charm, you can’t beat the Bonifacius. This cosy, canal-side guesthouse dates back to the 16th century and is one of the city’s most photographed private buildings thanks to its idyllic location next to the smallest bridge in Bruges (which it is named after). This exclusive guesthouse boasts three opulent suites, a rooftop terrace and a stunning breakfast room.

Opulence abounds in the 20 large and lavish rooms of this lovely boutique hotel, housed in a former 15th-century monastery. Those facing the picturesque canal have some of the best views in town. If you can tear yourself away, the lounge bar has a warming open fire in winter, or you can enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant winter garden.

Quite possibly the best place to stay in Bruges, The Pand is a small, luxurious hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Sumptuous but not showy, this former 18th-century carriage house has a friendly, laid-back ambiance and one of the best champagne breakfasts in the city. Festooned with the owner’s personal collection of antiques, there are 26 individually designed rooms to choose from.

Just a block north of Markt Place, this opulent boutique hotel comes with plush furnishings in every room, chandeliers in public areas and a glass of bubbly at breakfast time. If you book far enough in advance and you won’t have to be as rich as a lord in order to live like one.

This cosy little hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Markt Square, yet the reasonable room rates belie its location and quality of accommodation. There are nine bedrooms in total, which are spacious, stylish and like the rest of the hotel, have a homely feel. A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s vaulted cellar and sets guests up for a morning of sightseeing.

A grand hotel in a compact city, the Navarra is housed in a gorgeous, listed building in the heart of Bruges. There are 94 comfortable rooms in total, not to mention a fabulous swimming pool and sauna, which is the perfect tonic after a day of sightseeing. If you’ve brought your wheels to the city, the hotel’s on-site parking will ease the burden.

This hotel has an interesting history, as it was a monastery from the 17th century, but is now a classified building. With a buffet breakfast, a restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, and room service, guests will be delighted with their stay and wish for more. Located in the “Venice of the North”, a UNESCO World Heritage site, NH Brugge is a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.

Ensor is a family hotel, located in Bruges’ Old Town, in a quiet area alongside a typical Bruges canal. With 12 rooms, it’s a small but comfortable hotel. The hotel is just a short walk into town and not far from the train station either, so the location is convenient as well. Described as a budget hotel, if needed you can attempt to email directly and lower the rates.

Small, friendly and family-run, the Fevery is in a quiet spot just 10 minutes from the central market square. Rooms are simply furnished, but homely and good value. The fact there are only 10 of them keeps the service personal, ensuring the vibe stays like that of a suburban bed and breakfast, rather than a slick city hotel.

Nestled down a sleepy side street on the edge of the Old Town, Hotel Jacobs is one of the best budget options in Bruges. This pretty, step-gabled building has 23 homely rooms, each with their own bathroom. Renovated a few years back, there’s free Wi-Fi, a bumper buffet breakfast and plenty of information about local attractions. The 10-minute walk into town is pleasant and easy-going.

Another wallet-friendly option, the Passage is a youth hostel, budget hotel, and restaurant split between two Old Town buildings. Scruffy and old fashioned but charming nonetheless, the Passage offers dorm beds, cheap doubles, and reasonably priced food. The staff are helpful and Bruges’ main attractions are just a short stroll away.