Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage: Garden Escape Awaits!
Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage: Garden Escape Awaits! - My Honest Review (Because Let's Be Real)
Right, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some Belgian waffles) on Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage. Forget those polished, PR-approved reviews. This is the real deal. I'm talking messy hair, spilled coffee, and that slightly too-small bathrobe experience – all wrapped up in a picturesque Belgian bow.
(SEO & Metadata: Get Ready for This! - Durbuy Accommodation, Belgium Hotels, Luxury Cottage Review, Garden Getaway, Spa Hotel, Family Friendly, Accessible Hotel, Wi-Fi Durbuy, Romantic Getaway, Pet-Friendly Options, etc.)
First Impression: The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and the "Oh My Gods, Are Those Chickens?"
Driving into Durbuy (seriously, it's straight out of a fairytale), the anticipation was KILLING me. And the cottage? Gorgeous. Seriously Instagram-worthy. Picture: Stone walls, ivy creeping everywhere, a garden that looked promising, and that feeling like you've stumbled into a secret hideaway. My first thought? "FINALLY! ESCAPE!"
Now, things got slightly less idyllic as I fumbled with the key (it's a charming, old-fashioned key, which is also code for "a pain in the butt at 2 am"). But hey, character, right? Plus, the staff was lovely, especially that guy at the front desk (more on him later – he deserves a medal.)
Accessibility - Let's Get Real: The Stairs and the Soulful Sigh
Okay, truth time. I have a friend who sometimes uses a wheelchair, and I took a peek at accessibility from her perspective. The website does mention facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. But, and it's a big but… There are stairs. Lots of stairs. Winding stairs, stone stairs, stairs that seem to mock your very existence (especially after those Belgian beers). The website is, like, "elevator, yes," and that's true but also: "good luck getting to some areas." I am going to say it is accessible BUT you need a very specific set of needs, and I don't know if it would be ideal.
Accessibility (Cont.) - A Bit More Detail
- Hotel Chain: I couldn't find the specific hotel chain, so I felt like I was on my own.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Elevator: Yes!
- Access: The lobby and the restaurant were easy to access.
The Room (And My Love Affair with the Bathtub)
Okay, the room! Air conditioning? Check! Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!)? Double-check! A mini-bar? Triple-check! (And let's be honest, I may have accidentally consumed the contents of that mini-bar a little too quickly…) The room itself was spacious, with that oh-so-important "extra long bed" (thank you, hotel gods!). The décor? Think cozy chic, with a serious emphasis on comfort.
But the real star of the show? The bathtub. Seriously, people. I'm talking a deep-soaking, "leave me alone with a glass of wine and a good book" kind of bathtub. It was a blissful oasis. And the slippers? Plush, luxurious, and perfect for padding around the room in my bathrobe (I think I practically lived in that thing).
(Available in all Rooms: Additional toilet, 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, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Waffles, Wine, and My Ever-Expanding Waistline
Oh. My. Goodness. The FOOD.
- Breakfast: The buffet was a revelation. Seriously, the croissants alone were worth the trip. Then, the yogurt, the fresh fruit, the Asian breakfast options?! Mind. Blown. Okay, I confess, I might have gone back for seconds (and thirds, and maybe a cheeky fourth croissant). And the staff? Always smiling, always helpful. (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar.)
- Dining: The Restaurants were good, and the menu International cuisine in restaurant was what you expect from Belgium.
Relaxation Station: Spa Dreams and a Slightly Disappointing Sauna
Okay, so the spa. This is where things got…interesting. The "pool with view" was nice. The sauna? A little cramped, and the heat wasn't quite what I expected. (Am I a sauna snob? Maybe.) But the massage? O. M. G. Pure bliss. I'm now officially a convert, and I need a massage therapist on speed dial.
(Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].)
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Smelling of… Cleanliness?
Look, this is 2024. Cleanliness is everything. I was pleased to see that Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage took it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks (if the regulations dictated), and the room felt spotless. I felt safe, which is a huge weight off your shoulders when you're trying to relax.
(Cleanliness and safety: 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, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.)
Services and Conveniences: From Luggage Storage to "Where's My Coffee?"
- Staff: The staff here were amazing, the Concierge was amazing, it made the stay perfect.
- Dry cleaning: If you spill red wine on your best dress (it happens!), they've got your back.
- Room Sanitization: No issue, the rooms were spotless.
(Services and conveniences: 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.
Getting Around: Parking, Driving, and the Occasional Confused Tourist
- Parking: Free of charge parking. Huge win.
- Airport Transfer: If you're flying in, I can only say, "book it!" Trust me, figuring out European public transport after a long flight? Not fun.
(Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.)
For the Kids: Babysitting, Fun, and the Eternal Question: "Are We There Yet?"
- Family/child friendly: I saw a few families at the hotel and the kids were happy.
(For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.)
The Quirks & The Annoyances: Or, The Things They Don't Tell You on the Website
- The Chickens: Yes, there are chickens. Roaming freely. They add to the charm, but… they also wake you up. Repeatedly.
- The Wi-Fi: Okay, the Wi-Fi was good. But it did drop out a couple of times in the evening, which was a minor annoyance when I was trying to stream my favorite show.
Overall Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely.
Despite the
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Ardennes Getaway in Belgium!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly sculpted Instagram travel post. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, slightly chaotic journey to a cozy cottage in Durbuy, Belgium. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?
The Durbuy Debacle (a.k.a. My Belgian Getaway)
Pre-Departure Anxiety Attack (and Packing Fails):
- Day 1: The Great Pre-Trip Panic.
- 6:00 AM: Woke up in a cold sweat, convinced I'd forgotten to book the cottage. (Spoiler alert: I had. But thankfully, booking.com gods are forgiving). Cue frantic email check. Heart rate: 180 bpm.
- 6:30 AM: The packing. Oh, the packing. I swear my suitcase is sentient and actively resists closing. Decided to pack "everything," which, realistically, is three pairs of boots, approximately 17 scarves (because Belgian weather is a fickle mistress), and a book the size of a small brick.
- 7:00 AM: Snack strategy: stock up on dark chocolate. Because Belgium. End of discussion.
- 2:00 PM: Finally dragged myself to the airport. Found out my passport was expired a year ago, but I'm a new person, and so is my passport!
Arrival & Cottage Chaos (and Unexpected Charm):
Day 2: Durbuy, I'm Here! (Sort Of).
10:00 AM: Brussels Airport. Smelled like waffles and mild existential dread. Always a good start.
12:00 PM: Train to Durbuy. Gorgeous views, even better people-watching. One woman spent the entire journey knitting a rather aggressive-looking sweater. I'd love to know the story behind that.
2:00 PM: Reached Durbuy, hopped on the bus (or maybe it really was the bus, I cant remember, I was too busy taking in the surroundings
3:00 PM: Cottage located! (After a brief, slightly embarrassing episode of me wandering around looking like a lost sheep). Found my Cozy cottage and it does look cozy!
3:30 PM: The unpacking begins. Immediately realized I packed the wrong shoes (of course). Also, my book is indeed the size of a small brick. This is going to be heavy.
4:00 PM: First impression of the cottage: squeee! Fireplace! Worn wooden floors! A garden that looks straight out of a fairytale! Okay, maybe the roof leaks a tiny bit. Minor detail!
5:00 PM: A brief, teary-eyed phone call to my best friend: "It's perfect. It's everything. I might never leave." (Then I tripped over the cat, who may or may not be mine yet).
Durbuy Delights (and a near-disaster with the sausages):
Day 3: Wandering the Cobblestones & The Sausage Incident
- 9:00 AM: Wandered into the centre of town after waking up to the sound of church bells. I was instantly charmed by the cobblestone streets and the way the buildings leans in a little as if they're gossiping.
- 10:00 AM: Visited the market! The smell of fresh bread and the colors of the fruit were overwhelming! Bought some cheeses I couldn't pronounce. It was a full sensory experience.
- 12:00 PM: The Sausage Incident. Went to a local butcher shop. Looked around and saw a myriad of sausages. My eyes turned bigger than the sausages that lined the shop. The saleswoman was kind and pointed me to the local speciality. I brought the sausage and the bread back to my cottage and tried it. It was the best thing I've ever tasted!
- 2:00 PM: A long walk in the forest near the cottage. It was breathtaking! I even got lost for a bit, which was equally terrifying and strangely… peaceful? (Until I saw a deer and screamed).
- 4:00 PM: Fireplace time! Read my brick-sized book. Sipped some wine (because, again, Belgium). Felt incredibly…content.
- 7:00 PM: Attempted to make dinner. Burned the garlic bread and nearly set off the smoke alarm. Ordered pizza.
- 8:00 PM: Played cards by the fire. It was the coziest thing ever.
Day 4: Kayaking, Chocolate, and Existential Musings.
- 9:00 AM: Kayaked down the Ourthe river. It was stunning! But also… exhausting. I’m pretty sure I have muscles I didn’t know I had. My kayaking guide (who spoke mostly French, which I don't, leaving me to pretend I understood everything) kept shouting instructions. I understood maybe 10% of them. Somehow, I didn't capsize. Victory!
- 12:00 PM: Chocolate shop! Ate so much the chocolatiers were like, 'please stop buying our chocolate'.
- 3:00 PM: Wrote in my diary for hours. Reflecting on life.
- 7:00 PM: Ate more chocolate. Watched a cheesy movie.
Departure (with a heavy heart, and a suitcase even heavier):
- Day 5: Farewell, Durbuy! (Sniffle, Sniffle).
- 9:00 AM: Woke up and wanted to stay!!!
- 10:00 AM: Packed, again. This time, the suitcase actually closed. Success!
- 11:00 AM: One last stroll through Durbuy. Bought a souvenir. (A tiny ceramic gnome. Don't judge).
- 12:00 PM: The train back to reality.
- Forever: I'm already dreaming of coming back to my cottage. It was a slice of perfect.
Final Thoughts (and emotional exhaustion):
This trip wasn't perfect. I tripped over a lot. I ate too much sausage. I probably looked like a complete idiot navigating the bus system. But you know what? It was real. It was honest. It filled my soul. And now, I'm back home, a little bit wiser, a little bit more caffeinated, and a whole lot more in love with Belgium. And maybe, just maybe, next time I’ll pack the right shoes.
Unbelievable Cueva 2 Deal! Alcudia de Guadix Getaway Awaits!
Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage: Garden Escape Awaits! - A Messy FAQ
Okay, okay, so what *actually* is this place? Like, is it a fairytale or what?
Alright, alright, settle down. So, Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage... they call it that. And honestly? It's... pretty dreamy. Think postcard perfect. Stone walls, ivy climbing everywhere, a garden that's less "manicured lawn" and more "enchanted forest". But fairytale? Nah. Life’s a messy business, even in a cute cottage. I mean, one morning the roses were *gorgeous* and the next? Thorns *everywhere*. Lesson learned: Wear gloves, people! It's not always all sunshine and butterflies (though, there are butterflies, lots of them!).
Is it really in Durbuy? Because I googled "World's Smallest City" and... well, it seemed a bit *touristy*.
Yes! It's in Durbuy. And yes, it's touristy. Durbuy is *tiny*. Like, you can walk across it in, oh, maybe fifteen minutes? It’s practically a postcard come to life. Which, let's be honest, is part of the charm. The secret is the cottage itself. It's just a bit *outside* the main crush, a lovely little escape. You can escape the crowds, get your peace.... and then, you realize you forgot the ketchup. So, back into the crowds you go! (But seriously, stock up at the local shop beforehand. Trust me.)
The garden... is it *really* as amazing as the photos? Because, you know, Instagram lies.
Okay, the garden. The garden is a character in itself. Insta-worthy? Absolutely. But... here’s the truth bomb: The photos? They're usually taken *before* the squirrels decide to wage war on the bird feeders. Or *after* you've spent an hour wrestling with a rogue garden hose that's decided to attack your ankles. But listen, even with the occasional muddy shoe and the constant battle against weeds, it *is* magical. Remember that time, I was wandering the garden lost in thought, and I stumbled upon a tiny little clearing filled with wildflowers? It was pure bliss. It's a real garden, with all the messy imperfections that come with it. And frankly, that’s *why* it’s special.
What's the cottage *actually* like inside? Is it all frills and frou-frou?
No, thank goodness, it’s not *all* frills. It's charming, yes. Rustic, definitely. A bit quirky? Absolutely. Think exposed beams, a cozy fireplace, and furniture that looks like it's been lovingly collected over generations. There's something about the uneven floors and the little nooks and crannies that makes you feel *instantly* at home. It feels lived-in, in a good way. The kitchen has a tiny fridge, which is a bit of a challenge, but, hey, that's part of the adventure, right? You have to *plan* your meals! It's not some perfectly sterile, modern space, which is a huge plus in my book.
Is it romantic? Because I’m thinking of proposing... or at least, getting away with my significant other.
Romantic? Oh, very. Imagine: Fire crackling in the fireplace, a bottle of wine, the sounds of nature outside... yeah, it’s proposal-worthy. Totally. (Just maybe bring a backup ring. Just kidding! Unless...?) That said, romance for me includes getting lost in the garden, watching the sun set, and drinking all the tea… Alone. Because some of us need a little *me* time amidst the romance. So, yes, romantic. Just be prepared for moments of intense, quiet beauty. And maybe some bickering about who left the dishes undone. You know, like real life.
The food in Durbuy... Any recommendations? Any disasters?!
Alright, the food! Durbuy is *amazing* for food. Okay, I *had* one bad experience. One. I won't name names, but I swear, the fries were still essentially potatoes. But everywhere else? Delicious. You have to try the local specialties: the Ardennes ham, the waffles, the chocolate. Seriously, the chocolate. I may have gone a little overboard on the chocolate. And the beer. Don't forget the beer! But it's a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So many choices, you know? It's a foodie's paradise, but a tired traveler's nightmare. I actually wish there would have been more home cooked food, I was craving some mashed potatoes and a good old chicken roast.
What are the things you can't miss at the cottage?!
Okay, so, this might get a little stream-of-consciousness, so bear with me. First: the morning light filtering through the kitchen window – pure gold. Then, the garden, obvously. But *really* experience it. Walk around it. Get lost in it. Smell the dirt. I swear, it's therapy! Third, take a book and read by the fireplace. Actually, make that two books. *Because the internet is bad*. The bad internet could almost have ruined the whole trip, I kept missing important emails. And then, the evening. Sit on the patio with a glass of wine and watch the stars come out. That's the whole point, isn't it? Forget your problems. Oh! And the birds. Listen to the birds. They were so many, and so loud, and so… there. I am still not sure why they were so loud, but they were there to make the whole experience great!
What was the one negative thing about the whole experience?
If I *had* to pick something? The wifi. It was... let's just say "spotty". And when I say "spotty", I mean non-existent most of the time. *Especially* when you needed it. And the kitchen! It's small! I am not a chef, but it's difficult to live for a week in a small kitchen. So stock up on take-away food, or just order a pizza. But honestly, it was so good that even the bad wifi and the limited kitchen couldn't ruin it. Because, at the end of the day, you can always turn off the internet and enjoy the sunset. That's what I did.
