Hotel Riant Séjour by WP Hotels

The location and view were great, and the room was nice and big. But the bedsheets smelled damp, like they hadn't dried properly. We tried to get them changed, but reception said room service hadn't done our room yet. By the time it was done, reception had closed at 5pm and the sheets still hadn't been changed, so we had to sleep in a bad-smelling bed for 2 days. The door handles were falling apart, and there was fungi in the shower.

The balcony had a perfect sea view, and the room was clean and nice. Staff were very nice, too, and breakfast was a very good continental spread. Garages for your car are available about 300 meters from the hotel, and booking ahead is recommended. There are good restaurants and activities nearby.

I picked this place hoping for a sea view, and the room ended up exceeding what I expected. You get the seafront setting, with the same view from every room and a balcony behind a wide sliding door. There’s also a little table by the window for watching the water indoors when it’s too chilly outside. The room was spacious, modern and clean, with a big bed, and the bathroom had a large shower and was clean too. Breakfast was a very good continental spread for Belgium, with a few hot options like sausage, bacon and soft-boiled eggs. It’s neither a budget stay nor a luxury one, but I was very pleased.

The people running this family-owned hotel were what made my stay. They went out of their way to help and made me feel welcome. I’ve been working as a contractor in Zeebrugge and chose to come back, even though it’s a 40-minute walk to the worksite. The breakfast is generous and good quality, and there’s a spotless wellness centre downstairs. Rooms are bright and roomy with big sea views. The windows and AC are due to be refurbished imminently.