Villa Olga

The apartment had a nice layout and was comfortable, but there were several problems. The oven still had leftovers from the previous tenant, and the shower drain was blocked, so the tray overflowed. It was extremely noisy. We could hear every step from the neighbors upstairs, and I was woken several times around 4 or 5 a.m. by their arguments and discussions. The stairwell was so narrow that carrying a folding crate upstairs was nearly impossible. You had to go back inside to shut the front door so a resident from an apartment above could get past. Household waste also had to be taken several streets away, with the disposal fee paid by the tenant.

We’ve stayed at Villa Olga twice now and would happily come back. The owners, Rudy and Martine, are really friendly and make you feel welcome and comfortable. The cozy apartment is close to the Blankenberge promenade and shopping street, with lots of attractions easy to reach. It has everything needed for a pleasant stay, including a well-equipped kitchen for breakfast or cooking and a Senseo coffee machine. There are two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two single beds, plus a small, cozy bathroom with a hairdryer.

This was our third stay with Rudy and Martine. The first two were at Villa Apollo, which is a bit more upscale, and we recommend both properties. This apartment is in an old villa, right in the old part of Blankenberge, so you get a real feel for the place rather than staying in a tourist temple. It’s simple but modern, extremely affordable, and has everything you need. The landlords are generous and clearly enjoy renting out their places, which shows in the little details. You feel at home here. Quaint spots with a great feel-good factor.

On the 3rd floor, this lovely apartment is close to both the seafront promenade and the train station, with parking nearby. We’d recommend it for a weekend away.