Moulin de Daverdisse - The Original Relais

The food was great, and the half-board deal was superb. The wine list, though, is far too expensive. It feels like that’s the case everywhere in Belgium, and the drinks can cost as much as an extra person at the table. The owners and staff were friendly, and the modern rooms were comfortable and spacious. It’s a beautiful old watermill in lovely surroundings, close to some beautiful villages. Set away in the woods, the hotel is very quiet.

I’ve got years of Christmas Eve memories here. I spent nearly a decade celebrating there, then moved abroad and returned eight years later with my wife and kids. The family owners, who knew me as a teenager, are now getting to know my children, who were born in Canada. It’s lovely to see the place still family-run, with the sons becoming more involved, and not taken over by one of the big foreign groups buying up hotels in Belgium. The restaurant is still as good as ever, and everything is homemade, from the bread and croissants to the meals. It’s all top notch. I highly recommend it and hope to be back.

The hosts are especially friendly, and the setting is lovely, with a quiet location, a nice garden, and a great terrace. Breakfast and dinner were delicious. Highly recommended if you’re after a relaxing stay in the beautiful Ardennes.

The restaurant meals were excellent, and the service was fantastic. The setting is stunning, with forest all around and a small stream nearby. Our room was a bit disappointing, though. It looks very new and unfinished.