Beach Suite Leonie

The staff were incredibly kind and helped me with everything while I was on my own with the kids. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious, and the location is superb, just a two-minute walk to the beach and town center. I recently stayed at Casino Hotel in Koksijde with my two children, and we had a fantastic time. Our Family Garden Suite was beautiful, large, and clean, with four bedrooms. It was more space than we needed since half the family couldn’t join because of a medical emergency, but we really enjoyed it. We’ll definitely come back, this time with everyone.

For what the stay costs, I expected a much more upmarket place, at least clean and fresh-smelling. The lobby and hallways had a very unpleasant musty odor that came into my room too. I was travelling with work colleagues on other floors, and they all reported the same cloying, pungent smell. My room’s toilet looked like it hadn’t had bleach in a long time, and the bathroom floor was covered in big puddles when I arrived, as if someone had just stepped out of the bath. It didn’t feel properly cleaned. The towels were few, old, thin, and scratchy. There was a small dirty fridge, but no mini bar. The room was large but cold and stark, with harsh lighting and little furniture. Much of it was cheap faux leather that made your skin sweat. The walls were paper thin, so I could hear every conversation, TV, and movement in nearby rooms. There wasn’t a double bed, just two singles pushed together, which wasn’t ideal as a couple. The door lacked a proper dead bolt or swing bar lock, and I didn’t feel secure alone at night. By 9pm there was nobody at the front desk. I’m still trying to understand how this hotel got four-star certification. The spa and wellness center isn’t actually part of the hotel, so guests can only use it if they book and pay in advance. One hour costs a staggering 50 euros, with no treatment included.

The hotel’s restaurant, Mozart, serves good food, and outdoor parking is available for 10 euros a day. Apparently parking is free only for guests staying at least seven nights. We didn’t try the wellness facilities since we prefer walking and getting some sea air. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you find a good rate or don’t mind spending a lot. Our stay was pleasant, and we’ll come back. The price was horrible, 200 euros a night for a room for two adults. I guess that was because it was Easter weekend, as on other days the price is half what we paid. Breakfast was included and okay, with a cold buffet of meats, cheese, bacon, eggs, sausages, fresh orange juice you squeeze yourself, coffee, tea, cereal, fruit, and more. If you want to stay close to the sea, it’s not a bad choice. Most of the places I saw right by the sea were apartments. This hotel is just across the road where the tram runs, then you’re on the seaside promenade. Our room was spacious and clean, with a balcony for sitting in the sun. There were coffee and tea making facilities and a mini fridge that worked well. You can ask to have the bar stocked before you arrive. We only needed water and soft drinks. The bathroom had a walk-in shower, convenient for older people and those with disabilities, and plenty of grab bars for safety in the shower or on the toilet. The elevators are slow, with a sign saying one room at a time, but they save you from climbing or descending those short steps. When your knees fail, they’re heaven sent.

Koksijde is a charming beach town, and the hotel is in a great spot, about a five-minute walk from the lovely boardwalk. It has the usual amenities and a nice spa with a large bubble bath style pool, sauna, and steam room, which you can reserve for private use. There’s also a vending machine by reception.