Hotel Restaurant Brasserie Ahoi, Kortrijk

The owner spoke kak. We lasted about five minutes in this “hotel” before leaving. The room smelled awful from the damp, and it was so cramped that you had to enter backwards to be able to get back out. The bed? I’d rather not get into that. I can’t understand how the authorities allowed the place to host visitors. Never again. Nooooo, NEVER!

We had everything we needed in the room, though its style was very European, with glass panels separating the bed area from the toilet and shower. What made the stay special was the fantastic Captain, who looked after us like royalty and kept checking that we had everything. He even cooked our booking a lovely three-course dinner and made sure our glasses stayed full of good beer. I’d definitely recommend it for an experience you won’t get in a hotel.

The breakfast was good, the staff were exemplary and the location was great. We spent one night in the largest room. It was neat and comfortable, if a little bare, and the only thing I missed was a decent chair at the desk. A heads-up if you’re not expecting it: when barges chug past on the canal, the boat moves a bit during the night. I didn’t find it unpleasant, though, and I’d stay again.

The boat is compact, but the space is used really well, with simple, stylish touches throughout. We loved having a drink on the rooftop bar in the evenings, especially with the good beer and company. It’s in a lovely spot by the river, only a short walk from a brilliant little town, and would be great for a few days away. We ended up staying longer than planned after an accident, and even with a broken arm, our holiday here was brilliant. Stephan made us feel so welcome. We’ll definitely be back next year!