Hotel du Bassin

The view, shower, and breakfast were the only real positives at Le Bassin. Breakfast had plenty of choice, good products, and lots of space. After eating at the restaurant twice, I expected the hotel to meet the same standard, but it was a total disappointment. The room price was ridiculous for what we got, and I won’t stay there again. The room was extremely hot, even though it was at most 27C that afternoon and only 25C outside. The bedroom looked very ugly when we opened the door, and whoever prepared it should have closed the curtains. The TV was positioned absurdly, with its cables showing, right in our lovely view from bed. Why do hotels still have TVs? The bathroom window frame was broken, and the other one wasn’t much better. We had to use the coffee machine to try to block the light, noise, and heat. So yes, I stand by my first comments and have taken a star. Calling it renovated seems impossible. The furniture was ugly and broken, and we couldn’t close the shutters in either the room or bathroom. The toilet paper was so bad it reminded me of a train station WC. There were five poor-quality tissues in the box. I’d asked for a kettle when booking and did get one, but only after asking reception. And when the last tissue was gone, was I really expected to go downstairs to ask for more? The luggage closet was locked, as I said, but that doesn’t mean the receptionist can be expected to remember whose bag is whose. You also didn’t address the fact that guests can leave luggage there before checking in, without a ticket. Thankfully, people are still honest and don’t take other people’s things. The young man wasn’t busy at all, but couldn’t be bothered to say good morning. The woman at the desk was professional and helpful when we arrived.

We stayed in the Seal 2 studio suite and could have watched the port all day. The views were incredible, with bright light coming in throughout the day, and it was surprisingly quiet despite the main street outside. There was very little traffic, even on a school holiday weekend. The hotel’s in a classy part of Ostende, right by the port with wide open spaces, and the location couldn’t be better. Breakfast was included and had everything you could want. The small kitchen was better equipped than expected, with knives, plates, bottle openers, and bowls. We only used it for snacks, not cooking. Loved it and would definitely come back for a few days of sea air and a walk on the beach.

The sole was perfectly cooked, and the sardines with patatas bravas were excellent too. Prices have gone up a little, but the food is still as delicious as before, and the service and quality remain top notch. My wife and I had a great time on our first visit since the interior was remodeled. The new look feels organic, cozy, and inviting. I especially liked the stone floor and guillotine windows. We had a window table with a nice view for people watching 😉 and a refreshing breeze, just right on a warm day.

The apple tart was a bit too crumbly and floury, but the ice cream was good. The raspberry dessert was light with nice layers. It’s a relaxed place and the servers were nice 👍🏼 Would recommend.