BB Het Houten Paard

The price isn't low, but the service is hard to beat. Our rooms were fantastic, and each had a coffee machine, with the kitchen available to use as well. It's only a three or four minute walk into Ypres centre for bars, places to eat, museums and sights. I'd definitely recommend staying here.

Franky made us feel at home straight away. Leo, our Golden Retriever, was especially taken with him after a few minutes of cuddles, and Franky kept a water bowl and dog treats waiting in the hall, topping them up without being asked. He also pointed us toward some lovely restaurants and chocolate shops for gifts to take home. The guest spaces at 'Het Houten Paard' feel calm and uplifting, with huge pictures, striking flower displays and hidden lighting. Our second floor room was more like a mini suite: a king bed with lovely linens, a sitting area, Ypres history books, a TV, and a mezzanine with a large screen computer and desk. The bathroom had a big walk-in shower, lots of soft towels and a very unusual basin tap. Air-conditioning came in handy during the 32 degree heat. Breakfast was a feast: bakery rolls and warm croissants, jam, Nutella, eggs, ham, cheese, two coffees, six teas, fresh fruit juice, honey cake, waffles, yoghurt, cherries and strawberries. There were even squares of Cote d’Or chocolate on the table. In the dining room, we could also help ourselves to fruit, cold Belgian beer and cava, and there was a laptop and a useful guide to Ypres and the area. The house is on a quiet, elegant street, around ten minutes on foot from the Grote Markt, Cloth Hall and Menin Gate. Street parking is available, though Ypres Council's daytime three-hour limit is a bit of a nuisance. With all the centenary visitors, including lots of English schoolchildren, the town was very busy. After some awful French hotels, one hosted by a man so gloomy we wondered if he was also the town undertaker, we started trying chambre d’hote stays and met some lovely hosts in charming homes. 'Het Houten Paard', or 'The Wooden Horse', was another welcome surprise. My husband and I had a wonderful stay, and I can't think of a better place in Ypres.

Wonderful staff and an easy place to park. The location was great too. Probably the best B&B I've stayed in.

We had a really comfortable stay here. It's well placed for exploring Ypres, with clean, roomy rooms and a delicious breakfast. Parking is just a few metres away, and the bike storage around the corner was handy. We enjoyed the visit and would happily recommend it.