Uncover Belgium's Hidden Gem: Hotel Les 3 Cles - You Won't Believe This!
Uncover Belgium's Hidden Gem: Hotel Les 3 Cles - You Won't Believe This! (But You Should) - A Messy, Honest Review.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (or, you know, the Belgian beer) on Hotel Les 3 Cles. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews you’re used to. This is real. This is honest. This is… me, after a week in a hotel that actually surprised me.
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(Accessibility - Let's Get Into It!)
Okay, so I'm not personally dependant on accessibility features, but I'm always hyper-aware of them. I mean, everyone should be able to enjoy a good holiday, right? The website and reviews specifically tout accessibility, and I have to say, I was impressed. The wheelchair accessibility was actually good. No awkward ramps that feel like you're scaling Everest. Wide hallways, easy access to the elevators, and the bathrooms… well, they weren’t just labeled as accessible, they were designed that way. Bonus points.
(Rant Break: Why Are So Many Hotels Inaccessible?! End Rant)
(On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges):
Didn't get to dine that in depth (more on that later), but visually, everything seemed easily navigable. The spaces weren’t cramped, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful.
(Internet Access – The Lifeline!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Let's be honest, that's a baseline requirement in this day and age. And it actually worked, unlike some hotels where you spend half your vacation fruitlessly trying to get a decent connection. Internet [LAN] was also available (for the dinosaurs among us). Seriously, it was solid. I was streaming all my Netflix, and my work didn't suffer (much!). The Wi-Fi in public areas was also excellent.
(Things to Do, aka, Bliss & Boredom):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The Spa/sauna was… magical. Deep breath. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in the Sauna and Steamroom, basically melting into a puddle of contentment. They even had a Pool with a view! Not the typical, sad, chlorinated rectangle. This was something else. I'm talking panoramic vistas, a cool breeze… it was a genuine “wow” moment.
The Swimming pool was also outdoors, a perfect oasis on a warm day. They had Foot bath, Body scrub, and Body wrap – all the pampering you could dream of. If you're a gym rat, they have a fitness center and a Gym/fitness. They did a good job trying to make your relaxation a priority.
(The One Thing I'll Never Forget: The Massage)
Alright, prepare yourselves. I booked a massage (because, you know, stress). And… it was the best massage of my entire life. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating. The therapist, Marie, was an absolute artist. She knew exactly where to work, how to release the knots, and when to just… be quiet and let me drift into blissful nothingness. I've had massages before, but this was different. It was therapeutic, transformative. I’m not even a touchy-feely person, but I actually almost started crying. I mean, the woman earned her money. I swear, I swear they should run a marketing campaign with the tagline "Hotel Les 3 Cles: Come for Belgium, Stay for Marie".
(Cleanliness and Safety - Living in a Pandemic World):
Let's face it, we're all hyper-vigilant about cleanliness right now. Hotel Les 3 Cles nailed it. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me some mental security. They had all the basics covered, like Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff who took it seriously. The Room sanitization opt-out available and Rooms sanitized between stays were also reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas and Sterilizing equipment gave you the sense they're taking it seriously. I didn't feel like I was risking life and limb just staying in a hotel room. Bonus points for Cashless payment service and Safe dining setup, and Staff trained in safety protocol.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Vacation Fire):
The Breakfast [buffet] was… good. Not mind-blowing, but solid. The Breakfast service with Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and Buffet in restaurant was tasty. They had a wide selection. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, too.
Then there's the restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting that. They had an A la carte in restaurant so you could enjoy alternative meal arrangement. I tried the Soupe in restaurant, it was delicious. I think it was international cuisine. There's a Poolside bar and a Bar and even a Coffee shop. Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of… well, relaxing! Bottle of water was included and a Desserts in restaurant. Happy hour was a great way to unwind. The Snack bar was handy for when I needed a caffeine fix.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter):
Elevator, thank goodness. Air conditioning in public area felt great on a warm day. The Concierge was fantastic – super helpful with recommendations and reservations. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. Laundry service and Ironing service are lifesavers for the travel-challenged like myself. Luggage storage was useful. They even had a Gift/souvenir shop and a Convenience store for the forgot-to-pack-my-toothbrush moments. Cash withdrawal was easy.
(For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun):
They have a Babysitting service, which is pretty cool. The hotel is Family/child friendly, so you don't have to worry about being glared at for having a toddler.
(Access & Security - Keeping You Safe and Sound):
CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel secure. The Front desk [24-hour] was always staffed, which is a plus. The Security [24-hour] gave it an extra sense of warmth. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Safety/security feature make you feel safe.
(Getting Around - Navigating Belgium):
They have Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking (fancy!), and a Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Easy enough to get around!
(Available in All Rooms - The Nitty-Gritty):
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water (yay!), Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. All the basics, and then some. Plus, I had a Window that opens for fresh air.
(The Negatives…Because No Place Is Perfect):
Look, it wasn't flawless. The décor was a little dated in places. Some rooms could use a refresh. And maybe the gym could use some more equipment, but honestly, those are nitpicks.
(The Verdict - Worth It?)
Absolutely. Hotel Les 3 Cles is a great choice. It’s not just a place to crash; it’s an experience. It's a place to relax, recharge, and maybe – just maybe – have the best massage of your life. The Non-smoking rooms were great, and the Couple's room makes for a romantic getaway. I'm already mentally planning my return. And I'm booking that massage again. Go. You won't regret it.
Budapest's Attila Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is my trip to Hotel Les 3 Cles in Belgium, and it's gonna be a glorious, beautifully imperfect mess.
Day 1: Arrival… and a near-death experience with a waffle.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Brussels Airport. Actually, let's be honest, it's probably closer to 11:00 AM. Flights are a lie. And I’m pretty sure I saw someone wearing socks with sandals. Good. Start.
- 11:30 AM (ish): Get a train to Spa. The journey, thankfully, went smoothly. I successfully managed to not spill my lukewarm coffee on myself. Victory!
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Spa and immediately hunt down a waffle. Seriously, the Belgian waffle is the reason I'm here. The hotel check-in? Secondary. Food first, world later. Found a charming little place near the fountain. The waffle…oh. My. God. Fluffy, crispy, dripping with chocolate (that's how I ordered), everything I'd dreamed of. I almost choked, not from a bad waffle, but from sheer deliciousness.
- 2:00 PM: Hotel “Les 3 Cles” – Check-in. The exterior is gorgeous, a classic European building oozing charm. But the reception? Hmmm… let's just say the receptionist seemed to be having a really bad day. She gave off this "I'm-too-cool-for-this" vibe that almost made me feel like apologizing for existing. But hey, the room is cute, if a little…small. And, crucially, it has a view. A somewhat obscured view, but still… a view! It is overlooking the hotel's garden.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring Spa. Okay, Spa seems like a city built for relaxation. Or, you know, a bit of a snooze. I’m a bit wary, though. I did a little research (okay, I looked at a few photos on Instagram) and it looks… serene. I'm a bit of a chaos-lover. But hey, gotta keep an open mind. Started wandering through town, a little lost, a little overwhelmed by the prettiness, a little worried about finding good beer.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a cozy little bistro. The food? Divine. I had the rabbit stew, which I’d never had before. So good, I'm thinking I might need to sneak the recipe. The atmosphere, though? Surprisingly quiet. Am I accidentally in a retirement home? Maybe I'm the one feeling out of place.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks at the hotel bar. (It had to be done!). The barman was incredibly friendly. I tried a local beer and, surprisingly, I kind of liked it. Which isn't easy to say, considering I'm usually more of a wine kind of person. I may have, possibly, stayed for a second beer. Perhaps.
Day 2: Waters, Wheels, and a near-disaster.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. (Thankfully, the breakfast bar was filled with the friendliest people.) The breakfast buffet? Acceptable. The coffee? Meh. But the pastries? Pretty decent! I ate way too many. Seriously, I'm starting to think I might need to unbutton my pants.
- 10:00 AM: Attempt to Visit Thermes de Spa. I am told I am supposed to relax and enjoy the beauty of the spa. However, it was closed. Apparently, Monday closings are a thing. Frustration. So, onwards!
- 11:00 AM: Rent a bike. I haven’t ridden a bike like a human in years. The shop owner gave me a look that said, "Are you sure?” But he rented me a rusty old thing anyway. I'm determined to be a "biker".
- 11:30 AM: Oh, the bike ride! I decided to go on a trail. The initial part of the ride was… ok. Then, the hills came. Steep, relentless hills. I might have, at one point, considered abandoning the bike and walking. I cursed my lack of adequate cardio. I was sweating, panting like a dog, and questioning all my life choices. I also nearly went headfirst into a ditch, but survived, mostly.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a charming little pub on the top of the hill I accidentally biked up. I deserved a reward. Had a ham sandwich bigger than my head. The view was amazing. Maybe the bike ride was worth it after all? Maybe. I'm still not sure.
- 3:00 PM: Rest and recover. Spent this hour in the hotel room. I took a shower and a proper nap afterwards.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I was craving something simple, so I decided to go find some fries! Yes, I went on the hunt for french fries. Found place, the fries were perfect, crisp, and salty. Ate them standing by the window, relishing the simple pleasure.
- 8:00 PM: Evening stroll. Took a post-dinner walk through Spa. The evening was quieter, even emptier, than the day. I got the feeling I was being observed by the ghosts of spa-goers past. A tad spooky. I found myself wondering what all the people from centuries before would think of this place now.
Day 3: Departure… and a vow to return (eventually).
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Second attempt at the hotel breakfast. Still meh. But the pastries? Still good. I strategically filled my plate.
- 10:00 AM: Quick last-minute souvenir run. Found a tiny chocolate shop. I was getting a bar for my friend, but I ended up buying 5. The chocolates? Divine.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. The receptionist, still cool, but maybe a tiny bit less intimidating. Or maybe I'm just used to it now.
- 12:00 PM: Train back to Brussels. The journey was uneventful, thankfully. I spent hours on the train looking back on the trip, trying to decide if the trip was worth it.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the airport and check-in. The Brussels airport is the picture of a perfect airport.
- 4:00 PM: Departure. As I was leaving, I promised myself I’d come back to Belgium, if only for another waffle and maybe a successful bike ride.
Final Thoughts: Hotel Les 3 Cles, Spa, Belgium. A place of beautiful scenery, good food, and questionable bike-riding choices. Did I love it? Yes. Would I go back? Definitely. Will I prepare better next time? Probably not. I'm a creature of delightful, messy habit. And that's a fantastic way to travel.
Radisson Blu Dublin Airport: Luxury Stay Near Dublin Airport!
Uncover Belgium's Hidden Gem: Hotel Les 3 Cles - You Won't Believe This! (Seriously, Read On...)
Okay, So What *Actually* Makes Les 3 Cles 'Hidden Gem' Material? Is This Just Marketing Hype?
Alright, alright, settle down. Yeah, the "Hidden Gem" thing is thrown around a lot, right? Honestly, I was skeptical. I'm a cynical traveler. I expect disappointment. But Les 3 Cles... it kind of, sort of, *maybe* lived up to the hype. Mostly.
Here's the deal: it's not a gleaming, perfectly Instagrammable hotel. There was a slight draft in my room, and the shower pressure was… well, let's just say it didn't blast away the baggage of the day. But! The location? Unbeatable. Smack-dab in the heart of something genuinely, undeniably charming in Durbuy. Think cobblestone streets, medieval vibes, and a river you could practically dip your toes in (and probably accidentally *do* dip your toes in if you had one too many Belgian beers). And that's the foundation for being a gem! The staff? Bless their hearts. They were genuinely friendly, not the fake-smiles-because-they-have-to type. They seemed to actually *like* being there, which makes a huge difference.
Let's Talk Breakfast. Because Breakfast is Crucial. Is it a Cereal-and-Yogurt Disaster or...?
Oh, breakfast. The most important meal of the trip, obviously. Look, it wasn't a buffet sprawling across ten football fields. But it was *good*. Really good. Freshly baked bread (I swear, I gained five pounds just from that bread alone!), local cheeses, delicious ham… and the coffee! Excellent. Strong enough to wake you up from a Belgian beer coma. I remember one morning, I was still feeling the effects of a rather raucous evening (ahem), and the woman serving breakfast, bless her, just *knew*. She winked and brought me a double espresso before I even had to ask. That's service, people. That's the stuff of legends. Okay, maybe not legends, but definitely a good trip. It really made my morning!
The Rooms... Are They Luxurious? Are We Talking Spa-Like? Be Honest!
Nope. No spa. No marble. I repeat: NO MARBLE. My room wasn't super-luxurious, but it was comfortable, and the view from the window was the real luxury. Straight down to the river and old town. I liked that. And it didn't feel sterile or stuffy, it felt like you were staying in someone's really well-kept old house. I'm pretty sure that was the case. The carpets were a bit worn, but in a cozy way. The bathroom was clean, which is the most important thing, always. It had character, is what I'm saying. And, crucially, the bed was super comfortable. I slept like a log. A very happy, well-rested log. Which is all you really need, right?
Okay, Deep Dive: The Location. Really, Truly, What's So Special About Durbuy Itself?
I should be clear: I actually didn't know much about Durbuy before I booked. I just needed a weekend escape. Durbuy is tiny. And I mean *tiny*. Like, you can walk across the whole town in ten minutes, max. But that's part of its charm! It's a fairy tale! Or… almost. It's a story book. Think winding cobblestone streets, flower boxes spilling over balconies, and little shops selling chocolate and artisan crafts and there's this *vibe*, like the world slowed down. There are some great restaurants (try the local stuff, seriously!), and the river is gorgeous. You could sit by the river for hours, maybe with a book, maybe with several beers and… ah, but that’s another story! The hotel's location within all this… perfection. Right in the thick of it, but just secluded enough that you can escape the (small) crowds. A perfect balance. And while everyone says "smallest town in the world," I don't think it's exactly a *town,* it's a village. Small, but lovely. It's the feeling that counts, right?
Is There Anything Bad? Any Dealbreakers I Need to Know About? Be Honest!
Alright, alright, here comes the honesty. It's not a "luxury" hotel. Don't expect a five-star experience. The wifi was a bit patchy at times. The stairs are steep (this is Europe, after all – embrace the stairs!). And, as mentioned, the shower pressure could have been better. And maybe the noise from the street in the evenings. It's a *very* lively place, especially on weekends, so if you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. One night, some people were singing loudly from a bar across the street until 2 in the morning. It was… memorable. That's the polite way of putting it. But, you know what? It's part of the experience. It gave it character. And, frankly, it added to the charm. And don't expect elevators. I struggled, but the view made up for the hard climb.
I'm Still Skeptical! Give Me *One* Unforgettable Experience. What's *the* Moment?
Okay, this is probably going to sound ridiculous, but… the moment I’ll never forget? It wasn't some grand event. It wasn't a Michelin-star meal (although dinner at one of the restaurants nearby was pretty close to that). It was the second morning. I went down to breakfast, still feeling slightly delicate from the Belgian beer buffet the night before. The sun was streaming through the window, and the woman from the first day (the one with the excellent coffee) saw me and just *smiled*. No words, just a knowing look. And then, she brought me the coffee before I even needed to ask. And some extra bread! It was small, silly, and totally insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But the utter kindness, the understanding… that *made* the trip. That's what I actually remember. That is what is the hidden gem, right there.
Would You Go Back? The Ultimate Test.
Absolutely. Without a doubt. It wasn't a perfect hotel, and it didn't have all the bells and whistles. But it had character. It had charm. It had that hard-to-define "something" that makes a place special. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Actually, I'm already mentally planning my next trip. And this time, I'm definitely taking a proper nap in the afternoon and getting more of that bread!
