Belgium's BEST Appart Hotel? Au Pied de Vigne's Secret Revealed!
Au Pied de Vigne: My (Mostly) Glorious Tango with Belgium's Best Appart Hotel (and a Few Tiny Hiccups!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – the Belgian chocolate beans – on Au Pied de Vigne, the supposedly "Best Appart Hotel" in Belgium. And trust me, I've got opinions. Because who doesn't, right? After spending a week there, I'm basically an expert (or at least, a very opinionated tourist with a decent internet connection). This isn't your sterile, corporate review. This is real. This is me, unfiltered, navigating the delightful chaos of Au Pied de Vigne.
First Impressions & Accessibility – A Smooth Start (Mostly!)
Okay, so the location? Stunning. Seriously, "Au Pied de Vigne" (At the Foot of the Vine) totally lives up to its name. Rolling hills, vineyards everywhere… it's like a postcard came to life. Getting there was a cinch, thanks to the airport transfer (yes, a godsend after a long flight!). And bonus points for the car park [free of charge], especially since I can't drive. The elevator was a lifesaver with my monstrous suitcase (I always overpack).
Accessibility gets a solid B+. The facilities for disabled guests are clearly considered, but I didn’t have a chance to test them out. The place is generally user friendly, with wide corridors and easy access to the main areas. So far, so good.
Internet - My Lifeline!
Let's be honest, the world runs on Wi-Fi. And Au Pied de Vigne understands. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The signal was strong, and I actually managed to get some work done (a miracle, honestly). They also offer Internet Access - LAN for those techno-gurus, but I'm more of a "point and click" kind of gal. Internet services themselves were speedy, I streamed the latest movies. The Wi-Fi in public areas worked flawlessly, too, which was clutch when I needed to escape my room and people-watch.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - From Delightful to "Meh"…
Okay, buckle up, foodies! The restaurant situation is a mixed bag, to put it politely. The breakfast [buffet] was decent. I loved the Asian breakfast options one morning, for a change, and the croissant game was strong. However, the coffee/tea in restaurant was…let’s call it “variable.” Some days it was rich and aromatic, other days it tasted vaguely of dishwater. The salad in restaurant was always fresh, which was great.
The Poolside bar was a godsend. Sipping a cocktail, watching the sun set? Absolute perfection. The Happy hour was… well, happy! And the Bottle of water provided in the room was a thoughtful touch. But don't expect Michelin-star cuisine. The International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant menus are solid but a little on the safe side.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams & Fitness Center Face-Off
This is where Au Pied de Vigne truly shines. The swimming pool? Gorgeous, with a Pool with a view. The water was perfect, the atmosphere serene. The Spa… oh, the spa! I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage, and I felt like I'd been reborn. Seriously, I was floating for hours afterwards. The Sauna was decent, and the Steamroom was my new best friend.
Now… the Fitness center. This is where things got interesting. It's not exactly a luxury gym. Let's just say the treadmills look…vintage. I gave it a whirl once, and almost ripped my own shoe off with how old it was. But hey, at least it had a fitness center! The other aspects of the spa area, like the Foot bath, were excellent, especially after a long day of exploring.
Cleanliness & Safety - Comforting & Competent
Okay, this is important: Au Pied de Vigne takes cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – all the buzzwords are there, and I could feel it. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were always masked. The Staff trained in safety protocol was apparent. The Safe dining setup also impressed me. I felt safe and relaxed. And that's a big deal these days. They even have Individually-wrapped food options and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which made me smile.
Rooms - A Mixed Bag (Mostly Good!)
My room? It was spacious, clean, and I loved the Window that opens. The Air conditioning worked like a dream, which was crucial during the unexpected heatwave. The Bathrobes and Slippers were a nice touch. The Mini bar was well-stocked. The Seating area was perfect for lounging with a book. The Mirror was big enough to avoid awkward makeup fails. The Blackout curtains were essential for sleep. The Wake-up service worked without a hitch (thank goodness!).
But…and there's always a "but," isn't there? The Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi) was sometimes spotty in my room, even though it was supposed to be reliable. Also, the bathroom, while functional, could have used a little updating. But overall, the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped.
Services and Conveniences – A Few Gems!
The Concierge was fantastic, always helpful with advice and recommendations. The Doorman was friendly and welcoming. I loved the Gift/souvenir shop. The Luggage storage was super convenient. Then the Dry cleaning service was also a life-saver, especially after I spilled red wine on myself (don't ask). The Daily housekeeping was impeccable.
And the Quirks…
Okay, here's where things got really interesting. One morning, the coffee machine decided to…well, explode. Right in front of me. Beans everywhere. It was a comedy of errors, honestly. The staff, bless their hearts, were mortified. They apologized profusely. The whole situation was rather hilarious.
Plus, the Exterior corridor felt a bit exposed, but that was a minor issue.
For the Kids - Play Time
While I didn't travel with kids, I noticed they had Kids facilities and a Babysitting service. They're definitely family friendly!
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
The Taxi service was reliable. The Car park [free of charge] was a massive win.
The Verdict – Au Pied de Vigne: Worth a Stay!
Okay, so is Au Pied de Vigne flawless? Nope. But is it a fantastic place to stay? Absolutely! I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. The location is incredible. The spa is heavenly. The staff are friendly and helpful. The internet is (mostly) reliable. And the occasional minor hiccup just adds to the charm, right? It's the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
The (Un) Secret is Out: Book Your Stay at Au Pied de Vigne!
Tired of the same old travel routine? Craving a getaway that combines breathtaking scenery, luxurious relaxation, and a touch of quirky charm? Then look no further than Au Pied de Vigne, Belgium's best-kept secret! Nestled among rolling vineyards, this stunning appartement hotel offers an unforgettable experience.
Here's what you'll love:
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Indulge in our world-class spa, complete with a swimming pool with a view, rejuvenating massages, and a sauna and steam room.
- Stay Connected (and Comfortable): Stay online with free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Spacious, well-appointed rooms.
- Delicious Dining: Savor flavorful breakfasts and international gastronomy.
- Effortless Exploration: Enjoy convenient access to nearby attractions and amenities with our concierge service and free parking.
Book your stay at Au Pied de Vigne now and experience the best of Belgium!
Special Offer: Book directly on our website and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival*. Don't miss out – our rooms fill up fast! *(Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.)*
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, pristine itinerary. This is a real trip, lived and breathed, warts and all, in the glorious chaos of the Appart Hotel Au Pied de Vigne in Belgium. And honestly? I’m already exhausted just thinking about it. But here we go…
The Semi-Organized Chaos: A Belgium Itinerary (with a Heavy Dose of Me)
Day 1: Arrival & Brussels Belly Flop
Morning (or, more accurately, Mid-Afternoon): Land in Brussels. Ugh, airport. Did you know the queues for passport control are basically designed to make you question your life choices? Anyway, eventually stumble through, grab our rented death trap (aka, a surprisingly decent hatchback), and attempt to navigate Brussels traffic. It's like a slightly more polite version of a demolition derby.
Mid-Afternoon: Arrive at Appart Hotel Au Pied de Vigne. Key collection. Did I remember my passport? Ugh, yes, thank God. The place itself… adorable. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered walls. Total fairytale vibes… until I tried to carry our luggage up the ridiculously steep, narrow staircase. Seriously, who designed this house of torture?!
Late Afternoon/Evening: Brussels city center. Grand Place is… impressive. Like, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Took a million photos (because, Instagram, duh). Ate some frites with a ridiculous amount of mayonnaise (don't judge – it's Belgium!). Wandered aimlessly, feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed simultaneously. Found a chocolate shop that could ruin all other chocolate for me. Seriously, the pralines… Oh my god. I think I blacked out momentarily from pure chocolate bliss.
Evening: Dinner. Found a tourist trap, the food was so so. I was starving! So I didn't really care too much. Headed back to the apartment. Bed.
Day 2: Bruges, Bites, and Bitter Regrets (about the frites)
Morning: Bruges! The "Venice of the North." Super excited. Driving through the countryside… beautiful. Took some wrong turns. Got a bit lost. "Hey, at least we're exploring!" (My optimistic brain, apparently).
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Bruges, we made it! Canals, cobbled streets, charming buildings. The whole thing is absurdly picturesque. Did the boat tour. More photos. More chocolate. Okay, maybe I'm developing a Belgium chocolate addiction. It's the only logical explanation.
Afternoon: Lunch: Mussels. My first time! Loved it! Okay, everything is good in this country for a reason.
Late Afternoon/Evening: The Belfry of Bruges. Climbed it. All 366 steps. My legs! The view was fantastic, though. Totally worth the excruciating pain. Went for a stroll along a canal in golden hour, it was so serene.
Evening: Dinner in Bruges. Oh, here is where the regret sets in. I ordered an overpriced and underwhelming carbonade flamande. (It’s a beef stew, for those not clued in). It was like… brown soup with chunks of meat. I went to bed hungry and dreaming of frites.
Day 3: Ghent, Art, and a Near-Miss with a Pigeon (again!)
Morning: Ghent! Another beautiful city! The canals are just everywhere. And more historical buildings, but this time it was a little less touristy.
Morning/Afternoon: Ghent. Visited a museum. Got lost in it; I always do. Stared at a painting for an hour. Was it art? I don’t know. Did I feel something? Maybe. Probably because my stomach was rumbling. Another restaurant.
Afternoon: Saw the Ghent Altarpiece. It was a revelation. Mind-blowing detail, seriously. I could tell it was the best painting in the world. I really can't describe how amazing it was.
Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandered around the city streets. Almost got pooped on by a pigeon. Again! The pigeons here have it out for me. I swear.
Evening: Back to Au Pied de Vigne. Had a quiet evening in. Tried the local beer… a lot of local beers, in fact. Oops.
Day 4: Back to Brussels & The Unexpected Beauty of a Broken Chair
Morning: Back to Brussels, to get ready for our flight home tomorrow. I really don't want to go, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of this place.
Afternoon: Went to the Atomium, and was underwhelmed. It's a cool building, sure. But, really? It's just… up there. Enjoyed the park below the Atomium a lot more, and took photos of the kids with the Atomium in the background.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Back to the apartment. Here is where disaster struck. I sat on a chair, maybe too heavily, and it broke! “Oh no!” I looked at the chair, and then at the kids. They were snickering. I had to start laughing. I sent the owner of the apartment a message - I am such a mess. I should not be in this country. I went to bed.
Day 5: Departure… & the Sadness of Saying Goodbye to Frites
Morning: Woke up early. Packed. Final frites run. I’m serious, I’m going to miss those things! Farewell, Belgium! So long chocolate! Goodbye beautiful chaos!
Morning/Afternoon: Airport. Bye, passport control. Goodbye, Belgium. I WILL be back.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The sound of church bells in Belgium is everywhere. They'll burrow into your subconscious. It's beautiful and eerie.
- Belgian drivers? Let's just say you need saintly levels of patience.
- The sheer availability of chocolate… it’s a national treasure.
- My biggest regret? Not buying enough frites.
- I have a love affair with cobblestone streets. I will miss them so much.
Emotional Reactions:
- Overwhelmed.
- Exhausted.
- Ecstatic (about the chocolate).
- Slightly traumatized (by the stairs).
- A little bit in love with Belgium.
- Sad to go.
Messy Structure & Occasional Rambles:
- This isn’t a perfect itinerary. It’s a story. And a story, as we all know, rarely goes according to plan.
- I’m sure I missed things. Whatever. I'll be back.
- I hate airports.
Opinionated Language & Natural Pacing:
- The food is incredible (mostly). The architecture is stunning (in every city).
- The people are nice (mostly).
- Go to Belgium. You'll love it (probably). But be prepared to walk, eat, and potentially break a chair.
And remember… travel is messy, it's amazing, and it's always an adventure. This trip, I'm happy to report, was both. Now excuse me while I schedule my next trip! (But this time, I'm bringing a chair.)
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Au Pied de Vigne: The Truth...and Maybe a Little Wine-Induced Rambling...
(Because let's be honest, "FAQ" sounds so...clinical. This is more of a 'What You *Really* Want to Know' guide, written by someone who's probably consumed too much Belgian beer... and might just be rambling. You've been warned.)
Okay, so, Au Pied de Vigne... Is it *actually* a secret? Or just, like, a semi-advertised apartment hotel?
Haha! Good question. I went in thinking it was some super-secret speakeasy of a hotel. And... it's not *that* secret. It’s on Booking.com. It has a website. But what *is* secret (or at least, less obvious), is how damn charming it is. Seriously, you walk in, and you're instantly hit with this cozy, almost *rustic* vibe. Think exposed beams, maybe a slightly wonky staircase (which, after a few Trappist ales, is definitely an adventure!), and a garden that looks plucked straight from a fairytale. So, not a secret, per se, but definitely a hidden *gem*. And yes, I’m using the word “gem” with all the eye-rolling irony it deserves… but it really *is*.
The rooms... what's the deal? Are they tiny? Overpriced? Glorious? Tell me everything!
Alright, spill the beans about the rooms... Okay, here's the real deal. They're not *huge* (let's be honest, this isn't the Ritz), but they're perfectly adequate. And here's where the "charm" thing I mentioned earlier *really* kicks in. They're beautifully decorated, with real character. My partner and I stayed in a studio, and it felt like we were living in a… well, a slightly quirky, stylish Belgian artist’s apartment. There was a full kitchen (and let me tell you, after all that frites, you'll appreciate the ability to make some healthy something!), and a surprisingly comfortable bed. Actually, scratch that. The bed was *amazing*. We slept like logs. Overpriced? Not really, especially considering the location (right in the heart of everything). Glorious? I wouldn’t go *that* far, but definitely lovely. Consider it a win, especially compared to those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels that all look the same. And trust me on this: that bed is a *game changer* after a long day of sightseeing.
Is the location as good as people say? Can you *really* walk everywhere? (My feet hurt already...)
Location, location, location! It's *everything*, right? And Au Pied de Vigne absolutely nails it. Yes, you can *absolutely* walk everywhere. I mean, *EVERYWHERE*. We barely used public transport during our stay (and that’s saying something, because I'm normally a public transport fanatic!). The Grand Place? Five minutes. The Manneken Pis? Ten. The chocolate shops? Practically *under* your window (which might be a blessing and a curse, depending on your willpower). Honestly, my feet were a little weary at the end of the day, but the convenience of being smack-dab in the center was totally worth it. Imagine: you wander around, see some sights, stuff your face with waffles, then literally stumble back to your apartment. Bliss. Absolute, delicious bliss. Although, be warned: the cobblestone streets in Brussels *will* test the limits of your footwear. Pack comfy shoes!
Let's talk breakfast. Is it included? Is it good? Tell me *everything*! Because I need a *good* breakfast.
Breakfast? Ah, the most important meal of the day! Okay, so, breakfast is NOT included. Which, to be honest, is a bit of a bummer. But (and here's where the kitchen comes in handy again) you can make your own! There's a boulangerie just around the corner; you can get fresh bread, croissants, delicious everything. Or, you can do what we did: go to the local market (which is a short walk, and a seriously sensory overload in the best way) and grab some local cheese, ham, and fruit. Pair it with some local coffee or, you know, maybe a small bottle of something bubbly. Don't judge. It created the perfect start to the day and even better than what was offered. But here's where it gets a little... messy. We are not known for our ability to plan, so we did have to go out at the last minute, more than once when we didn't have enough food or coffee. That said, the local breakfast places... very French. Very authentic. Very worth it. So while the lack of included breakfast might seem like a con at first, it forces you to explore, and embrace the delicious local options and makes it something of an adventure.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they just hand you a key and disappear?
The staff! Honestly, this is where Au Pied de Vigne really shines. These guys are *lovely*. Seriously, they’re like the friendly neighbors you always wanted. We arrived late (delayed flight, naturally), and they were incredibly accommodating. They sorted everything out quickly. They made recommendations (for restaurants, bars, everything!), and they even helped us with some minor travel hiccups we had which involved, well, slightly too much beer and a misplaced suitcase. They are always there. Helpful. I mean, that's what you want, right? And they have this way of making you feel genuinely welcome, which, after a long day of travel, is worth its weight in Belgian chocolate. Speaking of which... they offered us suggestions for chocolate and we did enjoy. I mean, can you really go to Belgium without indulging?
Is there anything I *didn't* like? Be honest!
Okay, okay, I'll tell you the truth, even though I'm clearly smitten. There were a few minor, very minor, things. First: the stairs can be a bit of a killer if you have mobility issues or excessive luggage (which I always do). Second: the noise from the street can get a little loud at night. It's the city center, after all. But it's not *terrible*, and if you're a light sleeper, you can always request a room towards the back. The only other thing that bothered me was that… I didn't stay longer! I was there for 5 days, and wished I could have stayed forever. Otherwise? Honestly, no major gripes. And the positives definitely outweighed the negatives.
So, final verdict: Would you recommend Au Pied de Vigne? Be brutally honest!
BRUTALLY honest? Okay, here goes… YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! If you're looking for a charming, centrally located apartment hotel with a great atmosphere and friendly staff, then book it now. Don't hesitate. Don't overthink it. Just do it. You won't be disappointed. It's not perfect. It's not the most luxurious place you’ll ever stay. But it'Jet Set Hotels
