Unbelievable Durbuy Castle Stay: Hotel des Comtes Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the fairytale – or at least, trying to – that is the Unbelievable Durbuy Castle Stay: Hotel des Comtes Awaits! I'm talking about a medieval castle, people! In Durbuy of all places! This review? It's gonna be less travel blog and more… well, me. And maybe you, by the end, if you're not already booking. Let's get this show on the road.
First Impressions: The Castle, Oh God, the Castle! (and a bit about getting there)
So, the castle. It's… well, it's a castle. A real, live, genuinely-old-stone-and-tower-thing castle. Just the sight of it, looming (in a totally inviting way, not a "run for your lives" kind of way) over Durbuy, had me like a giddy teenager. Seriously. Forget that "elegant arrival" nonsense. I just gawped. I nearly tripped over my own feet – thankfully, there's plenty of parking, including free parking on-site (a HUGE win, let me tell you), and valet parking if you're feeling especially fancy, because oh yeah, they roll like that. And getting to Durbuy? Relatively easy, though the GPS did try to send me on some farm track adventure. Note to self: double-check those directions.
Accessibility: A Touch of Medieval Meets Modern (Mostly)
Okay, let's be real. "Castle" and "accessibility" aren't exactly synonymous. While the hotel does make a solid effort, remember, this isn't exactly a brand-new, purpose-built hotel, more like an old structure. The exterior corridors are a plus for air circulation in this era and the private check in/out is available.
- Wheelchair accessibility: While there's an elevator, maneuvering can be tricky. I definitely saw a few ramps, but navigating the ancient stonework might be a challenge for some. Definitely call ahead and inquire specifically about room and facility access if you require it.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The website mentions it. This is where I say, check with the hotel directly to find out what they have in place, before you go booking, you know?
- Elevator: Yes, there is an elevator, but remember, it is an old building.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Like You Wouldn't Believe (and probably a bit too much)
Look, post-pandemic, everyone’s obsessed with cleanliness, right? And Hotel des Comtes? They're on it. Like, really on it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check, check, check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere you look.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Because touching anything with a shared set of hands is apparently a war crime.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good luck with that… Durbuy is tiny and can feel cramped, like trying to find personal space in a crowded elevator.
The rooms themselves felt… fresh. Maybe a little too sterile for my liking, but hey, I'd rather feel clean than contagious. This is the part where I rant about the over-sanitization - a bit. I'm all for safety! But like, they might have gone a little too heavy on the bleach in my room. The air smelled like a hospital. It was so sterile I swear I could hear the dust motes avoiding the surfaces. I might have even sneezed – not from the bleach, but from the sheer unnaturalness of it all. I opened the window.
Rooms: Medieval Charm, Modern Comfort (with a side of bleach)
The rooms! Okay, they're not exactly what you expect from a castle. They're not dungeons, thankfully. Imagine what you’d hope for in a castle. It's got serious old-world vibe, like the castle is trying it's best.
- Air conditioning: Yes, thankfully, because… Belgian summers.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping past dawn (or avoiding the judging eyes of the local roosters).
- Bathrobes: Yes, cozy ones.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes, in all rooms! Praise be. Although the internet seemed to struggle when I was at the deepest and most impressive pool.
- Mini-bar: Sadly, I don't remember much.
- Air conditioning: Yes, but not everywhere and sometimes it was not easy to find.
So, not exactly a roughing-it experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuelling up the Knight in You
Okay, let's talk about food. Because, let's be honest, that's a major part of a holiday, right?
- Restaurants: Several, offering both Asian cuisine and International Cuisine
- Bar: Absolutely, because what's a castle without a decent bar? (Happy Hour! Essential!)
- Breakfast [buffet]: I'm a Buffet person. It was… decent. Not the best I've ever had, not the worst.
- A la carte: Yes, for the more refined eaters.
- Room service [24-hour]: Oh yes. This is where the real magic happens. Waking up, hungover, in a castle room, in the middle of nowhere, and ordering a burger at 3 in the morning is an indescribable experience. I might have done that. Once or twice.
- Poolside Bar: Yes, because sipping a cocktail by the pool, with a view of a castle, is exactly the kind of ridiculousness I sign up for.
The Western Cuisine was fairly good. The Asian breakfast sounded intriguing. The coffee/tea in the restaurants was strong enough to wake the dead, which was good because I was apparently trying my best to pull that off to be honest.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Spas to Seduction
This is where Hotel Des Comtes really shines. They have every way to relax that you cold imagine. There's a Spa and Spa/sauna .
- Swimming pool: Yes, an outdoor swimming pool. The view from here is gorgeous.
- Pool view: The pool with a view is the focal point.
- Fitness center: They have a Gym/Fitness.
- Massages: Yes. Get one. You're on vacation.
- Sauna, Steamroom: Yes.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: If you want the full pampering experience, they have it.
Services and Conveniences: A Touch of Modern Luxury in Medieval Walls
Concierge: Extremely helpful with… everything.
Doorman: Opening doors, smiling, probably judging (but politely).
Laundry service: Essential for my messy ways.
Dry cleaning: Because sometimes you spill things on yourself.
Luggage storage: Because who wants to drag their bags around?
Free Wi-Fi: Yes, and Wi-Fi in public areas is available.
Cash withdrawal: Very useful.
Cashless payment service: For the sanitization-obsessed amongst us.
Business facilities, including Xerox/fax in business center, and Meetings.
For the Kids: Babysitters and Fun (I Think)
I'm not a parent, but the hotel seems very kid-friendly.
- Babysitting service: Yes.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Kids facilities: I saw a playground. It looked safe.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
Airport transfer: Available.
Taxi service: Available.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yes.
My Crazy Anecdote: The Pool and the Castle
Okay, here’s the one thing that really made this stay unforgettable. I had been having a rough day. Nothing major, just… life. I went down to the pool with a view. The pool itself is stunning. And the view? Even better. I'm talking panoramic views of Durbuy and the countryside. It was one of those moments where you just stop, breathe, and think, “Wow, this is life.” The sun was setting, turning the sky all kinds of crazy colors, and the castle… it was just there, silhouetted against the vibrant canvas. Seriously, it was pure magic. I may have shed a tear. Or two. Mostly from the sheer beauty of it all.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely. Yes. 100%. The Hotel des Comtes isn't perfect. It is a
Indonesian Paradise Found: Cakra Kusuma Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is me, after a couple of glasses of that Belgian beer, trying to remember my trip to Hotel des Comtes in Durbuy. And trust me, it's a trip.
My Durbuy Disaster (and Deliciousness) Itinerary - A Messy Memoir
(Disclaimer: May contain traces of existential angst, questionable decision-making, and an overabundance of cheese.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Accidental Tapestry (Okay, It Was a Rug)
14:00 - Arrive in Durbuy (ish): Okay, “arrive.” More like, finally arrive. The train was delayed, the taxi driver kept getting lost, and I was pretty sure I saw a miniature gnome village whiz by at one point. Turns out, it was just a really well-manicured hedge. Durbuy itself? Adorable. Like, aggressively cute. Cobblestone streets, those perfect half-timbered houses… It’s the kind of place that makes you simultaneously want to Instagram every second and scream into the void about the inherent artificiality of it all.
15:00 - Check-in at Hôtel des Comtes: The hotel itself? Gorgeous. Seriously, legit gorgeous. Stone walls, antique furniture, a ridiculously comfy bed that I mentally married within minutes of sitting on it. The staff was… polite. Almost too polite. Like, I'm pretty sure one of the bellboys held the door open for a family of pigeons.
16:00 - Unpacking and the Rug Incident: I should have known better. I am notorious for tripping over air. I was admiring a BEAUTIFUL rug in my room (seriously, it was a work of art) when, well, I tripped. Landed smack-dab on my face. No serious injuries! My pride, however, was severely bruised. My initial emotional reaction? Mild panic. Then I assessed the situation and tried to clean it up with the face cloth! (I swear, I really really tried.)
17:00 - Exploration and The "Lost in Translation" Moment: Okay, so I wanted a drink. A stiff one. Durbuy is small, so I wandered around trying to find an open bar! Got utterly, hopelessly lost. Turns out, "Place" in French, and "Plaza" in English aren't the same thing. Ended up in a super-posh chocolate shop and nearly spent my entire budget on truffles shaped like tiny cats. (Totally worth it.)
18:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: (Or, as I'm now calling it, "The Michelin Star Meltdown".) Okay, the food was spectacular. Like, melt-in-your-mouth, flavour-bomb spectacular. But… the atmosphere? A little… stuffy. I felt like I was required to whisper, and I'm not built for whispering. I think I embarrassed myself by loudly proclaiming my love for the escargots. Did I mention my french is non-existent?
20:00 - Stumbling Back to The Room: After far too much wine, I stumbled back to my room. I sat on the rug. I took a long hard look at that rug.
Day 2: Adventures in Durbuy and the Deep Fried Dream
09:00 - Breakfast (and Regret): Breakfast was… fine. Continental. I think I ate enough croissants to fuel a small aircraft. Still recovering from the previous night's culinary experience. Had a moment where I questioned all my life choices.
10:00 - Durbuy Exploration, Take Two: Determined NOT to get lost this time, I set out with a map. This time I made my way to the market, and bought some fresh produce. I had to taste some of the food!
12:00 - Lunch (and the Belgian Fry Revelation): Okay, THIS is where it got good. Found a little fries stand, tucked away in a corner. I ordered the "frites" with the works. My God. The fries? Perfect. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. And the sauce? A creamy, herby, tangy, slightly mysterious creation that made me question everything I thought I knew about life. I ate three portions. No regrets.
13:30 - "The Smallest Town" Debrief and the Castle: Wandered aimlessly through the streets and soaked in the fairytale vibes. Honestly, I felt like I was in a Disney movie, except I was probably the ugly stepsister. The castle? Impressive. I took a picture and did some touristy things.
15:00 - Back to the Hotel and the Pool Panic: The outdoor pool at the hotel was lovely. I had a moment of panic when a bee wouldn't let me be. I was afraid to be stung. I'd been in the water for 5 minutes.
16:00 - Spa Time (and Spa Rage): The spa was everything I needed. A massage, a sauna. This was my redemption from the initial chaos.
19:00 - Dinner (and the Great Cheese Debacle): Dinner at the Hotel AGAIN. I learned my lesson. I found the perfect waiter, and I ordered the cheese plate. A glorious selection of Belgian cheeses. Until… I dropped a piece of cheese on my shirt. I tried to remain calm and classy, but I really wasn't. The waiter took pity on me and gave me a bib.
21:00 - Bedtime: The bed. The beautiful bed.
Day 3: Farewell, Durbuy; You Crazy Little Town.
09:00 - Breakfast (and the Last Croissant): One last breakfast. One last croissant. I felt like I was saying goodbye to a member of my own family.
10:00 - Check Out (with a Hint of Sadness): Saying goodbye to the ridiculously comfortable bed was harder than I anticipated. I almost tried to sneak it into my suitcase.
11:00 - Final Durbuy Stroll and Souvenir Hunt: Okay, time for souvenirs. I got my friend a chocolate frog (duh).
12:00 - Departure (and Secret Plans to Return): Waiting for the train, I thought about my trip. It was messy, it was hilarious, and it was perfect. I can't wait to return to Durbuy. I'm going to get a map and never get lost again!
Final Verdict: Hotel des Comtes? Amazing. Durbuy? Adorable, infuriating, and utterly charming. Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, though, I pack extra pants for that inevitable cheese incident. And a good pair of walking boots for all the exploring.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (K205)
Unbelievable Durbuy Castle Stay: Hotel des Comtes Awaits! - FAQ (or, Ramblings of Someone Still Recovering)
Okay, so, Durbuy Castle... is it REALLY a castle? Because sometimes "castle" is just a fancy B&B, right?
Alright, buckle up. Yes, it's a *castle*. And no, it's not just some cobbled-together stone facade pretending to be aristocratic. This thing... this *thing* is the real deal. Think turrets, think imposing stone walls, think "I might accidentally stumble upon a hidden passage and find a lost princess" kind of deal. Okay, maybe not the princess part, but the scale of it, the *history* just oozes from the walls. I half expected a knight to come charging out on horseback. (Sadly, no knights. Just… well, you'll see.)
What about the room? Was it, you know, *clean*? Because that matters. A LOT.
Clean? Yeah. It was… mostly clean. Okay, let's be honest, this isn't a sterile, minimalist hotel. This is *old*. Like, REALLY old. There were a few cobwebs (shudders), the occasional slightly dusty corner (again, shudders), and, I swear, I thought I saw a tiny, ancient-looking spider on the ceiling at one point. But, and this is crucial, the bed linens were pristine. Crisp, white, and *heavenly*. Honestly, I could have lived in that bed. Forget the castle life! I was ready to become a permanent linen-bather. That was a highlight.
The food! Tell me about the food! Because if the food is bad, the whole experience is ruined, am I right?
The food... Ugh. Okay. Here's the thing. Breakfast was... fine. Continental, nothing to write home about, the usual croissants and cold cuts. But the dinner? Oh, the dinner. They had to seat *everybody* in a dining room, and the ambiance was beautiful as a matter of fact. The presentation! Exquisite. Like, Instagram-worthy. And then the first mouthful... was a revelation. Honestly, it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I had this game bird dish that practically sang in my mouth! I mean, truly, I could close my eyes, and I'm there again. That was the peak. I felt like royalty myself. I almost got teary.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy and pretentious, or can someone like, you know, just be themselves?
Okay, here's the rub. It *could* be stuffy. It's a castle, after all. But oddly, it wasn't. The staff was lovely; there was some sort of genuine warmth to them. I was worried about feeling self-conscious in fancy clothes, but the other guests seemed pretty normal - a mix of couples, families, and a few solo travellers. Nobody batted an eyelid when I showed up wearing my slightly-too-worn jeans and rumpled shirt after a day of hiking. Maybe they were too busy gawking at the castle itself. I honestly think that helped a lot.
Is Durbuy itself worth exploring? Or is it just all about the castle?
Durbuy is a TRAP. In the best possible way! It's one of those ridiculously charming little towns that's *almost* too perfect. The cobblestone streets, the quaint little shops… it's like walking through a postcard. You'll want to eat *all* the waffles. The castle is definitely the star, but explore the town. Go find a hidden bar, or just sit in the square watching the world go by. It’s worth it. Very worth it. I could have stayed there for weeks. Maybe I should have... hmm...
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect. Come on, spill!
Okay, fine. The Wi-Fi was patchy in my room. Which, I won't lie, was kind of glorious. Forced digital detox, anyone? Also, the parking situation was a bit... intense. Tight spaces, narrow streets. You'll probably want to take a deep breath before you attempt it. And you should bring bug spray. Seriously. Those little buggers were relentless. But seriously? Minor inconveniences. The experience outweighed every single one. Just book it, people.
So, would you go back? Seriously, would you? Don't sugarcoat it.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! In a heartbeat. In a flash. I'm already trying to figure out when. That dinner alone... that dinner is worth the price of admission. I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I need the castle back in my life. Maybe I'll start saving up now; I'm already looking at the calendar... I just need to find when I can get a sitter for the dog. Anyway, yes. Absolutely yes. Go. Go now. Don't hesitate. Just go. (And maybe send me a postcard.)
