Houffalize Heaven: Cosy Terrace & Breathtaking Views! ✨
Houffalize Heaven: Cosy Terrace & Breathtaking Views! ✨ (Or, My Wild Weekend in the Ardennes)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Houffalize Heaven. Forget those sterile, perfect reviews – this is the REAL DEAL. I just got back from a whirlwind weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, and this place… well, let's just say it left a lasting impression. And not always in the way you'd expect.
SEO & Metadata Pre-Game (Gotta play the game, right?):
- Keywords: Houffalize Heaven, Ardennes, Belgium, Hotels, Spa, Wellness, Views, Terrace, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Massage, Pet-Friendly Hotels, Family-Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Hiking, Activities, Houffalize, Accessible Hotels, Luxury, Budget, Reviews.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Houffalize Heaven, a hotel in the Belgian Ardennes! Find out about the views, the food (and the hiccups!), the spa, accessibility, and whether it's worth the trip. Prepare for a wonderfully messy and flawed take on this cozy hotel.
Let's Dive In!
First off, the views. Seriously. "Breathtaking" doesn't even cut it. From the terrace, it was like being in a painting. Rolling hills, a tiny village nestled below, the whole shebang. I swear, I spent half my first day just staring. You could practically feel the stress melting away. (Emotion: Utter Bliss!) They really nailed that part. The terrace itself was perfectly cosy, with comfy seating and blankets for when the Ardennes chill decided to bite. Perfect for sipping a perfectly poured Belgian beer (more on that later).
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (as always!):
Okay, so here's where things get a little… complicated. Houffalize Heaven does list Facilities for disabled guests, which is awesome. But. The actual experience? Well, it felt like they kinda tried but weren't fully committed. While there's an elevator (thank god!), maneuvering around the corridors felt a bit tight. Specifics are hard to come by without details on the facilities designed for disabled guests. What is available? This is something that could be improved. The bathroom in my room was, thankfully, relatively spacious, but I'd recommend contacting them directly to inquire about specific accessibility features if it’s something crucial for you. Still better than nothing, I guess.
On-Site Goodies & The "Wellness" Experience:
Right, the wellness stuff. This is where it gets a little… ambitious. They’ve clearly invested in their Spa. Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view (yup, still gorgeous), and a whole menu of treatments. I was itching for a massage, figuring the Spa was the perfect way to relax. The “signature aromatherapy massage” was supposed to be an hour of pure bliss.
(Emotion: Excitement! Anticipation!)
The reality? Well. Let's just say my masseuse, bless her heart, seemed to be navigating the contours of my back with the delicacy of a construction worker. "Is this… is this good pressure?" she asked, her voice a bit strained. "Um, yeah… a bit harder, maybe?" I mumbled, trying not to wince. It was a tad too gentle for my liking, to be honest. But hey, at least the Spa/sauna was actually working and the pool view was still spectacular. (My Honest Take: Mostly good, but you might need to manage your expectations!)
Oh, and the Fitness center? I poked my head in. Looked… adequate. I was far too busy enjoying the aforementioned views. Don’t judge me!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – The Food Saga:
Okay, the food. This is where things got…interesting. The restaurant boasts International cuisine and both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. I’m a sucker for a good buffet, so I went for the Breakfast [buffet].
(Emotion: Hunger! Anticipation!)
The buffet was… let's say diverse. There were your standard croissants and continental breakfast foods and then, scattered amongst them, a selection of… interesting choices. I won't go into detail, but let’s just say I ended up with a plate of scrambled eggs and an apple and made a mental note to order a proper lunch.
Later the a la carte in restaurant was better, thankfully. I had a delicious steak (Western Cuisine!) and the wine list was decent. They also had a bar (a Poolside bar would be great, if they had one). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was fine. The Desserts in restaurant were a saving grace. There was even a Snack bar for those late-night cravings. Oh, and apparently, they have some Alternative meal arrangement options.
Now, about that beer I mentioned… the local Belgian brews were fantastic (and available at the bar). I might have sampled a few… (and maybe ordered a bottle of water to combat the… uh… effects. Because hydration!) And the room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on the night I couldn't be bothered to leave my room.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Modern Era is Here (Mostly):
They’re clearly taking the whole COVID thing seriously. They have a Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff that seemed well-trained in the safety protocol. Rooms were, supposedly, being Rooms sanitized between stays, and they offer Room sanitization opt-out available. I did get a tiny bit of anxiety about Shared stationery removed, but it's 2024, you can't be too careful. And, yes, they have Anti-viral cleaning products.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things (and Some Big Ones):
They have a Concierge, which I didn’t use, because I'm a rebel. And a Doorman, who, let’s just say, the door wasn’t very busy. They have Daily housekeeping, which was efficient. They offer Air conditioning in public area too. The Luggage storage came in handy because I overpacked. They also have a Laundry service, because, you know, Ardennes mud is persistent. And a Cash withdrawal, which I didn't use. They have Facilities for disabled guests but as I mentioned above, it has some shortcomings. The Elevator was a big plus. They also offer Free Car Park which is vital for anyone wanting to explore the area by car.
Things to Do – Beyond the View:
Okay, so beyond staring at the gorgeous view (which, let's be honest, is the main event), there's stuff to do. Hiking trails abound, so pack your boots. I didn’t have time, because I spent most of it lounging. They even have a Car Park on-site, which makes it easier to explore the region. I saw a few people biking too. Definitely, a great spot for exploring or some Meetings, and if you are into it, they might even host Seminars and the like!
For the Kids – Family Friendly?
They have Babysitting service, which I didn't need (thank god!), and seem to be Family/child friendly. I didn't notice a ton of kids, but they had a few Kids facilities.
Available in all rooms – The Nitty Gritty:
Here's the lowdown on your room. You get Air conditioning, Alarm clock, a Bathrobes (yay!), a Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential!), a Coffee/tea maker (hallelujah!), Desk, Hair dryer, an In-room safe box, and – bless them – Free bottled water. The Internet access – wireless [Wi-Fi [free]] was pretty reliable. The TV had lots of Satellite/cable channels, for those times when you're exhausted from… staring at the view.
Getting Around – The Logistics:
They have Airport transfer, even. Taxi service is available (which I didn't need). And, crucially, a Car park [free of charge]. Essential if you're driving.
My Quirky Observations & Honest Opinion:
Okay, here's the takeaway. Houffalize Heaven is a mixed bag. It's got amazing views, a perfectly cozy terrace, and some genuinely relaxing spa facilities. The food is… an adventure. The accessibility needs improvement (and more transparency). The service is friendly but a little bit… inconsistent.
(Emotion: Contentment, mixed with a touch of mild annoyance!)
Would I go back? Absolutely, but with realistic expectations. I'd probably bring my own masseuse. And pack more snacks. And I'd spend a whole day just staring at that beautiful view. Because, honestly, sometimes that's all you need. Just pure, unadulterated, stress-
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Stoumont Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to wrangle a trip to Houffalize, Belgium, into something resembling order. Expect chaos, folks. Expect me to get distracted by squirrels. Expect opinions you didn't ask for. And most importantly, expect a healthy dose of "why the hell did I think this was a good idea?"
The Houffalize Heist (or, Operation Cozy Terrace)
Day 1: Arrival & Apartment Euphoria (and Maybe a Panic Attack or Two)
Morning (9:00 AM, roughly): Ugh. Brussels Airport. Hate airports. Always a sweaty, grumpy game of "find the damn baggage carousel." Pray to the travel gods my giant suitcase full of "necessary" books and "just in case" sweaters actually arrives. (If it doesn't, I'm wearing my pyjamas and a frown for a week).
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, but who's counting?): Rental car retrieval. Pray I don't accidentally drive on the wrong side of the road. Or, you know, forget how to use a stick shift (which is definitely a possibility). The GPS? A love-hate relationship. I'll probably yell at it at least once. "GET ME TO THE FU###ING COZY APARTMENT!"
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): HOORAY! Arrival at the apartment. Pray it's as amazing as the pictures. If it's not…well, let's just say there will be strongly-worded emails and a significant dip in my overall mood. But let's be optimistic! Cozy terrace, fabulous view… this is what I live for. Unpack, pop open a bottle of local beer (or two – travel stress, you see), and bask in the glory.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Grocery run. I'm not a foodie, per se, but I do like the concept of eating. Discovering weird and wonderful Belgian snacks is mandatory. Questioning every item on the shelves in the supermarket! "Is that cheese made of… WHAT?"
Anomaly… I got lost in the cheese section. Found some cheese that looked… a little too alive? I had to walk away, it was too intense.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Terrace time! Dinner, sunset, maybe some star-gazing. This is the dream. The reason I booked this trip. Pure, unadulterated, "leave me the hell alone" bliss. (Unless, of course, the neighbours start having a karaoke night. In which case, I'm moving to a cave.)
Quirky Observation: Belgian beer glasses are unnecessarily fancy. Like, I'm just trying to drink a beer, people!
Day 2: Valley Adventures (and the Great Hike Debacle)
Morning (9:00 AM, maybe): Hike the Ourthe Valley! I envision myself as a super-zen hiker, communing with nature, breathing in the fresh air. Reality dictates I'll probably be cursing my lack of fitness, swatting away bugs, and wondering why I didn't bring the damn water bottle.
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Attempt to find the perfect viewpoint. Get hopelessly lost in the forest. Probably end up befriending a particularly judgmental squirrel.
- Anecdote: Actually, I did befriend a squirrel. It kept trying to steal my trail mix. I named him Kevin, because he seemed like a Kevin.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. The cafe I found on the internet will be either cute as hell or a tourist trap. I'm placing bets on the latter. But, hey! Fries! Even if they're mediocre, they're fries.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Bike ride along the Ourthe River. Hopefully, I won't fall (I'm not the most graceful person, to be fair). If I do fall, I hope it's in a photogenic manner.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore Houffalize town. The church? The shops? Or maybe just the pub. Decisions, decisions.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already feeling a little homesick, but I'm also ridiculously grateful for this escape. It's a complicated cocktail of feelings.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some authentic Belgian dishes. Be slightly bewildered by the portion sizes. Vow to walk up and down the terrace all night to burn it off.
- Ramble: Speaking of the terrace… could I live on that terrace? Seriously. Just a small cot, a good book, and a never-ending supply of Belgian beer. Sounds idyllic.
Opinionated Language: If the food isn't good, I'm leaving a bad review. Plain and simple.
Day 3: Exploring the Ardennes and Getting Lost (Again)
- Morning (9:00 AM): I plan to tackle the Ardennes. Famous for it's beautiful scenery. I'm sure I'll be there. I'm almost certain I'll get lost.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (12:00 PM): Decide to explore a charming village. Get hopelessly turned around on tiny, winding roads.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Is this the right road? Am I even going the right way? Am I being followed by a particularly sinister-looking cow? I swear, these little villages have a mind of their own!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Abandon all attempts at actual direction and embrace the chaos. Find a hidden gem (hopefully). Or a really, really good bakery.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM): Attempt to find a castle. Be disappointed when it turns out to be closed. Or, you know, a pile of rocks.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Back to the apartment! Dinner on the terrace (weather permitting). Reflect on the day's adventures. Maybe have a moment of existential dread.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm starting to feel really grateful for this trip. It's messy, it's imperfect, but it's mine.
- Messier Structure: I realised something today. I'm not good at planning. I'm good at going with the flow. Or, in my case, the lost-in-the-Ardennes flow.
- Quirkly Observation: People here are very polite. They wave at you on the road, even if you're driving like a complete idiot.
Day 4: Relaxation, Last-Minute Panic, and Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Sleep in! Finally! Maybe drink coffee on the terrace, actually read that book, and enjoy the last moments of pure, unadulterated serenity.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic about overpacking. Question every single purchase.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch in Houffalize. Try to eat all the things I didn't get to eat earlier.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Pack up the apartment. Feel a wave of sadness. Vow to return.
- Anomaly/Doubling Down on an Experience: Okay, the terrace… the terrace needs its own paragraph. The view! The sunsets! The moments of quiet and peace. I'm going to miss it. It was more than just a terrace; it was a sanctuary. I'm seriously considering just moving into a place like this and living out the rest of my days there.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Return the rental car. Pray it still has all its tyres.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in Brussels. One last hurrah for Belgian food.
- Night (9:00 PM onward): Brussels Airport. The end. Sigh.
- Opinionated Language: This trip was fantastic. I would do it again and again! I will make sure to do it again.
This is my itinerary. It's not pretty. It's probably going to go off the rails. But it's mine. And that's what matters, right? Wish me luck! (I'm going to need it).
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Terrace Home in the Netherlands!
Houffalize Heaven: Frequently Asked Questions (and Ramblings!)
Okay, so... what *is* Houffalize Heaven, exactly? Sounds a bit... grand.
Alright, alright, the name *is* a bit much. I mean, Heaven? Come on! But Honestly, it's a rental property in Houffalize, Belgium. Think: a cozy place, which is a MUST in the Ardennes, especially if you're going in the dead of winter. And it has a TERRIFIC terrace. Like, the kind you could *almost* believe you can see the whole of Europe from... if you squint. It's all about the views, the peace, and escaping the chaos. And the "Heaven" part? Maybe just the feeling you get when you finally crack open that bottle of Belgian beer after a day of hiking. That's the closest I've gotten to heaven in a while!
The "breathtaking views"... are they *actually* breathtaking? Or marketing fluff?
Okay, truth time. Breathtaking? Maybe. It depends on your definition! Look, I'm not a mountain climber, so my lungs don’t exactly handle "breathtaking" like a pro. But seriously, the view is phenomenal. Rolling hills, forests stretching as far as you can see... it's the kind of vista that makes you *want* to sit on the terrace with your coffee for hours and just... *be*. There's also a super annoying but super cute squirrel that loves to steal my croissants. I'm getting better at fending him off, and the view is almost TOO perfect. I swear I saw some deer running around one morning, while I was drinking my coffee!! (or maybe it was the after-effects of the Belgian beer...)
Is it family-friendly? And by "family-friendly," I mean, will my kids drive me insane?
Honestly? It depends on *your* kids. The property is well-equipped – there's a high chair, and I *think* there's a crib (double-check that!), though I didn't need it myself, thankfully. There's plenty of space for them to run around, but it's not exactly a playground. You know, it's the Ardennes, not Disneyland. The real joy is that kids will have space to move but nothing too tempting to destroy or mess with. The space in itself is peaceful. The area offers tons of family-friendly activities, like hiking (good for burning off energy), and there are some pretty cool castles nearby. The hardest part? Remembering snacks! And the car trips there felt like an eternity.
What's the kitchen situation like? I need to cook a proper meal, not just instant noodles.
The kitchen is decent. It's not *gourmet* (we're not talking a Michelin-starred chef's setup), but it's functional. I managed to whip up a fairly decent carbonara one night (proud moment!). There's an oven, a hob, a fridge, a dishwasher (thank goodness!). They even have the basic utensils and stuff. BUT... and this is a BIG but... I would recommend bringing your own favorite frying pan. The one there wasn't the best. And maybe a good whisk. You know, for things like whipping up some batter... The shops in Houffalize are fine for supplies, but don't expect a gourmet deli stocked up here. And you guys know me! No way I'm bringing instant noodles.
Any downsides? Gotta be something, right?
Okay, here's the slightly less rosy picture. The roads to Houffalize – they can be a bit... *winding*. If you get car sick, stock up on ginger biscuits, seriously. And depending on when you go, the internet can be a little spotty. Not a dealbreaker for me most of the time, but if you're planning on working remotely, be warned. AND, the house is a bit older, and sometimes I found the walls a bit too thin. I could hear the neighbors sometimes. But honestly, isn't that just part of the charm sometimes?
Tell me more about that terrace! It sounds promising...
Ah, the terrace. Let me gush. It's HUGE. Seriously, you could practically throw a party out there (in fact, I did – shhh!). There's a table, so we had breakfast, lunch, and most dinners outside. Imagine: coffee, sunshine, and that view... pure bliss! One evening, we made a barbecue (there's a grill), and it was just... perfect. Except for the rain. I mean, it *is* Belgium. So, pack an umbrella, just in case. And bring some cushions! I spent a long time just watching the clouds roll by. Seriously, that terrace... worth the trip alone. I would have stayed there forever, honestly. I'm still dreaming of that space, to be honest!!
What kind of activities are around? I'm not going to just sit on a terrace all day (though it sounds tempting).
Okay, for the more active folks! There's hiking of course (duh! The Ardennes!), with trails for all fitness levels. Houffalize is a mountain biking mecca, so if you're into that kind of thing, you're in luck. There's kayaking on the Ourthe river, which is fun (I fell in – twice!). Bastogne is nearby (Battle of the Bulge history, if you're into that), and there are these ADORABLE little towns dotted around. The tourist brochure has all the details, but honestly, I found exploring randomly much more fun. But do your research if you're traveling with kids!
Should I even bother? Is it truly worth it?
Hmm, should you bother? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, if you want a perfectly manicured, all-inclusive resort experience... this isn't it. If you need constant entertainment, look somewhere else. But... if you're looking for a peaceful escape, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a home base for exploring a beautiful part of the world? Then absolutely. For me, it was worth every penny. It was the simplicity, the space, the quiet, mixed with that terrace and that view. I left feeling recharged. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, a little imperfection is what makes a place truly special. Now, to convince myself to go again...
