Unbelievable Kortrijk Holiday Home: Sleeps 8! (Belgium)
Unbelievable Kortrijk Holiday Home: Sleeps 8! - A Whirlwind Review (Prepare for Rambles!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to hurl myself headfirst into reviewing this Kortrijk holiday home. "Unbelievable," they call it. Well, let's find out, shall we? I'm still recovering from the trip, the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre that happened. And oh boy, did some of those things happen!
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Keywords: Kortrijk Holiday Home, Belgium, Sleeps 8, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool, Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly (well, maybe not), Free Wi-Fi, Luxury Rental, Kortrijk Accommodation, West Flanders, Belgium Vacation, Accessible Travel, Group Travel, Family Getaway, Holiday Rental Review
Accessibility: (Gotta start here, right?)
Right, so "Unbelievable" claims accessibility. Well, it tries. The description mentions facilities for disabled guests, and I will say the elevator was a godsend for my friend, bless her creaky hips. But here’s where it gets… messy. The entryway was a bit of a squeeze with the wheelchair, and some of the interior doors felt a little narrow. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to note. The real kicker? The lack of proper lighting in the bathrooms. Seriously, trying to navigate that shower in near darkness was like an extreme sport! (I’m still traumatized, by the way). Needs a serious accessibility overhaul for it to be truly accessible.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Hmmm… not really. Not to be spotted.
Wheelchair accessible: Mixed bag. See above. Mostly the elevator, bless it.
Internet & Connectivity:
Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events…
OH. MY. GOD. This is where the "unbelievable" part actually delivered. The Wi-Fi? Lightning fast. Seriously, I could livestream my entire life (which, considering the drama, might be entertaining for a few). Wi-Fi literally everywhere. Even the, ahem, less public areas. The LAN connections in the rooms? Solid. Even managed to sneak in some work during my stay (don’t tell the boss!). And hey, the kids could finally stop fighting over the iPad – they could each be on their own damn device! It's like they knew exactly what the internet addicted people like me need!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
Okay, this is where the "pampered" part kicks in… or, at least, tries to.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
The pool with a view was fantastic. The view! Overlooking the Flemish countryside was pure bliss…when you could actually see it. The weather was a bit of a mixed bag -- Belgian weather, what can you say? One day the sun was out, the next it was spitting rain. Regardless, the pool itself was clean, well-maintained, and the view, when visible, was breathtaking. It's where I sat for hours, sipping Belgian beer, contemplating the meaning of life… and the fact that I'd forgotten my swimsuit. Facepalm.
The spa/sauna was nice, don’t get me wrong, but felt a little… sterile. Like, professionally clean, but lacking that cozy, "escape from reality" vibe. The massage was good, but the therapist kept chatting about her cat, which, while charming, wasn’t exactly conducive to total relaxation. I would have loved to be able to chill in a spa without someone talking!
The fitness center/gym was also solid. Enough equipment to work up a sweat, but I preferred the pool and beer. Priorities.
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
Okay, praise the heavens for this. After everything we’ve all been through, the cleanliness and safety protocols were top-notch. Everything was gleaming. The staff were clearly trained, and I appreciated the extra efforts. Individually wrapped food made me feel safe, and despite my somewhat uninhibited nature, I appreciated the effort!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
Good lord, the food! This deserves its own bloody section, people!
The breakfast buffet was a bloody masterpiece. From the freshly baked croissants (oh, the croissants!) to the endless supply of coffee that kept me going for days, it was heaven. They had everything! Bacon that actually tasted like bacon. Fresh fruit. Continental breakfast. International breakfast. Everything!
The Asian breakfast… well let’s just say I was curious, and it was an experience. Not the most authentic Asian breakfast I've ever had, but hey, points for effort!
The poolside bar was the place to be! I am very happy that they had one of those, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail, and the views were amazing!
I tried the restaurants, mostly Western-style. The food was decent, but nothing to write home about. The salad… well, let's just say I've had better salad.
Overall Dining Experience: Highly varied. Breakfast? Five stars. Everything else? Variable.
Services & Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
The concierge was a lifesaver. Seriously, the woman was AMAZING. She helped book tours, made restaurant reservations (which, as you know, was important!), and even found me a decent (and very necessary) post-pool-session beer run.
The dry cleaning and laundry service were a real boon. My suitcase contents, after a week of exploring, looked as if they had been through a war.
The Contactless Check-in/Out -- seamless. Easy. Minimal human interaction (which, let's be honest, is always a win).
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
They have decent kids facilities. My friends who brought a child raved about the babysitting service, especially. The kids seemed very happy to be there.
Access, Security, Rooms, and Amenities:
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
The security seemed solid. The 24-hour front desk was reassuring. Having all those features gave me peace of mind.
The rooms:
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels,
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and potentially disastrous adventure that is… eight people, a holiday home, and Kortrijk, Belgium. This itinerary? More like a suggestion. A whisper in the wind. A prayer we don't accidentally end up in France.
Kortrijk Chaos: An 8-Person Holiday Home Hootenanny (A Mostly Unreliable Itinerary)
The Cast: (Let's call them… The Kortrijk Crew. We'll figure out real names later, probably fueled by Belgian beer.)
- The Organizer (aka Me, probably flailing internally): Loves lists, but secretly thrives on chaos. Enjoys a good waffle. Very susceptible to impulse buys.
- The Foodie: Obsessive about Michelin stars and secretly judges everything.
- The Culture Vulture: Armed with obscure historical facts and a thirst for art. Likely to wander off in a museum.
- The Practical One: Always has a spare battery and a first-aid kit. Will be the voice of reason (and probably ignored).
- The Relaxer: Only cares about a comfy chair and a good book. Might not leave the couch.
- The Adventurer: Jumps first, asks questions later. Prone to injury.
- The Comedian: Always cracking jokes, even at the most inappropriate times.
- The Secret Romantic: Deep down, just wants a fairytale. Probably hopes to meet a handsome Belgian.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (or, "Where's that damn key?!")
- 14:00: Arrive at the Holiday Home. Finding the place… Easier said than done. My GPS insists we're in a field. The Practical One is already sighing. The Organizer (me) is starting to sweat. Finally, we find it! But… where’s the key? Cue frantic phone calls and questionable language directed at the rental agency. (Note to self: remember the key code next time.)
- 15:00: Finally In! The place is… charmingly “lived-in.” There's a faint smell of… something. (Possibly old frites? We can dream.) Unpack. The Relaxer immediately claims the best armchair. The Adventurer is already poking around, declaring she wants to “scale that roof.” (She's going to kill herself).
- 16:00: The Foodie has declared a crisis: no decent coffee. Emergency trip to the local bakkerij (bakery). The Comedian starts making jokes about the pastry selection. The Organizer buys too many chocoladebroodjes (chocolate croissants). Regret/deliciousness immediately sets in.
- 17:00: A wander through Kortrijk city centre. The Culture Vulture is already pointing at churches and muttering about Flemish architecture. The Secret Romantic is sighing at the cobbled streets. The Practical One is checking the weather forecast. The Adventurer is eyeing suspiciously high bridges.
- 19:00: Dinner! We'll attempt to cook… something. Probably involving pasta. The Foodie will be judging. The Comedian will be messing with the stove. The Secret Romantic will secretly hope the chef is cute. (Let's be real this is not going to go according to plan)
- 21:00: Belgian beer tasting at our house , the perfect way to end the day.
- 23:00: Bedtime, hopefully! (Or maybe just a drunken singalong. Depends on the beer.)
Day 2: Kortrijk's Charms & Coffee Catastrophes
- 09:00: Wake up! (Or, wake up slowly, after fighting off the urge to crawl back into bed.) The Foodie has brewed a decent coffee (miracle!). The Relaxer is still in the armchair.
- 10:00: Visit the Grote Markt (Main Square). The Culture Vulture is in heaven. The Comedian is trying to feed pigeons. The Adventurer is, again, eyeing something dangerous to climb.
- 11:00: Exploring the famous Broel Towers, The Secret Romantic is utterly smitten – "How romantic!".
- 12:00: Lunch. We're aiming for a "local experience." That could mean anything from amazing frites to questionable street meat. Pray for the Foodie.
- 13:00: Afternoon! I had this brilliant idea to visit the Kortrijk 1302, It was so long and boring for most of the group that we couldn't wait to get out of there!
- 16:00: Coffee break! We will try to find a local coffee shop. (The Organizer's secret wish is for a place with charming baristas and perfect latte art. Highly unlikely.)
- 17:00: Shopping! (The Organizer immediately regrets this idea). The Practical One will be scouting for souvenirs. The Adventurer will be buying something completely impractical. (Probably a neon-colored backpack).
- 19:00: Dinner! This time, a restaurant. Hopefully, somewhere with good beer and minimal chances of culinary disaster.
- 21:00: Drinks and board games at the Holiday Home. The Comedian will cheat. Arguments are likely. The Secret Romantic will probably win every game.
Day 3: The Belgian Coast & The Great Waffle Off
- 09:00: Day trip to the Belgian Coast!
- 10:00: Arrive at the Belgian seaside. The Adventurer will immediately run into the sea. The Secret Romantic will gaze romantically at the waves.
- 11:00: The Foodie will attempt to find authentic seafood. The Practical One will remind everyone about sunscreen. The Comedian will fall through the sand. (It's inevitable.)
- 13:00: Lunch! We must eat waffles – the best waffles in Belgium. The Adventurer is ready to have a waffle eating contest.
- 15:00: Exploring the beach, we will walk along the beach, searching for seashells and enjoying the sea breeze.
- 17:00: Head back to Kortrijk.
- 19:00: Final dinner. We eat all the food, toast to a great trip and promise to remain in touch, even if we don't.
Day 4: Departure – and the lingering scent of… waffles?
- 09:00: Breakfast, Pack up the Holiday Home!
- 10:00: Clean the place.
- 12:00: Everyone says goodbye.
- 13:00: Head for the airport.
- 14:00: Fly back to our countries.
Postscript:
This itinerary is a work in progress. It’s unlikely to go as planned. In fact, it’s practically guaranteed to go off the rails. But that’s part of the fun, right? The best travel stories are the ones that go wrong, the ones full of unexpected discoveries, and the ones that somehow involve far too much beer and a near-death experience involving a waffle iron. So, here's to Kortrijk, to eight people, and to the glorious mess that awaits! And if you see a group of people attempting to build a sandcastle in the Grote Markt, you'll know it's us. Wish us luck! (We'll need it.)
Ski-In/Ski-Out Luxury! Your Dream Apartment in Beaufort, France Awaits!
Unbelievable Kortrijk Holiday Home: Sleeps 8! (Belgium) - Let's Get Real, Folks!
So, is this place *actually* as "unbelievable" as it sounds?
Okay, let’s be honest. Whoever named it probably had a good marketing budget. "Unbelievable" is a stretch. It’s... good. Really good. I mean, it *was* unbelievable the first time I saw the pictures – the exposed brick, the giant windows, the whole "Belgian industrial chic" vibe. But then…reality sets in.
The first time we got there, after battling Brussels traffic (never again, I swear!), we were exhausted. We fumbled with the key (which is always a stressful start, isn't it?), finally got inside, and that initial "wow" factor faded a bit. It wasn't *quite* as magazine-perfect as the photos. The couch wasn't quite as fluffy. And OMG, the stairs! They were glorious to look at, all winding and beautiful, but after lugging three suitcases and a toddler up them, "unbelievable" turned into "unbelievably tiring."
So, is it good? Yes. Great, even. But temper your expectations a *tiny* bit. Unless you like walking up stairs, then you should be fine.
Can eight people *really* fit comfortably? Because, seriously, eight people equals chaos.
Eight. The magic number. And yes, you *can* squeeze eight people in. But "comfortably"? That's a game of degrees, folks. We had two families and a grandpa, and let's just say we learned a lot about personal space the hard way.
The bedrooms are well-sized, thankfully. The living area can get a bit… cozy… when everyone gravitates towards the TV (mostly because of the weather and not being able to do anything outside). And the kitchen? Let's just say if you're planning on making a gourmet meal for eight, someone is going to be elbow-deep in the dishes while someone else is dodging the cat and the kids.
The thing is, you're not there to live in isolation! You're there to explore, to get lost in the backstreets, to discover all the cool places you would never find if you travelled alone. Embrace the mayhem! It's half the fun, right? Unless you're a light sleeper. Then pack earplugs. Seriously.
Is it child-friendly? My kids are… lively.
Oh, the million-dollar question! Sort of. Sort of not. The stairs are a *major* hazard, of course. We spent a considerable amount of time trailing our toddler like a shadow. Forget "relaxation," it's more like "constant vigilance."
We brought a baby gate, which helped, but the open plan downstairs meant we still had to keep a careful eye on our little one. The house has some gorgeous design features, but they are also perfectly positioned for a toddler's mischief. And let’s not forget the lovely, big windows. Thankfully, they are high up, but… you know.
So, yes, the house is generally suitable, but you’ll need to childproof it yourself. Take all the precautions! You'll have a better time.
What's the deal with the location? Is Kortrijk actually worth visiting?
Kortrijk? Underrated gem is what it is! I went into the trip *knowing* nothing about the place, really. Then I got there, and it was love at first sight.
The location is perfect! The house is a short walk from the city centre, so you get all the benefits without the madness of being right in the middle. There are some amazing restaurants nearby (we found a little Italian place that was *divine*), and the Grote Markt (main square) is just a short stroll. The beguinage is incredibly picturesque, and the canal is perfect for a romantic walk (or a solo saunter, like I did one afternoon hoping to recover from the chaos of family).
It's also an easy day trip to Bruges, which is always a bonus. Although… Bruges is so touristy. Kortrijk is more authentic, more real and just… better.
Any downsides? Because there *has* to be a catch.
Oh, there are ALWAYS downsides. Nothing is perfect – especially not when you’re cramming eight people into a holiday home. Let me see…
The parking situation is a bit tricky. Street parking is available, but it's a bit of a walk from the house, especially with bags and groceries. The kitchen, while stylish, can get stuffy during meal prep (and the ventilation is a bit pants). The WiFi wasn't blazing fast.
And… the one time the hot water went out. That morning, after a long hike, and after a very cold night. It involved a lot of grumbling and a frantic phone call to the owner. Thankfully, it was fixed quickly...but the memory of that freezing cold shower? Fresh in my mind.
Minor problems. But still. Be prepared.
Should I book it? Give me the hard sell!
Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth: If you're looking for a flawless, perfectly curated experience, maybe this isn't it.
But… if you want a memorable trip, a place to make messy, beautiful family memories, a place where you can let go and just *be*… Book it.
It's a beautiful house, in a great location, and it's perfect for a group. It's not a luxury hotel, it's a home. A home with character, quirks, and, yes, a few minor imperfections.
We had an absolute blast. We laughed, we bickered (a little), we ate *tons* of fries, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. And isn't that what really matters?
What's one thing I *absolutely* need to bring?
A sense of humor. Seriously. You’ll need it. Also, maybe some extra coffee. Belgian coffee can be a bit… subtle. And a really, really good book.
