Escape to Falaen: Your Luxurious Belgian Holiday Awaits!
Escape to Falaen: My Belgian Bliss… With a Few Hiccups (Spoiler Alert: Mostly Bliss!) - A Review That Actually Feels Like a Real Trip!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your typical robotic hotel review. This is me, after a glorious, almost-too-good-to-be-true getaway to the "Escape to Falaen" – the self-proclaimed luxurious Belgian holiday spot. I’m still slightly dazed from the spa, fueled by Belgian chocolate, and, well, ready to spill the beans (and maybe some frites) on my experience.
SEO & Metadata – I’ll Get to the Point… Eventually!
- Keywords: Escape to Falaen, Belgium, luxury hotel, spa, wellness, accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, fine dining, Belgian holiday, hotel review, Falaen, spa experience, [insert specific amenities like "pool with a view," "sauna," "massage" etc. as used below].
- Metadata (brief): Description: Honest review of Escape to Falaen, a Belgian luxury hotel. Includes accessibility, dining, spa, and practical considerations. Keyword-rich and full of personality.
(Deep Breath…) Let's Go!
First off, that name… "Escape to Falaen." It promises a getaway. And, for the most part, it delivered. The setting? Picture postcard perfect. Rolling green hills, cobbled streets… a fairytale, almost. And the hotel itself – a gorgeous, renovated old building that just oozes charm.
Accessibility – The Good, the "Could Be Better," and the “Seriously?!”
Okay, so, I'm technically not a wheelchair user, but I appreciate good accessibility. And Falaen, bless its heart, tried. Wheelchair accessibility, on the whole, was decent. Getting around the main areas – the lobby, the main restaurant (more on that disaster later…), and the pool – was pretty straightforward. Elevator access was a lifesaver, especially after those post-massage jelly legs. The facilities for disabled guests were present, which is a huge plus.
Now, the "could be better." Some of the hallways, while beautiful, felt a little tight. And I remember a particular ramp to the outdoor terrace that was… well, let's just say my friend who is in a wheelchair described it as "a bit of a workout." There's definitely room for improvement there. And, okay, maybe they could have a better access plan on the website because I spent ages trying to find out specifics. But hey, these are minor niggles.
And, the "Seriously?!" moment… that's for later. Let's just say, a couple of seemingly accessible rooms had a… shall we say, creative interpretation of "accessible shower." More on that later!
Rooms - Ah, Bliss (Most of the Time)
My room? Oh, the room… I opted for the "Deluxe, with a View" and, honestly, it earned its name. Air conditioning blasted the Belgian chill straight out the window as soon as I walked in (bliss!). Free Wi-Fi ( Wi-Fi [free]) was a lifesaver for my Instagram habit (gotta document all this "luxury," you know!).
The amenities were ridiculously comprehensive: Bathrobes, slippers, complementary tea and coffee, even complimentary bottled water (yes!). The safe box was big enough for my laptop (and all the Belgian chocolates I'd inevitably accumulate). Extra long bed? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check (perfect for sleeping off that second helping of waffles).
And the bathroom? Private bathroom, with separate shower/bathtub (with fantastic water pressure, I might add), fluffy towels, and lovely toiletries. The hair dryer actually worked! And I absolutely loved the window that opens. Nothing beats fresh air after a long day of spa-ing (or, you know, eating frites). I loved it so much that I decided maybe I would stay forever. I really, really considered it.
(That "Creative" Shower Saga)
Remember the "Seriously?!" accessibility comment? Well, the bathroom. The shower had this… step. I swear, it was like they'd built the shower for someone with the agility of a mountain goat. Not ideal if you, you know, need a level access. I just thought, "If I fell, I'd probably break a hip!"
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Okay, in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is KING. And Falaen took it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. I saw staff constantly daily disinfecting in common areas. They had hand sanitiser stations everywhere. All the correct hygiene certification… and the staff were all masked. Staff trained in safety protocols. It was reassuring. I also felt reassured by CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, especially since I'd heard so many stories.
Rooms sanitized between stays, and room sanitization opt-out available were extra strokes of brilliance. I opted in because, well, pandemic! I also like the sound of first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – A Feast, a Fiasco, and a Few Tears (Mostly Happy Ones)
This is where things get… interesting.
The Good:
The Breakfast Buffet ( Breakfast [buffet]). Ok, this was heaven. A proper Western breakfast with everything you could want: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, fresh fruit… Honestly, I was a glutton, but a happy one. And the coffee/tea in restaurant? Always flowing, and always delicious with the Asian breakfast setting the scene of a good meal. I really think it was the best breakfast I've ever experienced.
The Poolside Bar ( Poolside bar): Perfect for a post-massage cocktail. The cocktails were strong (a definite plus!), and the view… (sigh) of the pool with a view. You couldn’t ask for more.
The Dinner in the restaurant (Buffet in Restaurant) – The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was nice, and the Western cuisine in the restaurant was even nicer. I really loved the Desserts in restaurant though. They were pretty great. I just felt like I couldn't stop eating. I wish they had more alternative meal arrangement, though.
The Not-So-Good (and the VERY Bad):
The A La Carte Restaurant Fiasco: This is where things went off the rails. I reserved a table for a fancy dinner at the fancy à la carte restaurant. Ordered a salad ( Salad in restaurant). Then ordered a soup ( Soup in restaurant). Waited. Waited. Waited. After an hour, I flagged down a waiter. My order had been completely forgotten. The staff were apologetic, but I’d already lost my appetite. It was just very disappointing.
The Room Service Mishap: I ordered room service [24-hour] one night. An hour and a half later, I called again. The food finally arrived cold. And the waiter's explanation? "We're busy." I'm paying for luxury, people!
The Staff (Mixed Bag Alert!): Most of the staff were absolutely lovely, incredibly helpful, and went above and beyond. But there were a couple of instances where the service felt… off. A little less polished than you’d expect for the price tag.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Day, Every Day?
This is where Falaen truly shines. The spa ( Spa/sauna and Steamroom) is a dream.
- The Spa: Incredible. Just… incredible. I indulged in a body scrub and body wrap, which left me feeling like I’d turned into a pampered, smooth goddess. The massage was heavenly. I could have stayed there… forever. Pure bliss! The foot bath was a nice touch.
- Fitness facilities: I ventured into the Fitness center ( Gym/fitness) once. It was well-equipped, but, let's face it, I preferred the spa!
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. And the indoor Swimming pool was also lovely. I basically rotated between the two.
- Sauna?: You can't be at a spa in Belgium without a sauna.
Services and Conveniences – Small Touches, Big Impact
Falaen gets the small details right. The concierge (helpful!), the daily housekeeping (pristine!), the dry cleaning (essential!). The luggage storage was super helpful. The elevator was a must. The cash withdrawal was easy, which was good. They made sure I had everything I needed.
For the Kids - The Little Ones are Well Catered for
I didn't travel with kids, but it seemed like Falaen was geared up for families. There were babysitting services, kids facilities and even a few **kids meals
Hohentauern Chalet: Ski-In/Ski-Out Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is about to get as Belgian as a waffle dripping with (probably too much) chocolate sauce. This isn’t your perfectly curated, Instagram-filtered vacation. This is the real deal. We're going to Falaen and Liège, and it's gonna be… well, let's see what happens.
COZY HOLIDAY HOME IN FALAEN & TERRACE IN LIÈGE: A MESSY BELGIAN ADVENTURE
Day 1: Arrival, Arrival, Where's the Damn Key? (Falaen, Population: Tiny)
- Morning (or whenever the hell the flight landed): Brussels Airport! Ugh. The airport. Always the airport, a swirling vortex of stressed parents, overly-eager duty-free shoppers, and the lingering scent of stale coffee. Got the rental car – a surprisingly sprightly little Peugeot that would later prove its worth navigating cobblestone streets. Key to the holiday home? Apparently hidden somewhere… mysterious. We're talking "find the rock shaped like a gnome and lift it" level treasure hunt. (RANT: I spent a good 20 minutes wandering around the property, getting increasingly paranoid that we'd been scammed. The brochure promised "panoramic views" but all I saw was a suspicious-looking shed. Eventually, a very grumpy squirrel pointed me in the right direction. Thanks, buddy.)**
- Afternoon: Finally, the key! Victory! The Cozy Holiday Home… well, it IS cozy. And the view is actually pretty decent, once you ignore the slightly wonky roof tiles. Unpacked. Immediate assessment: the fridge looked surprisingly promising.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Grocery run to a local supermarket. Belgian supermarkets are a delightful assault on the senses. So much cheese! So much beer! I swear I saw a sausage the size of my arm. Bought way too much stuff, including a selection of artisanal chocolates that I promised myself I wouldn't devour immediately. (Famous last words, right?). Dinner: Attempted to cook a carbonara-esque dish. Ended up with something… vaguely creamy and pasta-adjacent. But hey, we were alive. And the wine was excellent. The view from the kitchen window, overlooking the darkening countryside, was worth a minor culinary disaster.
Day 2: Falaen's Charms, and My Attempt to Become a Belgian Baker
- Morning: Exploration of Falaen. Honestly, it's hard to get lost. It's THAT small. We saw a beautiful church with a history and some shops. I swear I saw a cat napping on a window sill that didn't move for like, 30 minutes.
- Afternoon: Devoted to baking. I'd always wanted to try my hand at making waffles. So I got all the equipment and spent a good four hours. The first ones? Burnt. The second ones? Under-cooked. The third batch? Edible! Not perfect, but with enough whipped cream and chocolate sauce, they were a triumph of… well, if not skill, then sheer stubbornness. (My partner gave me an A for effort, a C for taste. He’s brutally honest, that one).
- Evening: Stumbled upon a local estaminet (that's Belgian for "pub"). Smoked salmon and beers. Laughter, even though I could barely understand a word of Flemish. One of the locals even showed me how to properly drink a Duvel, an art I am now attempting to master.
Day 3: Adventure in Liège – A City of Heights and Hunger
- Morning: The drive to Liège from Falaen. It was very pretty. Arrived in Liège. The city looks stunning a lot of the time, but the traffic is a nightmare. (RANT: Seriously, the traffic. I think I aged five years just navigating the ring road around the city. Learn to use the GPS!!)**
- Afternoon: The Montagne de Bueren! (Double Down Experience) I'm still a little stunned. The Montagne de Bueren is one of the things I will remember forever. The steep stairs! 374 steps! I started strong, sure of myself. But halfway up, my calves were screaming. By the top, I was panting like a dog, questioning all my life choices. The view, though? Worth every single agonizing step. The winding streets, the red rooftops, the Meuse River snaking through the city…pure beauty. We spent a long time looking at the view, savoring the moment. Then, and this is key: we rewarded ourselves with the biggest, gooiest, most delicious Liege waffle from a street vendor. Pure fuel for the descent, I tell you.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Wandered around the city center. Explored the Cité Ardente (the "Burning City"), soaking in the historic architecture. (I took a picture of a building. It's pretty.) Had dinner at a small, unassuming restaurant tucked away on a cobbled street. Tried boulets liégeois (meatballs in a sweet-and-sour sauce). Phenomenal. Afterwards, decided to get some frites (fries). Found a place that was popular and got some. They were amazing! Got more! Then, went back to Falaen, exhausted but exhilarated.
Day 4: The Search for the Perfect Chocolate (and Maybe a Nap)
- Morning: Relaxing at the holiday home. We explored the surrounding countryside. And found some amazing chocolate. (RANT: I'm now deeply convinced that Belgian chocolate is an actual food group. A very important one. I may or may not have purchased a significant amount of it…again).**
- Afternoon: The hunt for the perfect chocolate shop! Liège again. Checked out all the different shops and tried a lot of different types of chocolate.
- Evening: Head back to the holiday home, and did nothing!
Day 5: Departure (and the lingering scent of waffles)
- Morning: The dreaded packing. Tears. Okay, maybe not tears, but definitely a sense of sadness. Cleaned the place up, left it a little better than we found it, hopefully.
- Afternoon: Drove back to Brussels Airport. Said goodbye to the little Peugeot. Reminiscing about waffles, Belgian beers, and the sheer, glorious messiness of it all.
- Evening: Flight home. Already planning the next trip. Belgium, you magnificent, slightly chaotic, chocolate-filled marvel, I'll be back.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Belgium is a country that embraces imperfection. The cobbled streets, the wonky roof tiles, the imperfect waffles… it all adds to the charm.
- Don’t be afraid to get lost. It’s usually how you find the best things.
- Learn a few simple Belgian phrases. Even a heartfelt "merci" goes a long way.
- Pack stretchy pants. For chocolate.
This is not a flawless itinerary. It’s a reflection of a real trip, with its ups and downs, its triumphs and its minor culinary disasters. And that, my friends, is the beauty of it. Now go forth and have your own messy, wonderful Belgian adventure. Cheers!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Bibinje Apartment with Private Garden!
Escape to Falaen: You've Got Questions, We've (Maybe) Got Answers!
Okay, So What *Actually* Is Falaen? I'm Seeing Words Like "Luxurious" Thrown Around...
Right, good question! Falaen, my friends, is this little slice of Belgian heaven. Picture this: rolling hills, charming villages, and a chateau that's basically whispering, "Come on in, you fancy thing." "Luxurious" is... well, it's what we *aim* for. Okay, real talk? The chateau *is* gorgeous. Think thick walls, roaring fireplaces, and views that make you want to write a terrible poem about the sunset (I may have done this. Twice.). But "luxurious" can be... subjective. My first trip? Let's just say I almost spilled a glass of red wine (expensive red wine!) on the antique tapestry. The staff? Bless their hearts, they acted like it was a perfectly normal, charmingly clumsy moment. That's the *real* luxury, I think: not just the fancy stuff, but the feeling you're allowed to be a normal, slightly disaster-prone human being.
What's the Food Scene Like? Becasue, Let's Be Honest, Belgium... Chocolate and Waffles. Is That All There Is?
Hah! You've got the general gist. Belgium and food are, to put it mildly, *best friends*. Yes, the chocolate will blow your mind – go find that local chocolatier, trust me. The waffles? Crispy perfection, often served with a mountain of whipped cream. You'll definitely gain a few pounds. But beyond the clichés, Falaen has some hidden gems. There's this tiny place, a little bistro off the beaten track, where they serve the most *incredible* mussels in white wine sauce. I got the recipe, obviously (just kidding… maybe). And the beer? Oh, the beer. Trappist ales, fruity lambics, the whole shebang. I’m not a beer snob, but even I can tell you it’s GOOD. (And, okay, maybe I *am* a beer snob now.) The only "problem"? Choosing. The choice paralyzes me sometimes. You will need to be prepared, it's an intense, amazing problem, but if you prepare to be paralyzed by the choices, you'll do great.
Activities, Am I Stuck Inside a Chateau Glorifying My Own Gluttony? (Not a Bad Thing, But...)
Absolutely not! Okay, maybe a little bit of gluttony is inevitable. But Falaen offers a surprising amount to *do*. Hiking trails crisscross the countryside. They're perfect for burning off all those waffles (good luck with that!). You've got cycling routes – the scenery is *stunning* when you're not desperately gasping for air. There are charming villages to explore, medieval castles to visit. One time, I stumbled into this little antique shop and found a ridiculously ornate mirror. It's now in my bathroom and makes me feel like royalty every morning (even when I’m just brushing my teeth). And honestly? Just wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, is an activity in itself. It is *so* peaceful. Just... be prepared to get lost. I've done it. More than once .
How Do I Even *Get* to Falaen? Seems Like I Need a Pony... or a Time Machine
Okay, a pony is probably overkill. (Unless you *want* a pony. In which case, go for it!). Falaen is surprisingly accessible. You can fly into Brussels (BRU) and rent a car – the drive through the Belgian countryside is part of the experience. Or, you can take a train from Brussels. It's a pretty easy connection. The car is *slightly* easier to get around, because there's not a ton of public transport in the area. Just be aware that the roads can be a little...wiggly. And parking? Well, let's just say I once spent a solid hour circling a village square trying to find a space (I failed). Pack your patience. And maybe a good map. Or, you know, just embrace the adventure.
What's the Chateau Like? I'm Imagining Gold Leaf and People in White Gloves...
The Chateau... alright, let's go deep on this. Gold leaf? Potentially (depends on the room, honestly). White gloves? Thankfully, no. The staff, in my experience, is incredibly friendly and helpful, without being stuffy. It's a beautiful building, inside and out. The rooms are spacious, often with antique furniture and fireplaces. (Pro tip: book a room with a fireplace. Especially in winter. Pure bliss.) But let's be real – it's *old*. There might be a creaky floorboard or two. Maybe a slightly temperamental shower. It's not a gleaming, sterile hotel. It's a *chateau*. It has character. And that's what I love about it. It's a place where you can feel like you’re stepping back in time, but still have Wi-Fi. (Thank god for Wi-fi, am I right?)
Is it Family-Friendly? Or Am I Going to Be the Annoying American with the Screaming Toddler? (I Am American, and I Have a Toddler)
Good question! And let's be honest, we've all been there – or *feared* being there. Falaen is generally family-friendly, but it depends. The Chateau has family suites. There's plenty of space for kids to run around. The staff is usually welcoming to children. But, keep in mind this is *not* a Disney resort. It's more about relaxed luxury. If your toddler's idea of relaxing involves screaming for an hour, maybe consider a different option. (No judgement! Toddlers are…toddlers.) Honestly, a lot of it depends on your kids and your tolerance levels. And maybe pack some noise-canceling headphones for yourself. Just in case.
Okay, spill the beans. What Really Sucks About Falaen? Be Honest!
Alright, alright. I can be real. It's not all sunshine and waffles (though there are *plenty* of waffles). The biggest downside? Getting *home*. Seriously. After a few days of chateau life, you'll never want to leave. The post-holiday blues are real, my friends. The other thing? The weather. Belgium is, let's say, unpredictable. Pack for all four seasons. And sometimes, the roads can be a bit narrow and winding. If you get motion sickness, prepare yourself. And one time? The wifi cut out right in the middle of streaming a show. The horror! The *horror*! Okay, maybe I exaggerate. But honestly? Those are small prices to pay. Because the good outweighs the bad by a country mile. Go. Just go. And tell me all about it when you get back.
