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Corridor area servicing the spa etc. Click to see the pool
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The dichotomy with any building of this age is to create a modern hotel within the architectural shell. Here the architectural remodelling has been done with sensitivity and finesse, but the interior designers have struggled to hit the right note. Their lack of confidence, or maybe a conflict in the brief, has prevented them producing the kind of result that could be summarised as comfortable contemporary.
In areas where they have been straightforwardly modern such as the bar their handling has been bold and effective, but the balance needed to convey the same confidence in the bedrooms has been missing with the result that the bedrooms look expensive rather than stylish. If Kempinski are to achieve the same results for their brand as Four Seasons achieve ( and Prague, one of our first Reviews, is an example ) then they need to step up their game.
This is a beautiful hotel, and the first five star in Bruges. This World Heritage city is where it is almost impossible to find a room in normal times, so the hotel will no doubt be very successful. It needs boldness and real attention to detail to succeed in creating comfortable interiors in keeping with such a historic palace. In my opinion the designers fall just a little short of matching the superb quality of the architecture.
Architects: Karel Lindemans of DDS&Partners
Designers: Interart Études, Paris
Words & Pictures ŠPatrick Goff
After a visit in March 2009
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"the architectural remodelling has been done with sensitivity and finesse"
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Corridors within the spa are contemporary and stylish. Click to see one of the treatment rooms
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Other bedrooms in the older part of the buildings play more interestingly with the space and the colour scheme works more effectively when offset against ancient timbers. One suite has changing levels and a mezzanine bathroom, always difficult because of the area used by the staircase, but here balanced by a charming little dressing room and a generously sized balcony with views across the rooftops of Bruges.
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Lounge is traditional, comfortable and opens through into the bar and gardens. Foreground is the samovar and teas. Click to see a room desk
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Kempinski Dukes Palace
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