Brugge, the Venice of the north, is an ideal place for a city break. This understated but elegant hotel is located on a quiet canal, a 5 minute walk from the Markt. It is lovely and elegant, and the service is impeccable. The bathrooms are beautiful, and the breakfasts are to die for (champagne and handmade chocolates. The rooms and suites have been tastefully decorated in a French English style and each one is different from the other. Be sure to have a drink in the cozy bar before or after dinner. The graceful small city of Bruges (Brugge has drifted down the stream of time with all the self possession of the swans that cruise its canals. To step into the old town is to be transported instantly back to the middle Ages, when Bruges was among the wealthiest cities of Europe. Unlike so many European cities that have had their hearts torn out by war, Bruges has remained unravaged, its glorious monumental buildings intact. UNESCO has recognized the cultural importance of the historic center by awarding it World Heritage status. The city (pop. 115,000, of whom 25,000 live in the old center is the capital town of West Vlaanderen (West Flanders province, and the pride and joy of all Flanders.