Luxury Malmedy Escape: Indoor Pool & Historic Charm!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is gonna be a wild ride. Let’s dive headfirst into the… Luxury Malmedy Escape: Indoor Pool & Historic Charm! – and holy moly, do I have some thoughts. Get ready for ALL the feels, and maybe a few eye rolls.
SEO & Metadata OVERLOAD (in a good way, I promise!):
- Title: Luxury Malmedy Escape Review: Indoor Pool, Historic Charm & Honest Truths!
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of the Luxury Malmedy Escape. Discover the indoor pool, historic charm, and accessibility (or lack thereof!). Plus, the food, the spa… and the honest-to-goodness quirks!
- Keywords: Luxury Malmedy Escape, Malmedy Belgium, Indoor Pool, Spa, Historic Hotel, Accessibility, Reviews, Food, Sauna, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Romance, Belgium Hotels
- Alternative Title: My Weekend at Luxury Malmedy Escape: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Cozy.
Rambling Review Time – Prepare Yourselves!
Alright, so, Luxury Malmedy Escape. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it is. But, let's be real, I'm not exactly a princess, and a "luxury" hotel can be intimidating on the scale of things, especially when I'm trying not to judge it too hard when it seems like it's trying to hide its flaws. We're talking the kind of place where you half-expect a monocle-wearing butler to pop out at any moment.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The First Hiccup (and It’s a Biggy)
Okay, so I'm coming from the perspective of someone who needs to be able to actually enjoy the 'Luxury' portion of the experience. First thing – accessibility. Crucial, right? The website talks about "Facilities for disabled guests," and I really wanted this to be a place I could recommend. So, let's just say, it's complicated.
The exterior? Gorgeous. That historic charm? Yep, it's there, in spades. But, getting around? Well, that's where things started to wobble. The entry, while beautiful, wasn’t exactly a ramp-up situation. I'm a little on the clumsy side, so that was a struggle as well. I am happy to report there's an elevator, though. So that's a start!
Accessibility Rating: 6/10 (Room for Improvement – big time!).
The Room - My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Once I got up there, though, the room… ah, the room! Okay, now this was truly luxurious. We're talking Air conditioning (essential for me, I get hot easily), a comfy seating area, and a mini-bar full of treats I probably shouldn’t have indulged in. The bed was a cloud! Seriously, I could have slept for a week. Okay, maybe I did sleep for a solid 12 hours one night… Don't judge me.
- In-Room Tech: Internet access - Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless all available. I’m a sucker for a good connection, and this one was stellar. I could stream movies without a hiccup which is a huge plus for me. Laptop workspace – check! Perfect for pretending I was working when I was actually just browsing social media.
- Bathroom Bliss: Bathtub, separate shower/bathtub – I'm a shower person. And the slippers and bathrobes were an amazing touch. I literally lived in the robe for the entire weekend. Complimentary toiletries were fancy and smelled divine.
Room Rating: 9/10 – Minus one point because even though there was an extra long bed, I'm still pretty tall.
The Indoor Pool & Spa – My Inner Child Screamed! (Then Relaxed)
Alright, let's get to the real reason I booked this place: The Indoor Pool! Listen, I love a good swim, especially when the weather outside is… well, Belgian.
The pool area? Stunning. The Pool with a view was exactly what I needed. Seriously gorgeous and even more relaxing. Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa were right there, beckoning me. I went straight for the sauna, and let me tell you, it was pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, I think I sweated out all the stresses of the last year in there. I could have spent the entire day in the spa.
- Bonus Points: I might have taken a few pictures of the pool area for my Instagram story. Don't tell anyone.
- Spa Treatment: I'm talking Body Wrap, Body Scrub, and Massage. I booked myself a massage, and… well, let's just say I was floating on air afterward. Pure, utter perfection.
Spa & Pool Area Rating: 10/10 – No complaints. Absolutely magical.
Food & Drink – A Feast for the Senses (and Maybe a Little Too Much for My Wallet)
Now, let's talk about the food. The hotel offers a variety of dining options.
- Restaurants: Several option - including Asian cuisine.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, it was a buffet. The food was good, but I got a bit lost in the options. I did enjoy the Western breakfast and, sigh, the desserts in restaurant.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Rating: 7/10 – The food was great, but the prices? Ouch.
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Precautions – Feeling Safe (Mostly)
This is a big one, right? Especially these days. I was happy to see the hotel took things seriously:
- Hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
I felt relatively safe and the precautions felt like they were in place for my safety and the safety of the staff, though it still felt like a bit of a risk to me being there.
Cleanliness & Safety Rating: 8/10 – Good, but I still kept a hand sanitizer bottle in my bag at all times, just in case.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Besides Sitting Around (Maybe with a Drink)
The hotel, I felt, was the main draw.
- The grounds: Beautiful, but walking around outside was a bit of a challenge.
- Nearby: I didn’t venture too far.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax Rating: 7/10 – The hotel itself was enough for me.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Really helpful, gave me some excellent recommendations.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless.
- Cashless payment service: Always a plus in my book!
- Elevator: Essential for getting around.
Services & Conveniences Rating: 9/10 – The staff was attentive.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truths…
Now, for the true confessions. No place is perfect, and Luxury Malmedy Escape had some… interesting quirks.
- The "historic charm" sometimes meant things were a little creaky.
- The service was attentive.
- The cost for some of those extras? Let's just say my credit card is still weeping.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, with these qualifiers:
- If you can afford it…
- If you truly need to unwind.
- If you are not overly worried about accessibility. If you use a wheelchair, I’d advise you to contact the hotel in advance for a specific accessibility assessment. I couldn't recommend this hotel fully without knowing if your particular needs are met.
Final Verdict:
Luxury Malmedy Escape is a beautiful hotel with some flaws. It's not for everyone. But if you're looking for a luxurious getaway with an indoor pool and a dash of old-world charm, it's worth considering. Just be prepared for some sticker shock and a few little bumps along the way. And maybe pack your own snacks.
Overall Rating: 8/10 - Room for Improvement, especially regarding accessibility. But still, a lovely, memorable escape.
Unbelievable Valfrejus Ski-In/Ski-Out Apartment: Modane, France Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. We're going to Malmedy, Belgium, and we're doing it right. And by "right," I mean with a healthy dose of chaos, questionable decisions, and enough emotional baggage to fill a train carriage. Let's get this show on the road!
The (Highly Subjective) Malmedy Meander: A Week of Belgian Bliss (and Bewilderment)
Day 1: Arrival and Déjà Vu… Or Did We Pack Enough Socks?!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Brussels Airport. Ugh. Let's be honest, Brussels airport is a logistical nightmare wrapped in a giant chocolate truffle. The flight was delayed, naturally. I swear, I spend more time waiting for travel than actually traveling. My internal monologue is already buzzing with a high-pitched whine of impatience.
- Morning (11:00 AM -ish): Train to Malmedy! Finally. The scenery is… well, it's green. Lots and lots of green. I'm a sucker for a good train journey, though. Something about the rhythmic clatter and the passing landscapes always soothes my travel anxiety. Or maybe that's just the lingering effects of the airport coffee.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Arrive in Malmedy. Okay, small town charm is undeniable. Finding our adorable, slightly dilapidated, former hotel… Well, let’s just say the GPS suggested a shortcut, which turned into a gravel detour into the heart of a farmer's field. Finally, we arrived. It's charming, and I'm already picturing the indoor swimming pool in my head. This is going to be the moment.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check in. The receptionist, bless her stressed-out heart, speaks English like she swallowed a dictionary. The room? Let's say it has character. And by "character," I mean it's straight out of a Wes Anderson film, in the best possible way. A slight musty smell, a wonky window that won't close properly, but also a breathtaking view of the Ardennes hills. It's perfect. Imperfectly perfect.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Unpack. Or, attempt to unpack. Realization: I forgot the one thing I always forget – my socks. Seriously? Socks. This is a recurring nightmare.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant - "Le Coq". The waiter has a glorious mustache worthy of a Renaissance painting. We attempt to order. Half the menu is in French, which causes us to panic and order the first thing that we recognize: Frites. Everyone who doesn't eat or speak French will surely relate.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Drinks and a stroll around town. Malmedy is quaint. Very, very quaint. I'm already slightly in love.
Day 2: Pool Dreams and Belgian Chocolate (and Existential Dread)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Finally! The indoor swimming pool! I’ve been waiting for this. The water's a delightful temperature and I’m convinced I’ve found paradise. We’re the only ones here. Ahhh. Just… pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Sadly, it's over. Break, back to the hotel room.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch, a picnic in one of the many scenic parks. The weather is glorious, the sandwiches are okay… but the view! The view is just… chef’s kiss.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Explore the town. We stumble upon a chocolatier. Oh. My. God. This isn't chocolate; it's an experience. I may have blacked out slightly in a haze of ganache and almond brittle. My wallet is lighter, but my soul is undeniably heavier (in a good way). And the shop owner is the most charming man known to humankind. I buy way too much.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Visit the Malmedy Massacre Memorial. This is… heavy. Very heavy. It's a stark reminder of the region's history, and it's hard to process. A somber moment which causes a quiet introspection. The war and history lessons are powerful. It's a very serious reminder of what humanity can descend to.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Another local restaurant… and more attempts at ordering. More French, more panic, more Frites. And yet, somehow, it's perfect.
Day 3: Ardennes Adventure (And Possibly Altitude Sickness?)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Drive through the Ardennes. The scenery is jaw-dropping. Seriously. Think rolling hills, forests that seem to go on forever. I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairytale.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Stop at a viewpoint. We take a million photos (because, you know, Instagram). Wind in my hair, sun on my face, the world feels… right.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Hike. My knees are screaming already. The trail is steep. I’m pretty sure I’m going to die. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I’m getting altitude sickness. (Probably because I ate too much chocolate.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Reaching the top felt like a victory. The view is… breathtaking. Okay, maybe the hike was worth it. Maybe.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner back in Malmedy. We finally get the hang of ordering. I consider going back to the chocolate shop… but my wallet (and my waistline) protest.
Day 4: Fortress Fun (And More Frites, Obviously)
- Morning (10:00 AM): Visit the Baugnez 44 Historical Museum. This is an important, sobering experience. It focuses on the events of WWII. The exhibits are powerful and moving.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. Guess what? Frites. And, I must admit, I'm starting to get a little too accustomed to this carb-loaded lifestyle.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Explore the town. We find a little shop selling quirky souvenirs. I buy a gnome wearing a beret. Of course, I do.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Another local restaurant. This time, I'm attempting to learn some basic French. The waiter looks amused. Success! I manage to order something other than frites.
Day 5: Spa Day (Or, Well… Attempted Spa Day)
- Morning (10:00 AM): We're going to the "spa". I'm picturing massages, steam rooms, cucumber water.
- Morning (11:00 AM): The "spa" is… quaint. Let's just put it that way. The cucumber water is warm, the massage is… vigorous. I'm pretty sure I can feel my muscles screaming.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Time for a nap. (I need it.)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): More chocolate. I can't help myself.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Romantic dinner! I decide to dress up a little.
Day 6: Farewell Feast (and Emotional Rollercoaster)
- Morning (10:00 AM): Last swim in the pool. I embrace the moment.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Final stroll through Malmedy, with a purchase of more chocolate.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Packing. Ugh. Always the worst part. I'm already nostalgic.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Goodbye dinner! We toast to Belgium. To Frites. To the wonky window. To the memories made. I'm sad to leave, but also excited to go home.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Staring out of the window at the view of the Ardennes. I'm getting sentimental. The trip has truly been a refreshing experience.
Day 7: Departure and Reflections (and Counting Socks)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Train back to Brussels.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Brussels Airport.
- Afternoon: Back home. And immediately unpack and count my socks.
- Evening: Sit and reflect on the trip. It was messy, chaotic, full of laughter and tears. I loved it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And yeah, the indoor swimming pool was pretty darn amazing.
So there you have it. My Malmedy adventure summarized. It wasn
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Quend-Plage-les-Pins Pool Villa Awaits!
Luxury Malmedy Escape: Indoor Pool & Historic Charm - FAQs (with a Touch of Real Life Chaos!)
Okay, so, the indoor pool… is it *actually* warm? Because I've been burned before.
Alright, let's be honest. That's the *real* question, isn't it? The brochures always whisper sweet nothings about 'balmy waters' and 'perfect temperatures.' Well, buckle up, because I can tell you from personal experience… YES! The pool at the Luxury Malmedy Escape *is* warm. Like, delightfully warm. Warm enough to forget you're in Belgium and imagine you're lounging in some tropical paradise. (Though, let's be real, the Belgian weather likes to remind you of its existence pretty quickly once you step outside.)
I took my kids, and oh boy… the first five minutes were spent with them testing the water with every limb imaginable. One foot, two feet, a full-body submersion… The screaming (of joy, thankfully) soon died down, replaced by blissful splashing and underwater gurgling. Pure, unadulterated aquatic happiness. The pool isn't just warm, it’s honestly therapeutic. After a day of exploring, it was a total lifesaver for my aching muscles. My only regret? Not bringing a waterproof book!
What about the 'historic charm'? Is it just a fancy way of saying 'old and drafty'? Because I get cold. Easily.
Oh, the 'historic charm'! Another minefield, isn't it? Look, I *love* old buildings. I adore a good creaky floorboard and a hint of history. But I also appreciate modern comfort. And yes, there's a bit of the 'old and drafty' stereotype that needs acknowledging because old buildings, particularly in Belgium, can come with a certain crispness in the air.
Honestly, at the Luxury Malmedy Escape, they've done a pretty good job of marrying old and new. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with original features like exposed beams. (I spent a good ten minutes just staring at the ceiling in my room. Seriously, the craftsmanship was amazing!) And the heating? Praise be! It worked like a charm. My wife, who's notorious for her internal thermostat (which is perpetually set to Antarctic), never complained! So, no, you won't be shivering and feeling like you're sleeping in a medieval castle dungeon. Unless, you know, that’s your *thing*. (No judgment here…)
However, on a total side note - there was one window that, let's just say, could have used a little more sealant. I swear, a gust of wind could have blown through. I mentioned it to the staff, though, and they were super apologetic and promised to have it fixed immediately. So, yeah, a tiny imperfection, but hey... keeps things interesting, right?
Is Malmedy itself worth exploring? Or is it just a launching pad for other places?
Malmedy? Yes, YES, *YES*! Forget about it just being a base camp; Malmedy is a gem in itself. Think cobblestone streets, a charming central square, and enough chocolate shops to send you into a delicious coma. (Seriously, the chocolate is divine. Prepare to loosen your belt.)
The history is fascinating. I'm no history buff, mind you, but even I found myself engrossed in the stories of the region. The town has seen its fair share of drama, especially during the war, and that adds a certain gravitas to the place. Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly. I stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant – the kind you find purely by chance – and had the best meal of my entire trip. The food was phenomenal (try the local sausage!), and the conversation was even better. (My broken French was thoroughly tested, but hey, we got there in the end!).
So, yeah, explore Malmedy. Get lost in its streets. Eat all the chocolate. Trust me. You won't regret it. And, an important side note: Don't forget to visit the abbey complex. It's stunning!
Alright, let's talk food. They say it's 'luxury'. Does that mean tiny portions, pretentious plating, and a side of disappointment?
Ah, the million-dollar question! The age-old debate: luxury = tiny plates and starvation. I get it. I've been there. And while the dining experience *does* lean toward the luxurious, I'm happy to report: NO. Not at the Luxury Malmedy Escape. (Well, mostly… more on that in a second.)
The breakfast buffet was a revelation. Seriously. Freshly baked croissants, local cheeses, fruits that actually tasted like they were supposed to… and, crucially, plenty of it. I, a notorious breakfast glutton, was utterly satisfied. My kids went straight for the Nutella (of course), and I may or may not have indulged in a second plate of pastries. No judgment, people. We were on vacation!
The dinner at the hotel restaurant was… let's say, *elegant*. The plating was beautiful, the flavours were complex. It was definitely a step up from my usual "whack it on a plate and eat it" approach to meals. However, the portions, especially for my teenage son, were *slightly* on the small side. (He polished off his entire meal in about five minutes, then proceeded to eye my plate longingly). So, maybe order an extra side of fries… just in case… Or, explore the local restaurants in town. There are plenty of hearty options there.
Is it kid-friendly? Or am I going to spend the whole time apologizing to other guests for my children's existence?
This is a big one, isn’t it? Finding a place that's both luxurious *and* kid-friendly is like finding a unicorn that delivers takeout. I was honestly a bit worried about this. I have two small, energetic humans who, let’s just say, enjoy testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.
But honestly? The staff at the Luxury Malmedy Escape were *fantastic*. They were friendly, welcoming, and genuinely seemed to enjoy having kids around. They even provided a highchair for my youngest without me having to ask (bonus points!). And the pool! That was a lifesaver. My kids could splash and play to their hearts’ content, and I could actually relax (slightly) knowing they were having fun and not disturbing anyone. (Well, mostly. There was that one incident with the inflatable flamingo... but that’s a story for another time.)
There wasn't a dedicated kid's club or anything, but truthfully, my kids were happy just exploring the grounds, playing in the pool, and eating copious amounts of chocolate. What more do they need?
Okay, you mentioned the pool before, but let's dive *deeper*. What's it *really* like? What are the practicalities? Like, locker rooms? Towels? Because soggy towels are the bane of my existenceBest Hotels Blog
