Escape to Paradise: Stunning Houffalize Apartment with Terrace!
Escape to Paradise: Houffalize Apartment - More Like a Dream with a Few Quirks (and Killer Terrace Views!)
Okay, so this isn't just a review. More like a desperate plea to understand how anyone could possibly build a place THIS stunning in the middle of the Ardennes. The “Escape to Paradise: Stunning Houffalize Apartment with Terrace!” – yes, the name is a mouthful, but honestly, the apartment is absolutely worth it. I'm still picking my jaw up off the floor. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, I'm still trying to piece it all together.
(SEO & Metadata Note: I'm going to sprinkle keywords throughout, think "Houffalize accommodation," "Ardennes vacation," "luxury apartment Belgium," "terrace with a view," "wheelchair accessible Houffalize," "spa hotel Ardennes", "family friendly Houffalize," "pet friendly accommodation" as we go – essentially stuffing the stuffing in, but organically, yeah?)
First Impression: Holy Cow (and the Cows in the Field Down Below!)
The photos? They don't quite do it justice. The terrace. Oh. My. God. It's basically a private mountain. You look out and you’re staring at rolling hills, forests, and, yes, actual cows munching grass. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to write poetry, or maybe just stare blankly for hours, which is exactly what I did. This is definitely a contender for "best view in the Ardennes."
(Rambling Alert!) Initially, I was a bit lost…finding it was mildly chaotic. Google Maps had a mild existential crisis. But! After a quick call to the lovely people at the front desk (more on them later), and a few frantic U-turns, I was in.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Squad - They Mean Business (in a Good Way!)
Alright, let's be real: 2024 is still a thing. So, kudos to the apartment for throwing a serious amount of sanitizing power at everything. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available (which, let's be honest, I didn't opt out of). They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff? Seriously, they looked like they'd been through biohazard training. Felt safe. Felt clean. And frankly, a little like I was in a super-exclusive Bond villain's lair…but in a good way. (And they also have a First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly…
Okay, here’s the slightly less perfect part. The website does specifically mention "Facilities for disabled guests" and is listed as "Wheelchair accessible" . However, while the apartment itself is pretty spacious, there were some steps leading up to the terrace. The hallways were maybe a touch tight. I wouldn't say it's perfectly accessible, but it's certainly better than some places I've stayed. It's not a dealbreaker by any means, but worth noting if you're planning a trip with someone with serious mobility needs. They do have an Elevator, so that's a major plus.
**(Quick Note: They have a *convenience store* on site – really helpful, especially because I forgot to pack coffee. Crisis averted!)**
The Room: Seriously Spoiled
Okay, where do I even begin? You know those hotel rooms in movies that look ridiculously luxurious? This is one of them. We're talking Air conditioning, a gigantic bed, Blackout curtains (thank god, because sometimes, I just need darkness!), a seriously comfy sofa, and a Seating area designed for… well, relaxation. The bathroom was pure bliss, with bathrobes, slippers, and enough towels to build a small fortress. Seriously, the bathtub almost made me cry with joy. The mini bar was stocked with everything I needed. The Daily housekeeping kept everything immaculate. The Wake-up service (which I, embarrassingly, needed) worked perfectly. Plus, the Wi-Fi [free] was actually GOOD. Like, streaming-Netflix-without-buffering good.
(Anecdote Time!) I spent a good hour just wandering around, gawking. I honestly considered sleeping on the sofa just to experience it. The desk…perfect for pretending to work (which, let’s be honest, is what I was doing). I'm pretty sure I was still in shock at the view.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: More Than Just Food, It's an Experience!
The apartment itself doesn't offer much in the way of on-site dining, but the hotel has restaurants, the Restaurants offer A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, they have a Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, and Room service [24-hour]. But breakfast was a revelation. They offer Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, I opted for the buffet, and it was insane. From fresh pastries to local cheeses and enough juice to power a small country, it was a serious spread. My inner glutton was very, very happy.
(Rambling Again!) I did end up ordering room service one night because I just couldn't tear myself away from the view. The burger was…well, let's just say it was delicious. And the Happy hour… let's just say I made a few friends. They also have a Safe dining setup.
Things to Do (or Just, You Know, Be): The Relaxation Factor is High
The hotel boasts a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna. I may or may not have spent a solid afternoon in the sauna and steamroom. Don't judge me. After a long day of breathing in the fresh Ardennes air (and writing this review), it was pure heaven. The Pool with view? Majestic. I didn't even try the Fitness center because…uh…vacation. The Spa… well, it’s on my list for next time.
(Quirk Alert!) Okay, this is minor, but the little bottles of toiletries were seriously luxurious. I may have taken a couple (okay, maybe a few). Shhh!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of EVERYTHING
This place has it all. Seriously. 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, and more. They even have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking. I'm pretty sure if I'd asked for a unicorn, they would have tried to find one. The Concierge was unbelievably helpful, the 24-hour Front desk are always friendly. They made everything effortless. The Cashless payment service was super convenient.
For the Kids and the Rest of Us: Family-Friendly Fun!
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal The whole place just feels welcoming. The Family/child friendly aspect is a huge plus. They also have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, and Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The location is amazing, especially when you include Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Getting around, so it is close to everything so there's no need to worry about wasting time.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect):
- Minor Noise: I am a light sleeper, and occasionally, I could hear other guests in the hallway. But the Soundproof rooms do a good job.
- The Price: It’s a splurge. But considering the location, the views, and the overall experience, it's almost worth it
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to wrangle a trip to Houffalize, Belgium, into something resembling a plan. And let's be honest, with my track record, it's gonna be a beautiful, glorious mess.
Trip: Houffalize Hideaway (with Terrace & Potential Meltdown)
Premise: Escape the relentless grind. Breathe fresh air. Maybe, just maybe, learn how to pronounce "Houffalize" without sounding like a total idiot. Expect hiking, beer, and a profound existential crisis or two.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Terrace Orientation (aka, "Where Did I Put the Wine Opener?")
- Time: Morning – Hopefully, the plane won't try to kill me by delaying.
- Event: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU). Pray for a seamless passport control experience because, let's be real, I've got a face that screams "suspicious."
- Transportation: Train to Brussels, then a regional train to Libramont. From there, a rental car. (Fingers crossed I remember how to drive on the "wrong" side of the road.)
- Quote of the day: Oh, how I love public transport.
- The Drive: Libramont to Houffalize… supposedly scenic. I'm hoping for charming villages, not an endless stretch of motorway punctuated by cows. The rental car? Pray it's not a death trap. I once got stuck in a car with faulty headlights while driving. So let's just say I'm already stressed.
- The Apartment: Find the apartment! (Address in hand, Google Maps open. Wish me luck). Pray to the travel gods everything is as advertised. Especially the "terrace." I need that terrace.
- Afternoon: Unpack. Admire the view. (Assuming there is a view). Locate the all-important welcome pack… and, most importantly, find the wine opener. Because let's be real, the real welcome I need is a bottle of something cold and Belgian, which is probably exactly what I will do.
- Evening: Grocery store run. Learn to decipher Belgian labels. (Seriously, why are so many languages involved?!). Dinner on the terrace, if the weather cooperates. If not, inside with a good book, a generous serving of Belgian fries (because, duh), and a deep, soul-searching conversation with myself about why I can't pack light.
- Mood: Elated. Possibly slightly terrified of car driving. Hopeful. Cautiously optimistic that I won’t embarrass myself too much.
- Imperfection Alert: Probably will miss the train. Probably will get lost. Probably will buy the wrong kind of beer.
Day 2: Hiking, Heartbreak (Over a Steep Hill), and Humble Pie (Possibly… literally)
- Time: Morning
- Event: Hike! I am a hiker, sort of. My definition of "hiking" is something along the lines of "walking a bit uphill, maybe with a slight chance of stumbling over a root."
- Activity: Pick a trail around Houffalize. (Research is required, aka a long google search session). Embrace the beauty. Try not to faceplant on a rocky incline.
- Quote: * "I'm never doing this again, this is hell…"* and then probably, by the end, "…but that was actually really beautiful."
- Afternoon: Visit the Brasserie d'Achouffe (brewery, the one with the adorable gnomes). Or at least, attempt to visit. I see drinking their beers, and maybe buying a gnome souvenir.
- Evening: Cook dinner in the apartment. Attempt to be a sophisticated cook. (Likely outcome: scrambled eggs and instant noodles. Don't judge me, I'm on vacation.) Explore the town. Look for somewhere to just sit and sip something, ideally away from too many tourists.
- Mood: Aching legs, slight smugness about conquering a trail (even if it was a little hill), and a growing appreciation for Belgian beer.
Day 3: Kayaking, Catastrophes & Coffee
- Time: Morning
- Event: Kayaking on the Ourthe river. Sounds idyllic, right? We'll see. I am a notoriously clumsy person, and water + me = potential disaster.
- Event: The town of Houffalize will likely try to stop me from sinking, but I doubt they can
- Quote: *"Wait, is that… a rock? And am *I* heading straight for it?"*
- Afternoon: Recover from the near-drowning experience. Find a charming café. Consume copious amounts of coffee and pastries. Observe the locals. Pretend to understand their conversations. Fail.
- Evening: Another attempt at cooking. Fail. Order pizza. (Hey, it's a classic for a reason). Enjoy the terrace again, assuming the weather isn't trying to actively depress me.
- Rant alert: if it rains the entire time I might just end up going absolutely feral.
- Mood: Still alive. Slightly damp. Exhausted. Delighted with the discovery of more Belgian beer. The inevitable end of the trip is looming sadly.
Day 4: Reflection & The Road Back (aka, Dealing with Reality)
- Time: Morning
- Event: Lazy morning. Journaling. Reflecting on the profound insights I may or may not have gained during my trip.
- Activity: Last-minute souvenir shopping. (Because I need that gnome. And maybe a waffle iron. And some chocolate. Okay, I'm addicted to this trip.)
- Quote: * "I can't believe it's already over."*
- Afternoon: Pack. Sigh miserably. Clean up the apartment (or at least try to). Return the rental car.
- Transportation: Train back to Brussels Airport (BRU).
- Evening: Fly home. Attempt to reintegrate into society. Fail. Start planning the next escape.
- Mood: Sad. Yearning. Already missing the terrace, the beer, the trails, and the utter freedom.
- Imperfection Alert: May leave behind a trail of chocolate wrappers and empty beer bottles. Sorry, future apartment guests!
Day 5: The Aftermath.
- Time: Back home
- Event: Wash all my clothes, unpack my suitcase, and reflect on the trip.
- Mood: Disappointed. Yearning. Already missing Belgium.
- Food Make a Belgian dish to relive it all.
Special Note: This itinerary is a suggestion. It's more of a flexible framework. Feel free to adjust, deviate, and embrace the chaos. And most importantly – remember to breathe. You're on vacation! (And if you see a woman frantically flailing about in a kayak, that's probably me. Come help.)
Final, Very Important Note: I'm not responsible for any misadventures, existential crises, or excessive beer consumption. Enjoy your trip to Houffalize! If you see me, say hello. But maybe don't ask me for driving directions.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Tirol Chalet Awaits in Wörgl, Austria!
Escape to Paradise: Your Houffalize Apartment FAQs (Because Let's Face It, You're Probably Wondering Stuff)
So, is this "Escape to Paradise" thing *actually* paradise? Like, are angels singing and rainbows constantly appearing?
Alright, alright, let's be real. No, angels aren't serenading you. Though, the birds in the morning are pretty darn close! Paradise? Well, that depends on your definition. If paradise involves stunning views, a ridiculously comfortable bed, and a terrace where you can drink your coffee (or, you know, a cheeky bottle of wine) and just... *breathe*... then yeah, it's pretty darn close. I mean, the first time I saw those views from the balcony, I actually gasped. My jaw literally *dropped*. And I'm not a "jaw-dropping" kind of person.
What about the location? Is it, like, in the middle of nowhere? Because I need my coffee, and I need it *now*.
Okay, okay, caffeine addict, I get you. The apartment is in Houffalize, which is a cute little town. It's definitely not *in* the middle of nowhere... unless your "nowhere" is defined as "slightly outside a charming Belgian town." There are restaurants, a supermarket (for those crucial coffee supplies!), and even a bakery with smells that'll make you weak at the knees. You *can* drive a few minutes to get really into nature, though which is honestly part of the charm. You're close to all the good stuff, but far enough away that you can actually *sleep*. Which, let's be honest, is what we're all really after, right?
The terrace... is it actually usable? Because some terrace pictures are… optimistic.
Oh, the terrace. The *terrace*. My happy place. (Okay, maybe a close second to the bed, but still!) Yes, the terrace is *absolutely* usable. And amazing. It’s not some tiny, sad little balcony crammed with dead plants. It's a proper, proper terrace! Tables, chairs, and the views will have you wanting to just *live* out there. I remember one time, I spent two hours just reading a book – no phone, no distractions, just me, my book, and the scenery. It was glorious! Okay, there was one tiny, tiny issue... I might have dropped a glob of ice cream down the front of me. But hey, even paradise has its imperfections, right?
What's the deal with the kitchen? Can I actually cook something more complex than instant noodles?
Yes, you *can* cook something more complex than instant noodles! Unless, you know, you *want* to live on instant noodles during your visit. The kitchen is well-equipped. I mean, it's not a Michelin-star chef's kitchen, but it has everything you need. I managed to whip up a fairly decent dinner one night – and I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay, believe me. The only problem? I almost set off the smoke alarm. Okay, I *did* set off the smoke alarm. Twice. But that was mostly because I was distracted by the sunset and forgot about the garlic bread. (Worth it, by the way.)
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the modern world and all that...
Yes, there is Wi-Fi. Thank heavens! I mean, some of us *need* to stay connected, right? (Mostly for Instagram, let's be honest.) It's good Wi-Fi too. I managed to stream a movie without any buffering (which, as any streaming aficionado knows, is a *miracle*). But, be warned: the temptation to just ditch the phone and stare at the amazing views will be strong. Very, very strong. Try to resist it, but honestly, I wouldn't blame you if you didn't.
Okay, fine, it sounds amazing. But what's the catch? There's *always* a catch...
Hmm... the catch? Okay, let me think... No, really, I'm racking my brain here!... Well, the stairs to the apartment are a bit of a workout, I'll admit. They are a bit steep. Especially after a long day of, you know, *relaxing*. And, the other thing? You might not *want* to leave. It's that good. When I finally had to pack up to leave I stood at the window with a very heavy heart, I swear! That's the big "catch." Be warned, it's addictive. And you might just find yourself planning your return before you've even left. You've been warned!
Is it dog-friendly? I'm not going anywhere without my furry best friend.
Check the listing folks! I'm not psychic. Some are, some aren't.
Do I need to bring my own towels? I'm not about that "shlep your own towel" life.
Nope, not that life! Towels are provided. All soft and fluffy and ready for you to wrap yourself in after a long bath (or a short shower, I don't judge).
Okay, you've convinced me. How do I book?!
Excellent! You won't regret it. Check the booking details, there'll be a link to make the magic happen. Happy travels, and get ready to escape to paradise! Hopefully, I'll see youSnooze And Stay
