More grand glamour

If grand glamour is tempting but a little overwhelming, then try Belgium's Lilliputian alternatives, which offer grand hotel living on an intimate scale.

Only four hours away by Eurostar, Bruges has a host of quaint boutique hotels. At the top of the list is the confusingly named Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam, two beautifully restored 17th-century houses converted into a 34-room hotel situated on a quiet canal in the centre of town.

Spacious but cosy public rooms, lit by fire and candlelight, lead to individually decorated bedrooms, half of which are suites. It is a warm place to stay in all senses of the word. In the face of the northern winter, minimalism is not what you want. Give me roaring fires, and an overwhelming choice of Belgian beers - I've had enough of Schrager's lavender-scented martinis.

A-Z travel guide for 2002