The Pand Hotel is Bruges at its best: scenic, historic, and classic throughout. On top of it all, you'll enjoy the kind of service only family-run establishments can provide.

True, Bruges was built centuries before the invention of the postcard, but one wonders whether its medieval city planners knew something the rest of the world didn't. Today, Belgium's most beautiful city is arguably the world's prettiest, and The PAND Hotel puts you right in its UNESCO Heritage Site core.

The converted 18th-century carriage house holds 26 rooms, opulent but tasteful with a heavy emphasis on antiques and related motifs. Expect also to find the latest amenities, including free wireless, flat-screen TVs, and granite bathrooms. Junior Suites also offer Jacuzzis and complimentary Annick Goutal body care products, while enchanting shared spaces include the wood-paneled library and courtyard patio.

Bruges' most storied sites are all within walking distance, and many are accessible using the nearby canal. Be absolutely sure to visit the Markt and adjacent castle, as well as the Burg square and Saint Salvator's Cathedral.