As part of our Celebrating Success series, we are delighted to spotlight BLCC member Steven Vanrenterghem and the remarkable transformation he has led at Bryghia Hotel in the heart of Bruges.
A Hotel Reborn
When Steven acquired Bryghia Hotel eight years ago, he took over a property that had seen little to no investment for nearly two decades. From the outset, Steven recognised that a comprehensive renewal from the ground up was needed. This year, that vision has been realised in full. The hotel has just reached a defining milestone with the complete renovation of 22 rooms and their accompanying bathrooms, achieved in just three months. Work began on the 5th of January and was completed in time for Easter, ensuring Bryghia Hotel was ready to welcome guests at the start of the tourist season.
The renovation extended well beyond the rooms themselves. The hotel was stripped back entirely, with upgrades to plumbing, ventilation, carpets, and furnishings throughout. A complete roof replacement was also installed, dramatically improving insulation and airflow across the property. These were not cosmetic changes but long-term investments in the building’s sustainability and every guest’s comfort. 99% of the Bryghia Hotel is now operational, with just one remaining room to be completed, a testament to the pace, quality and care with which the project was delivered.
Investing in Belgium’s Future
The renovation of Bryghia Hotel is about more than building; it reflects Steven’s deep and personal commitment to Bruges and to Belgium. Having previously lived in the United Kingdom, his decision to return to Bruges and invest in Belgium’s hospitality sector speaks volumes. He has done this at a time when the sector faces some of its most demanding economic conditions.
Bruges attracts significant numbers of British visitors each year, with UK tourists representing approximately 20% of the city’s tourism. Drawing on his own experiences across both countries, Steven has been determined to ensure Bryghia Hotel meets the highest standards for international visitors and Belgian guests alike.
“At a time when many challenges face the hospitality sector, I chose to invest in Bruges because I firmly believe in the beauty and potential of my hometown as a destination. This renovation reflects our long-term commitment to the city and our guests. We wanted to create a hotel that respects its history while meeting the expectations of today’s international traveller.”
– Steven Vanrenterghem, Director
Looking Ahead
Bryghia Hotel is entering a new chapter with renewed energy and purpose. However, the evolution of the hotel does not stop with the renovations. A new website is currently in development, giving guests a streamlined method to book their stay and explore everything the hotel and Bruges have to offer. This is all a part of a holistic vision to secure the future of Bryghia Hotel, both online and in person. Steven’s commitment stands as an example of what genuine belief in a city and the willingness to act on it can achieve.
The BLCC congratulates Steven and the entire team at Bryghia Hotel on this impressive transformation and looks forward to seeing the hotel continue to thrive as a proud flagship of Belgian hospitality.
We encourage all BLCC members and their networks to consider Bryghia Hotel for their next visit to Bruges. As a BLCC team favourite, this beautifully restored property is a wonderful base to experience everything Bruges has to offer.