Unbelievable Sea Views! Your Dream Apartment in Middelkerke Awaits!
Unbelievable Sea Views! Middelkerke: Okay, Let's See if My Dream Apartment Actually Delivers! (Spoiler Alert: Maybe?)
Alright, alright, listen up! I've just spent a week at the ever-so-promising "Unbelievable Sea Views! Your Dream Apartment in Middelkerke Awaits!" and… well, let’s just say my expectations were sky-high, fueled by those alluring brochure photos (you know the ones!). Middelkerke, on the Belgian coast, is supposed to be all charming seaside vibes, and this place, with its promise of… unbelievable views? I was ready to be wowed. This isn't a boring, corporate hotel review. This is me, unfiltered. Get comfy.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of a Struggle):
Getting there wasn’t a complete breeze. We had to find the place, and the GPS was playing tricks on me; honestly, finding the actual entrance required more turns than a Formula 1 race. Finally, after a mini-drama with the car, we pulled up. Car park [on-site], car park [free of charge] – thankfully, both options existed! Phew. That's one less thing to stress about. Getting the luggage out of the car was… a workout but hey, at least there was an elevator – no lugging suitcases up five flights of stairs. Thank God.
The check-in/out [express] was swift, but I did wish the front desk [24-hour] had offered a bit more warmth. I mean, a "Welcome!" would have been nice, you know? I went for express after all. They do have contactless check-in/out too.
The Apartment: Does the View Really Deliver?
So, the big question: the view? Well, let me spill the beans. It is pretty darn spectacular. The high floor definitely helped. I spent the first hour just staring out the window, mesmerized by the crashing waves. Actual unbelievable sea views? Well, it's close. Now, the apartment itself? It’s a mixed bag, let's be real.
The non-smoking rooms are a plus for sure. Gotta appreciate clean air. The soundproof rooms, however, were tested by my teenage son's music – which, thankfully, didn’t penetrate too much. Thank goodness for the blackout curtains too, because the sun in Belgium can give you serious glare. The seating area was comfy, and I actually liked having a desk to work, which made it a perfect laptop workspace.
The Wi-Fi [free]? Generally fine, but the internet speed wavered sometimes. Look, I needed to upload some videos to Youtube, and the Internet access – wireless struggled, which was annoying. Internet access – LAN? Didn't even bother, really -- how 2005. The complimentary tea and coffee was a nice touch (needed that coffee!), and the refrigerator kept my local Belgian beers perfectly chilled. Bonus points for the free bottled water!
Things to Do, and Ways to "Relax" (or Not…):
Okay, so, like any good seaside apartment, this place advertised a bunch of stuff. The swimming pool [outdoor] looked… inviting. But it was a bit chilly! The fitness center? Yeah, that’s something I didn’t visit once. I was on holiday!! The Spa/sauna I skipped altogether, but they do have the Spa available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag of Tastes:
The restaurants are conveniently located. The Breakfast [buffet] was included -- the buffet was… well, let’s just say it wasn't a Michelin-star experience. The croissants were okay, but nothing to write home about. The Breakfast takeaway service sounds convenient, although I didn't try it.
I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant once! My taste buds were on a rollercoaster! The a la carte in restaurant was okay! I did not try the Vegetarian restaurant though. There’s a bar, and I made use of the happy hour (cheers to that!), a welcome addition on my holiday. Also, there's a Coffee/tea in restaurant - for emergency situations only.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Important Stuff:
This is where they actually did a good job. The rooms sanitized between stays, which is reassuring. I found hand sanitizer everywhere, and they seemed to take anti-viral cleaning products seriously. The daily disinfection in common areas definitely gave me peace of mind. They have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and security [24-hour], which is all good. A little bit of CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property helped too.
The Annoyances (Because, Let's Be Honest, There Are Always Annoyances):
- The lack of a decent power outlet near the bed. I need my phone charged!
- The constant hum of the refrigerator. I eventually got used to it, but it was a bit annoying at first.
- No real room decoration, no decorations at all.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Maybe! The location is fantastic – right on the sea! The views are genuinely special. And, despite its quirks, the apartment was comfortable enough. The price point was fair compared to other locations. I could do without the gym, and the buffet was meh, but the pros outweighed the cons. It isn’t perfect, but it fits the bill. I mean, Middelkerke is lovely itself.
But, and this is a big but, if you’re looking for a super-luxurious, faultless experience? Maybe look elsewhere… If you need a reliable and comfy place to crash, with fantastic views, that is reasonably priced, this place delivers!
Bonus Points & Random Ramblings:
Pets allowed: The website states Pets allowed unavailable, which is a shame for pet-lovers like myself!
I saw Kids facilities here and there.
The luggage storage was useful.
I did not require a babysitting service but nice to know they have it.
Doorman: sadly, there's no doorman, so I wasn't greeted with fancy opening of doors.
Valet parking is unavailable!
I wonder if they provide Invoice provided for business travels?
Final Thoughts:
I’m giving Unbelievable Sea Views! Your Dream Apartment in Middelkerke Awaits! a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's charming, quirky, and the views ARE pretty damn unbelievable. Just go in with realistic expectations, and you will have a great time! Middelkerke itself is a great find too!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Apartment Awaits in Bayrischzell!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a Middelkerke, Belgium, apartment-with-a-sea-view adventure. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Project: Middelkerke, Belgium - Apartment with Sea View Bonanza (or "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Seagulls")
The Big Picture: Mid-October. Shoulder season, baby! Praying for sunshine, bracing for… well, Belgian weather. My sanity. And a decent enough internet connection to finally finish that damn crochet octopus.
Phase 1: Arrival & Initial Sea Stare (and Panic)
Day 1: Getting There & The View That Almost Made Me Cry (Happy Tears… Maybe)
- Morning: Eurostar from London (or wherever I'm starting from). This always feels like a victory of sorts. Avoiding airports, dodging the budget airlines, the sweet, sweet comfort of a train buffet (and the questionable coffee).
- Afternoon: Arrive Ostend station. Taxi/ Uber-ing to Middelkerke. Okay, Google Maps, don't fail me now. Praying the apartment is exactly as advertised. “Frontal sea view”? Promises, promises…
- First Impression/ Apartment Check-in: A key, a door, and… HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. The sea. Actually frontal. And the color… a bruised, moody grey. It’s breathtaking. Honestly, I might have choked up a little. Don't tell anyone.
- Unpacking & Immediately Failing to Resist the View: Dropping my bags is my first act, quickly followed by leaning out the window. Maybe a little too much. Wind chill factor 10. Okay, maybe I DO need that scarf I packed after all.
- Evening: First attempt at grocery shopping at the local, slightly intimidating, Spar. This is where my utter lack of fluent Dutch will become a problem. Expecting a lot of pointing and smiling. Dinner: bread, cheese, maybe some very questionable pre-made salad, sea view. (Let's be honest, no Michelin stars tonight).
Phase 2: Exploration & the Great Belgian Fries Quest (and a Few Missteps)
Day 2: Coastal Strolls & the Mystery of the Damp Towels
- Morning: Serious mission: walk left (north) along the beach. The wind is… relentless. Seagulls are judging me. I swear they are. They're probably thinking, "Look at her, she hasn't even mastered the art of the perfect chip."
- Mid-day: Middelkerke town square. The Casino! And an arcade. Gotta at least try my luck at… whatever they have.
- Afternoon: The Great Belgian Fries Quest begins. Research says "friterie x is the best!". Find x, purchase fries. Discover I have a problem: I may have spent an hour finding the perfect fries only to be disappointed. Sauce options are surprisingly complex!
- Late afternoon: Back to the apartment; laundry. What's with the damp towels? Okay, maybe the humidity. A second glance at the view fixes everything.
- Evening: Dinner: A second attempt at cooking. Pasta with… something. Probably overcooked. The sea view makes up for everything. Always. (Except my culinary skills).
Day 3: Coastal Tram & the Disappointment of the Souvenir Shop
- Morning: The Coastal Tram! (Kusttram). This is the big one. Running the entire Belgian coast. I'm going to ride it at least one stop or two, to see the various towns.
- Mid-day: An unplanned stop at De Panne. Because why not? And the sea.
- Afternoon: Return to Middelkerke. Stroll through the souvenir shop. It's disappointing. Everything is so… plastic. Decide to buy a postcard instead.
- Evening: Dinner: Find a local restaurant? Maybe. Risking more Dutch misadventures? Definitely. The smell of seafood in the air is intriguing. Wonderfully so.
Phase 3: The "Embrace the Imperfections" Zone & Crochet Octopus, or Bust!
Day 4: The Rainy Day of Contemplation (and Desperation for Hot Chocolate)
- Morning: It rains. Hard. The sea is now a churning beast. I'm staring out the window, feeling vaguely melancholic. This is the Belgian experience, right?
- Mid-day: Hot chocolate mission. Every cafe is full. Finally find a cozy spot with a fireplace. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Crochet octopus time! It's been weeks. I'm so close to finishing the head. This has become my obsession.
- Evening: Dinner: Ramen. The one thing I can always cook perfectly, or close enough. Another sea view, the lighthouse is blinking in the distance, a sense of peace washes over me, despite the persistent rain.
Day 5: The Art of Doing Nothing (& Packing)
- Morning: Walk along the beach. Even in the rain. The wind is a friend.
- Mid-day: The big shop, buying things I don't need. Because souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Embrace the empty space of an unfinished project. I want to crochet.
- Evening: Packing, dinner, watching the sunset. Goodbye, Sea. See you later, Sea.
Day 6: Departure (and a Secret Promise to Return)
- Morning: Last sea stare. It's still incredible. Taxi/ Uber. Train/ Air to home.
- Afternoon: Back. I'm tired. I'm happy. And the crochet octopus is… almost done.
Quirks, Imperfections, and Random Rambles:
- Dutch Dilemmas: My Dutch is non-existent. I'll be relying on smiles, pointing, and the kindness of strangers. Pray for me.
- Seagull Solidarity: I'm starting to feel a grudging respect for the seagulls. They're survivors. And they have excellent taste in chips.
- Food Failures: Expect some culinary disasters. Brussels sprouts are a distinct possibility.
- The View: The view IS the star. Even the moody, rainy days. It's worth it.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: This trip is about the experience. Laughing, sometimes crying, most likely. Every journey is different.
- The Octopus: I must finish the octopus. This is not optional.
Final Thoughts: This is a plan, not a prison sentence. It's a guideline. It's an invitation to mess up, to discover. To embrace the unexpected. To find a little bit of magic in the mundane. And, fingers crossed, to have the perfect Belgian fries. Because, seriously, that's the most important thing.
Expect the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. And enjoy the sea.
Escape to Wine Country: Luxurious Vogtsburg Accommodation
The Burning Questions (and My Slightly Unhinged Answers)
1. What even *is* this "FAQ" thing? Like, seriously, explain it to me like I'm five. And maybe a bit condescendingly.
Alright, picture this: you’re a lost little lamb in the bewildering forest of, well, *anything*. You're confused, right? Like, "Where do I even START?" "What's the point of all of this?" Well, that’s where FAQs come in. Think of them as a bunch of pre-chewed informational nuggets, ready to be swallowed. They're supposed to answer the most common, simple questions so you don't have to chase after some elusive, mythical being for an answer. Basically, they're the training wheels for your brain.
2. Okay, I get it. But why are *you* the one answering? Shouldn't there be a professional involved, or, you know, someone who knows what they're doing?
Good question! And the answer? Because I'm here. And... frankly, the other options were busy. Look, I'm not promising any Nobel Prizes here, and I definitely haven't memorized the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. But what I *can* offer is real talk. I can offer the perspective of someone who has probably stumbled through the same confusing maze you're navigating. Plus, let's be honest, a little bit of everyday chaos is way more interesting than some robotic, sterile recitation of facts, right? (I hope I'm right, otherwise this whole thing is a lost cause.)
3. So, what are we *actually* talking about here? Is this about… like, how to fold a fitted sheet? Because I need help with that. Seriously.
Whoa, hold your horses! No, this isn't about fitted sheets (although, the struggle is REAL. I have a dedicated laundry-folding ritual which involves much cussing. I swear, those things are sentient. They *want* to defeat you). This is about… well, let's say, the general concept of… life. The big stuff. The little things. The things that make you laugh until you snort, or cry into a pint of ice cream. It's about the stuff that makes us, *us*. Or, you know, maybe it's just about answering some random questions. Honestly, I'm winging it somewhat. Maybe we'll circle back to fitted sheets later. Lord knows, *I* still need the help.
4. My dog ate my homework. What is the *actual* best excuse to get out of a deadline/responsibility? Specifically, *not* the dog one.
Alright, let's be honest. The dog-ate-my-homework excuse is tired. Played out. Your audience has *heard* it. They are now immune to its charms. So, what to do? Here's my personal, tried-and-true strategy: The "Unexpected Life Event" gambit. This requires a little acting ability, but it's golden. Start with a furrowed brow, a sigh that suggests profound inner turmoil. Then, drop hints. "You wouldn't *believe* what's been going on..." or "It's just been… a week." Then, and this is KEY, leave them hanging. Let their imagination fill in the gaps. The weirder, the better, in my experience. Bonus points if you can subtly imply, without stating it directly, that you're currently living in a real-life soap opera. People *love* a good drama. *Example:* "Yes, I'll have it to you tomorrow. If the cat hasn't decided to reenact The Godfather again, that is..."
5. What constitutes a "good day"? Because some days, I just… can't even.
Ah, the million-dollar question! For me, a "good day" does *not* necessarily mean sunshine and rainbows. In fact, the sun can be a downright nuisance. A good day might involve successfully completing a grocery shop without a meltdown (a *rare* accomplishment, let me tell you), remembering to water my plants (they are probably still dead), or, even just getting out of bed without feeling the crushing weight of existential dread. It often hinges on small victories, because life is, well, *hard*. It involves managing to eat a whole pizza by myself, without regretting it immediately afterward. It’s about embracing the absurdity of it all. And sometimes, a good day just means making it to evening without anyone yelling at me (including myself). So, I think one of the best days involves a good book, something delicious to eat and a long bath. That's for sure, a good day for me.
6. I keep messing things up. Any advice for feeling slightly less like a colossal failure?
Oh, honey, we've *all* been there. Seriously. I once tried to bake a cake and set the oven on fire. Twice. The key is: *embrace the mess*. Seriously. The imperfections are what make life interesting. No one is perfect! It's a colossal lie the internet has sold us! The thing is, you've got to learn to laugh at yourself, to forgive yourself. Maybe acknowledge the failures. And then, learn from them. Then, and *this* is critical, remember that even seemingly perfect people are probably, deep down, just winging the whole thing, too. Next time you mess up, take a deep breath. Acknowledge the mistake. Learn, forgive and then, and only then, move on. Rinse. Repeat. And try to find the humor in the chaos. Seriously. Easier said than done, but it's the only way to actually *feel* a little better. Because, let's be honest, we're all just muddling through.
7. What's the meaning of life? Don't be shy. Lay it on me.
Whoa, deep breath. You've gone straight for the big one, haven't you? Okay, here's the deal: I have absolutely no idea. But, the journey to figuring it out is a hell of a thing. Some people preach finding a purpose, others pursue pleasure, and some just want to get through the day without a major disaster. *That* is my daily goal. Maybe the meaning isn’t a defined thing, but the journey of discovery instead. Maybe there *isn’t* a meaning and we just get to make up our own. Whatever it is, it's likely somewhere in the middle of all that—a messy, beautiful, and utterly bewildering ride. Don't overthink it. Just… live. And try not to spill coffee on your favorite shirt. That's a good starting point.
8. Okay, but seriously... are we *really* all just winging it? Because I'm starting to think that's the truth, and I'm not sure how to deal with it.
Jet Set Hotels
