Middelkerke Dream Apartment: HUGE Living Room Awaits!
Middelkerke Dream Apartment: HUGE Living Room? More Like a HUGE Escape! (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Middelkerke Dream Apartment, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. And by experience, I mean I’m still trying to untangle all the feelings. But hey, that's what you guys are here for, right? To find out if it's worth your hard-earned Euros. Let's dive in, shall we? And don't judge the messiness, it’s how my brain works, okay?
Accessibility: The Good, the Maybe, and the “Hmm…”
Okay, so accessibility is a big deal for some, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t specifically need wheelchair access, but I did take a gander. Based on the info, it looks decent. Wheelchair accessible is a tick! And hey, there’s an elevator, which is a huge win for anyone who hates lugging luggage. The overall facilities for disabled guests were listed, which is promising, but I couldn't personally test it. Fingers crossed it’s as good as it sounds!
Internet: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Thank God!)
Okay, internet is like, a necessity these days, right? And Middelkerke Dream Apartment gets it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! A glorious, beaming YES! Plus, they boast Wi-Fi in public areas. Good for those of us addicted to scrolling through Instagram while waiting for our room to be ready. They even have Internet [LAN] if you're old-school or just REALLY need a stable connection. Which I, admittedly, did, for work emails (don't tell my boss I said that). Internet access is a standard feature and it's great.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Feel Safe? Mostly.
Let's talk COVID times. The Anti-viral cleaning products were a comfort, definitely. And the daily disinfection in common areas? Nice touch. The fact that they were Rooms sanitized between stays was reassuring after some questionable hotel experiences. Also, the hand sanitizer everywhere was a win. They had staff trained in safety protocol, but I have to admit, I didn’t exactly see them doing crazy sanitizing rituals. Though, the physical distancing of at least 1 meter was mostly adhered to, which I appreciated. They had the basics covered for a safe stay, which it really should be now. They also offer opt-out for room sanitization, which is an interesting move. Room sanitization opt-out available: Is this just me, or does this sound a little sus? Like, do you want the room sanitized or don't you?
The Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and safety/security feature in the rooms were standard but welcome. And CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property I did like to see, always a nice touch. Security [24-hour] means someone’s always watching the door, always a win.
For The Kids: Family-Friendly or Just Tolerant?
They had Babysitting service, which is great for parents needing a quiet evening. And they are Family/child friendly, that’s on the checklist right? It's not a water park, but should be family friendly. Kids meal which is always really necessary.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food Glorious Food (And Maybe a Little Confusion)
Here's where things get… interesting. Let’s start with what they offer. The Breakfast [buffet] is available, as well as Breakfast service. There is also Breakfast takeaway service, which is great, especially if you're feeling lazy. Then there is Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant which is a nice touch. Restaurants and room service [24-hour] is also good to know. They even have the basics: Coffee/tea in restaurant.
I actually had breakfast in my room one morning. It wasn't the fanciest spread, but the coffee was decent, and hey, I wasn't wearing pants. The extra long bed was great for that, too. So it was bliss.
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax): Spa Days and Beach Days
This is where Middelkerke tries to flex. There's a gym/fitness, which is great if you're a fitness fanatic. The Spa/sauna is cool, but you have to book it beforehand? Not cool.. They offer a steamroom, a swimming pool, and a Sauna if you are into those. And they had a Pool with view, I didn't actually go so I cannot say if it's real or not. Also had a Massage, and a Foot bath. I didn't get to try the spa, because… well, life happened. Next time. Things to do includes everything from Body scrub to Body wrap.
Services and Conveniences: They Tried, Bless Their Hearts.
Cash withdrawal, concierge, daily housekeeping,… the usual suspects. They had doorman, which is always a nice touch. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, because who wants to pack a wrinkled shirt, right? Luggage storage is super useful if you arrive early or leave late. Invoice provided.
I was particularly happy about the Air conditioning in public area, as it got scorching. The Terrace was okay, but nothing earth-shattering. They have a convenience store, which is always handy for grabbing a bottle of water or a late-night snack.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
Okay, the rooms themselves. Now this is where the "Dream" part maybe kicks in.
- HUGE Living Room? Okay, the living room was… spacious. Not palatial, not "lost-a-child-in-here" spacious, but definitely big enough to, like, do a yoga class, without feeling cramped. I definitely appreciated that.
- Air conditioning: Needed, especially in the summer. Check!
- Alarm clock: To torture me into getting out of bed. Check!
- Blackout curtains: Glorious. Sleep, glorious sleep. Double check!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential. Double check again!
- Complimentary tea: (Huzzah!)
- Hair dryer: Saved my life (and my hair!). Check!
- Refrigerator: Always useful for late-night snacks and emergency beers. Check.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Gotta love it.
- Safe box: Good for valuables
- Soundproofing: Yes! Thank the heavens.
The Annoyances:
Let’s not sugarcoat it, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a few quirks I encountered:
- The “HUGE Living Room”: Yes, it was big. But it also had a weird echo. Made me feel like I was talking in a canyon sometimes.
- Room decorations: Pretty standard, nothing that blew me away.
- The Coffee: Good, not great. My personal coffee standards are high.
- The place isn't perfect, the staff were amazing, and despite some minor flaws, I had a very enjoyable stay.
Overall Impression:
Middelkerke Dream Apartment? It's a solid option. It's not the most luxurious place I've ever stayed, but it's definitely comfortable, clean, and has enough amenities to keep you happy. It’s a great home-base for exploring Middelkerke, especially if you're with family or a group.
My Final, Rambling Verdict:
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. Especially if the price is right! It's not perfect, but it's got charm, a great location, and a HUGE living room (seriously, the name is accurate).
SEO-Friendly Summary (Because, you know, the internet):
Need a spacious apartment near the beach in Middelkerke? Middelkerke Dream Apartment offers comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi, a range of amenities, and decent accessibility. Enjoy the convenience of 24-hour front desk, family-friendly features, and a variety of dining options. While not perfect, it's a great base for your Belgian coastal adventure! Keyword density: Hotel, Middelkerke, Apartment, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Family-friendly, Accessibility, Ocean, Beach
Compelling Offer for Middelkerke Dream Apartment: HUGE Living Room Awaits!
Tired of Cramped Hotel Rooms? Escape to Space and Style!
Imagine this: You, lounging in a HUGE living room, sunlight streaming through the windows. This isn’t just a hotel room, it’s your coastal haven. At Middelkerke Dream Apartment, we offer more than just a place to sleep – we offer an experience.
Here's what awaits you:
- Spacious Living: Spread out and
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram itinerary. This is me, trying to survive a week in a "spacious living room" in an apartment in Middelkerke, Belgium. Get ready for a whirlwind of salty air, questionable food choices, and the existential dread of being surrounded by… well, other people on holiday.
Middelkerke Mayhem: An Itinerary (More Like a Survival Guide)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Belgian Fry Frenzy
- Morning (ish): Okay, so the train from Brussels wasn't exactly "on time." Let's blame the Belgian infrastructure, shall we? Arrived in Middelkerke, lungs already filling with the glorious, salty air. The apartment? Well, "spacious living room" is a bit of a stretch. More like "living room that doesn't require you to step over the sofa to get to the balcony." But hey, free balcony! (And, as it turns out, an amazing view – more on that later.)
- Afternoon: Unpacked. Immediately regretted packing three pairs of jeans (why?!). The fridge is stocked with… questionable cheeses. Time for a crisis-fueled snack. But first, the beach! I mean, I have to see the North Sea at least once, right? The wind nearly blew me into the water. It's… bracing. In an "I might lose a limb" kind of way.
- Evening: The Belgian Fry Frenzy begins! Found a friterie (fry shop) practically overflowing with golden goodness. Ordering was an Olympic sport. I pointed, I mumbled, I almost cried when the server didn't understand my frantic hand gestures. Victory! (And five euros lighter.) The fries? Perfection. Seriously, people, these things are practically a religious experience. Ate about half the portion, then decided I needed a beer to wash them down. Wandered into a "cozy" (read: dimly lit) pub and ordered a local brew. It tasted of… Belgium. In a good way.
Day 2: The Beach, the Bikes, and the Existential Anguish of Sunbathing
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of seagulls fighting over discarded chips. (Still a little traumatized by yesterday's fry binge). Decided to embrace the beach life. Armed myself with sunscreen, a book I'll probably never finish, and a healthy dose of self-loathing. The beach was… packed. Apparently, everyone in Belgium decided to get a tan today. Finding a spot was an adventure. Ended up wedged between a family of screaming children and a couple making out like they hadn't seen each other in a decade. Sigh.
- Afternoon: Rented a bike. Because, Belgium. The bike path was… also packed, but at least it was scenic. Cycled along the coast, past ridiculously cute beach huts and the kind of mansions you only see in movies. Had a minor existential crisis contemplating the meaning of life and the proper ratio of cheese to crackers for a picnic. Ate the cheese and crackers anyway.
- Evening: The sunset over the North Sea was… breathtaking. Seriously. It actually almost made me forget about the screaming children and the awkward beach couple. Ate a sad-looking pizza at a cafe. The pizza was okay, the wine was better. Contemplated the possibility of a life lived solely on Belgian fries and red wine. It’s growing on me.
Day 3: Windsurfing, Wondering, and the Search for Decent Coffee
- Morning: Decided to be adventurous. Tried windsurfing. It was… humbling. Fell in the water approximately 37 times. The wetsuit felt like a second skin, and not in a good way. Ended up mostly sipping water and watching more experienced surfers glide across the waves with effortless grace. Definitely gave up on the windsurfing after too long.
- Lunch: Couldn't find a decent coffee to save my life. Kept ordering "koffie" and getting glorified brown water. Started to miss Starbucks. Ended up with something resembling coffee and some stale pastries from the local bakery.
- Afternoon: Took a long walk along the beach to clear my head. Admired the views. Wondered if being happy meant anything.
- Evening: Found a restaurant along the beach and ordered fresh seafood and a local beer. The food was just okay but the view made up for it. Walked back to the apartment along the beach at sunset again. Realized I had completely forgotten about the existential dread from this morning.
Day 4: The "Big Day Out": Ostend and the Art of Being Overwhelmed
- Morning: Travelled to Ostend, a bigger, even more bustling coastal town. Ostend's vibe is completely different. Everything is… bigger. More tourists. More noise. More… everything.
- Afternoon: I wandered a bit aimlessly in the city center. Did some wandering, and some window shopping.
- Evening: I had dinner at a crowded, noisy restaurant. Was overwhelmed, really.
Day 5: Rest Day, Re-Evaluation & Reality
- Morning: Slept in. Bliss. Needed it. The constant sea air and the relentless sunshine were slowly breaking me down.
- Afternoon: Actually wrote in my journal, which hadn't happened in years. Did a lot of thinking. A lot of, "What am I doing with my life?!" kind of thinking.
- Evening: Ended up ordering pizza. The kind you get delivered, not the fancy kind. No shame. Ate it on the balcony, watching the sunset. Realized I was kind of okay. Maybe the trip was getting to me in the best way.
Day 6: The Farewell Fry Fiesta and the Departure…
- Morning: One last fry fix. Went back to my favorite frituur and ordered the biggest damn cone they had. Ate them on the beach, trying to savor every moment.
- Afternoon: Last walk on the beach. Tried to memorize the sound of the waves, the smell of the salty air. Said goodbye to the sun and the North Sea.
- Evening: Packed. Mentally prepared to leave. Thought about all the highs and the lows. Realized that, despite the awkward moments and the existential crises, I had a good time here.
Day 7: The Journey Home… (And the Post-Holiday Blues)
- Morning: Left the apartment in Middelkerke. The "spacious living room" felt strangely empty. Said a silent goodbye to Belgium and to the North Sea.
- Afternoon: Train again. Tired, sun-kissed, and craving a good cup of (proper) coffee. Already missing the Belgian fries.
- Evening: Back home. The apartment in Middelkerke, though, was much more spacious than my own apartment. Back to real life. Back to the ordinary. But maybe, just maybe, a little bit changed.
So there you have it. My Middelkerke experience. Not perfect, not polished, but real. And, surprisingly, pretty damn good. Now, time to book another trip.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Island House Awaits on Poel Insel!
Okay, so... "HUGE Living Room Awaits!" is the BIG sell, right? Is it ACTUALLY huge? I mean, I've been fooled before...
Look, let's be honest. Marketing is a LIE sometimes. But in this case... YES. The living room? It’s a beast. My partner, bless her heart, is a klutz. And she managed to do a full-on, arms-flailing pirouette (badly, mind you, think Elaine Benes meets a brick wall) in that space and *didn't* knock anything over. That's a win in my book. Seriously, when we first walked in, my jaw actually dropped. I immediately started envisioning epic board game nights with ALL the snacks. You could probably host a small wedding reception in there. Just maybe don't tell the landlord I said that.
What about the rest of the apartment? Is it all just a huge living room and a broom closet for a kitchen?
Alright, alright, not *everything* is gigantic. The kitchen? Perfectly functional. It's not a chef's dream, but you can absolutely whip up a decent meal. We actually cooked a pasta sauce (a truly *ambitious* undertaking for me) and it went surprisingly well. The bedrooms are comfy, not sprawling, but definitely not cramped. And the bathroom? Clean. Which, let's be honest, is half the battle in Airbnb land. Just remember to bring your own shampoo, because I swear, I always forget. And then, the shower turns into a sad, sudsy situation. Ugh.
Is it close to the beach? Because, come on, Middelkerke, that's the POINT, right?
YES! Oh my GOD, YES! Seriously, the beach is like… a five-minute walk? Maybe less if you’re power-walking to avoid the rogue seagulls. (Those things are vicious, I tell you, VICIOUS). We spent hours just wandering along the sand, collecting seashells (because I'm a sucker for a souvenir) and generally pretending we were in a cheesy romantic movie. The sea breeze? Divine. The sunsets? Instagram-worthy. Basically, if you go to Middelkerke and *don’t* hit the beach, you’ve fundamentally misunderstood the assignment.
Was there a coffee maker? Because my mornings are... well, they require caffeine. Lots of it.
Okay, this is a CRITICAL question. And hold on to your hats, because the answer is... YES! There's a perfectly serviceable coffee maker. Not the fancy, barista-level kind, but hey, it brews hot brown magic. And, in my sleep-deprived state, that’s all I need. We did experience *one* minor coffee-related incident, though. I may or may not have accidentally overloaded it with grounds. (Slightly… maybe a LOT of grounds). The resulting explosion of coffee grounds? Let's just say it required a thorough cleaning session. My partner shot me that "are you kidding me?" look. So, heed my warning: Measure your coffee, people! Measure your coffee!
Parking situation? Because nothing kills a vacation vibe faster than circling the block for an hour.
Parking… ah, the eternal traveler’s dilemma. Ok, it wasn’t *awful*. There's usually street parking, and we managed to find a spot relatively close. But be warned: it's not reserved, so you might have to do a little hunting. I always get a little anxious about leaving the car unattended, even in a safe area. I'm convinced someone will, at any moment, steal my… well, mostly just the CDs I still refuse to get rid of. That's about it. Don't expect a private parking spot. It's the beach, so expect people, and therefore, less parking.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or insider tips?
Okay, here's the gold. First, the *frietjes* stands. Find one, any one. Eat ALL the fries. Seriously. Secondly, the sunsets. Watch them. Preferably with a local beer. Thirdly, there's this little bakery around the corner… (I'm not going to tell you the name, as then everyone else will find it, and there will be no more delicious croissants left. I'm kidding, I think. It's called... uh... *[redacted by the author, because the croissants are too good]* Basically, explore! Get lost! Embrace the small-town charm! Just… try not to over-caffeinate the coffee maker like *someone* did. And for the love of all that is holy, watch out for the seagulls. They are not your friends.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Even with the potential for coffee-related disasters and the ever-present threat of seagull attacks. The HUGE living room, the beach, the overall relaxed vibe… it’s just what the doctor ordered. Plus, I'm already planning my redemption coffee-making round two. This time, I will conquer the grounds situation! (Maybe). And if I forget to pack shampoo again, well, I'll just deal with it. You know, character-building.
