Bruges' Hotel Heritage Joins Prestigious Relais & Chateaux Collection

Relais & Chateaux, a collection of the world's finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants, announced its newest members at its annual Congress in Biarritz, France. A total of 31 properties have been accepted, bringing the total membership in the travel association to 480 members in 57 countries.

One of 17 properties to be inducted in the European territory, the Hotel Heritage celebrates this honor with the opening of its fine dining 34-seat restaurant, Le Mystique, featuring a delicate balance of French and Flemish cuisine. The restaurant aspires to please the palettes of all guests, and Chef de cuisine Jérôme Papin has been charged and challenged to create seasonally inspired gourmet presentations made with local ingredients, including Belgian beer and cheeses.

Johan and Isabelle Creytens, the owners of the centrally located luxury 24-room hotel, are proud to join the Relais & Chateaux family. "We are delighted that the Hotel Heritage has come so far in the last several years, as it continues to provide an unmatched guest experience in the charming, historic city of Bruges. With our award-winning service and press accolades, along with our high standards in personalized service, luxury, fine dining, and amenities, we are excited to become a part of Relais & Chateaux, and look forward to welcoming guests from around the world," said Mr. Creytens.

In addition to the European properties, other new Relais & Chateaux members include five new properties in North America, two in Africa, five in Asia, one in South America, and one in Australia. Three countries, Hungary, Macao and Taiwan, are newly represented this year. Additionally, four of the 21 members have been awarded the title of Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux. All members are listed in the newly published 2010 Guide, which has been enhanced this year to include a section dedicated to family travel, highlighting activities for children.

"Hotel Heritage offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for our guests," said Jaume Tàpies, International President of Relais & Chateaux. "We are delighted to welcome it into our family, where personal generosity and hospitality are a way of life."