Hotel Bellora

To call it slapstick would be an exaggeration, but there’s a touch of endearing Italian commedia to the slightly mad Bellora. The opening hours of the bar, located a couple of steps from the reception, are anyone’s guess. The parking garage (which has to be pre-booked) is almost narrower than the smallest car on the market. But the staff are warm and friendly, and always have a twinkle in their eye. The hotel is part of the ESS group, known for shunning standardisation, and singularity is certainly a feature here. Many of the rooms are perhaps a bit wee, but well planned in their small-scale simplicity – and the beds are comfy. Breakfast at Bellora is a reason to bounce joyfully out of them, though: a very beautiful, Italy-inspired buffet with goodies such as cold cuts, fresh bread, various types of butter, fruit and cheese. And don’t miss the creamy scrambled eggs. Observing the goings-on in the hotels nooks and crannies is also entertaining, as is stepping out into the street life on Avenyn.