Where to stay in Brugge: Best hotels and accommodation for Aston Villa fans

Aston Villa‘s trip to Belgium for their Champions League opener against Club Brugge on Tuesday, September 8, gives supporters the chance to turn a midweek away day into a proper city break, with Brugge's historic centre small enough to get around on foot.

Away fans should also remember that De Lijn Bus 3 for visiting supporters leaves from Brugge railway station, so staying close to the station can make getting to the Jan Breydel Stadium much easier. The bus runs every 20 minutes and stops at Sint-Michiels Vogelzang, which is around a 10-minute walk from the ground.

FootballGroundGuide looks at some of the best places to stay in Brugge, from cheaper hotels by the station to more central and upmarket options.

Budget and mid-range hotels close to Brugge Station

Ibis Budget Brugge Centrum Station sits directly beside the railway station at Marie Popelinplantsoen 4, which is handy for away fans planning to use public transport for the match. The one-star hotel is also within walking distance of the historic centre and offers a simple base for anyone trying to keep the cost of the trip down.

NH Brugge at Boeveriestraat 2 is around 850 metres from the station and about a 10-minute walk from Markt Square. The hotel has a gym, garden and terrace, while the Jan Breydel Bar has a TV showing sport, making it a more comfortable choice without moving too far from the station.

Centrally located hotel options near Markt Square

Martin's Brugge is a three-star-superior hotel at Oude Burg 5, just a short walk from Markt Square and the Burg. Staying here puts the city's restaurants, bars and historic sights close by, while the trip to Jan Breydel can be dealt with separately on matchday.

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges is a four-star hotel at Hoogstraat 6, roughly 270 metres from Markt Square and Burg. It mixes historic surroundings with modern facilities, including a wellness area with a sauna, steam room, fitness room and relaxation area.

Great options for sightseeing before or after match

Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage at Niklaas Desparsstraat 11 is one of the more luxurious places to stay in the centre, just a few minutes from the Belfry. The hotel has 22 rooms, a restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness room, sauna and hammam for anyone wanting to make a bit more of the trip.

Hotel Dukes' Palace at Prinsenhof 8 is another luxury choice in the heart of Brugge. The former residence of Burgundian aristocracy has 135 rooms, along with a large garden, restaurant, bar, terrace and spa, while its location makes it easy to reach many of the city's main sights and shopping streets on foot.

FGG Verdict: Best areas to Stay in Brugge

For a mix of price and matchday convenience, the area around Brugge railway station is difficult to beat, especially for anyone planning to use the De Lijn bus for visiting supporters.

Those more interested in making a city break out of the trip may prefer Markt Square and the surrounding historic centre, where most of Brugge's main sights, restaurants and bars are within walking distance.

It is worth comparing prices and availability before booking, as rooms can become more expensive and harder to find around a Champions League matchday.