Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III Hotel
Historic grandeur with a contemporary restaurant scene. Classic hotel-on-a-river vibes: elegant without being stuffy, family-run with attention to food and wine.
Book a river-view room — the view of the Semois and Château de Bouillon is worth the premium. Room 203 gets specifically mentioned in reviews.
Why It Matters
Napoleon III stayed here on September 1, 1870 — his last night as Emperor before surrendering to the Prussians at Sedan. Emile Zola also stayed here. The hotel has operated continuously since 1730, making it one of the oldest functioning hotels in the Belgian Ardennes.
A 4-star hotel in a building that dates to 1730, sitting right on the banks of the Semois river in the center of Bouillon. Napoleon III slept here on the last night of his reign in 1870, and Emile Zola was also a guest. The history is real and present — parquet floors creak underfoot, the lounge carries genuine period atmosphere — but the owners have pushed in a solid contemporary renovation alongside it. Three distinct restaurants, 60+ rooms with castle-and-river views, and on-site parking under the historic building make this the obvious home base for the Belgian Ardennes.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Grande Suite
The top option for families or those wanting maximum space. Two king-size beds, a comfortable seating area, and a large bubble bath with views directly onto Bouillon castle and the Semois river.
Two King
Junior Suite
Large rooms with views of Bouillon castle and the Semois. The seating area includes a sofa-bed, making this the go-to for families. Can be configured as one king, two singles, or two kings. Large authentic bath in the bathroom.
King or Twin (varies by availability)Premium Room
King-size bed with views of Bouillon's landscape. Can add a single bed on request, making it good for three people. Full bath in the bathroom.
King (single bed on request)
Riverview Double/Twin
Classic superior rooms with two singles or a double bed, directly overlooking the Semois and Bouillon castle. Bath or shower in the bathroom. King-size bed available on request in some rooms.
Double or Twin (king on request)Single Room
Compact single rooms with one bed and a shower. Straightforward and well-equipped for solo travellers. All the standard in-room tech and amenities included.
SingleStandard Room
Flexible room configured with two to four single beds depending on availability. Bath with shower or walk-in shower, toilet, and sink. Good option for groups or families travelling with multiple children.
Twin (2, 3 or 4 single beds)Tower Room
Only four of these exist. Each has a double bed, a seating area ringed with multiple windows looking out across Bouillon's panorama — river, castle, town. Full bathroom with bath, toilet, and sink.
DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An audiovisual museum dedicated to Godfrey of Bouillon and the First Crusade. Located just 100 metres from the hotel.
The famous medieval castle towers above the hotel and is a 5-minute walk away. One of the best-preserved feudal fortresses in Belgium, associated with Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade.
The hotel sits inside a protected natural site on the Semois river. Marked hiking trails lead directly from the town into the forested Ardennes hills. The valley scenery along the Semois is among the most dramatic in Belgium.
Kayaking is available on the Semois river near the hotel. The river winds through the Ardennes countryside and kayaking is one of the area's most popular activities.
The Ardennes region around Bouillon is well mapped for cycling. The hotel can point guests towards routes and the area is regularly used for mountain biking excursions.
Nordic walking routes run through the surrounding Ardennes landscape, an ideal active complement to long dinners at La Diligence.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Lift available within the building.
One conference room available for meetings and events. Hotel also describes itself as suitable for seminars.
A large terrace and lounge area alongside the Semois river, accessible via BOM Food and Drinks. Views of Bouillon castle. Lounge seating available.
Tour and ticket assistance available at the front desk for local attractions and activities.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel — in rooms and all public areas including the lobby.
Hot and cold breakfast buffet served daily 08:00–10:00, including breads, scrambled eggs, bacon, fine meats, cheeses, cereals, fresh orange juice, and sparkling wine/bubbles. Served with panoramic views of Bouillon from the breakfast room.
Room service available from the hotel's kitchen.
Two electric vehicle charging stations available in the hotel's underground garage.
Private on-site parking in the hotel's underground cellar garage. Features original brickwork. Needs to be reserved in advance. Charged at approximately €16-17 per day.
Pets accepted on request. Additional charges may apply.
Daily housekeeping provided for all rooms.
Staff speak at minimum French and Dutch, with English also widely used.
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