Tourism Flanders recognizes our Apartment on the Zeedijk in Ostend as a 'four-star holiday home'. This gives our guests the peace of mind that everything is more than in order. And we are quite proud that we offer this quality. The four stars guarantee a comfortable, stylish and completely carefree holiday stay. This article describes what such a four-star label from Tourism Flanders means for you as a (possibly future) tenant.
The stars you see on holiday homes do not fall from the sky. They are official labels from Tourism Flanders, the tourist service of the Flemish government. And to get such a label, you as a lodging operator have to go through a fairly thorough inspection.
We were happy to take that administrative hurdle. Because when we opened for guests in 2018, we had one important goal: to create a place where we like to stay ourselves. The bar was set high from the start. An official recognition by an independent organization guarantees that the bar is just as high for every rental period and that we jump over it!
Tourism Flanders screens apartments very thoroughly
The four stars and us recognition number 228023 are not just a sticker on the door.
Obtaining recognition requires an extensive procedure and paperwork. How could it be otherwise! Because Tourism Flanders works with official classification standards. In doing so, they look at what you offer as accommodation: from facilities and furnishings to comfort and safety.
To check this, a friendly and strict inspector from Tourism Flanders visited us apartment with sea view. His site visit was quite exciting. Because he didn't just walk in. He did an extensive, strict check and had an extensive consultation.
He really looked at all the facilities, the finish, the furnishings, the cleanliness, the safety features… He even put the manuals in our information folder under a magnifying glass.
Official four-star recognition
After that visit we received the official email: 4 stars awarded! Shortly after that the corresponding recognition sign also fell through the letterbox. It now hangs on our front door. You see it immediately when you step out of the elevator on the sixth floor.
We were first recognized in 2018. In 2024 we went through the inspection again. Our apartment with Sea View received an impeccable report again! And the confirmation of a four-star holiday home.
What can you expect from four stars?
What do the four stars of Tourism Flanders mean? Comfort that you don't often find in rental apartments on our Belgian coast. The recognition says that everything is present for a carefree stay.
What do the four stars from Tourism Flanders actually guarantee?
- ✅ Light, spacious layout – without unnecessary items
- ✅ Seats form a single unit in appearance
- ✅ Fully equipped kitchen with oven, dishwasher, mixer, toaster, extractor hood…
- ✅ Good beds with soft linen and blackout curtains
- ✅ Smart TV, streaming options, radio and fast WiFi
- ✅ Neat bathroom, hairdryer, separate toilet
- ✅ Washing machine and dryer
- ✅ Balcony for private use with a depth of at least 0,5 m
- ✅ Thermostatic heating system
- ✅ Lockable bicycle shed
- ✅ Service package with toilet paper, kitchen roll, dishcloth, scouring pad, garbage bag, dishwashing product and all-purpose cleaner
- ✅ Information folder with practical information and local tips
- ✅ Cleaning service for each new stay period
- ✅ And of course: impeccable cleanliness
Click here and discover ALL the amenities of our Apartment
Recognition also gives a feeling of home
For us, those four stars are not just a recognition of what is physically present. It is also about the feeling we want to convey: coming home to the sea. And you can take that literally. We often receive messages in which our guests send 'feel at home' in our holiday home.
So, whether you come to blow out in the fall, celebrate Christmas in the winter, walk in the spring or sunbathe in the summer? You can always count on peace, comfort and a warm welcome.
What do the four stars mean to you? On the website of Tourism Flanders you will find more information about the procedure and the recognition system.
Or better yet, just come and experience it yourself. You are more than welcome! Check out the availability of our Apartment with Sea View in Ostend