Ostend or Knokke-Heist: which one do you choose?

Ostend is a proper seaside city: a working harbour, a station with direct trains, museums, restaurants at every price level and life all year round. Knokke-Heist is smaller in scale and smarter, with boutiques, art galleries, the Zwin nature reserve and a quieter, residential feel. For a city weekend or a stay with a large group, Ostend is usually the logical choice. For quiet, walking and shopping in a more exclusive setting, it is Knokke-Heist.

Ostend in brief

A city with a harbour, a railway station and museums, busy all year.
A wide choice of restaurants, from chip shop to fine dining.
A broad beach, plus the traffic free promenade at Mariakerke.
Direct trains from Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.
Larger properties available, up to 18 people in one building.

Knokke-Heist in brief

Smaller in scale and residential, quieter outside the high season.
Boutiques, galleries and the Zwin nature reserve.
Generally a higher price level.
Easy to reach by car, by train via Bruges.

Reasons to choose Ostend

A weekend where you also want something to do indoors if it rains.
A group or two families staying together.
Arriving without a car.
Wanting a wide choice of restaurants.

Reasons to choose Knokke-Heist

Quiet and walking, with the Zwin close by.
Shopping in boutiques rather than chains.
A couple or a small family who prefer a small scale stay.

Where Exclusive Stays is based

In Ostend: ten apartments for 6 to 10 guests, in the centre, on the Albert I Promenade and on the promenade at Mariakerke. Maison Martha and Maison Simonne are in the same building and can be booked together for up to 18 people.
In Knokke-Heist: Maison Lily, 6 guests, Bayauxlaan 8, 500 metres from the beach.
All properties are pet free and booked directly with the owner.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ostend or Knokke-Heist cheaper?

Knokke-Heist is generally more expensive, both for accommodation and for eating out.

Which is better without a car?

Ostend, thanks to the station with direct train services and the coast tram.

Which is better for a large group?

Ostend. There is more choice for bigger parties there, up to 18 people in one building.

Can you combine the two?

Yes. The coast tram runs the whole coastline from De Panne to Knokke.

Browse all eleven holiday apartments, check availability and rates, read the frequently asked questions or get in touch via contact.

For us, luxury is peace of mind

For Exclusive Stays, luxury means: carefree ease. It's arriving and immediately knowing: this is right. The property is spacious enough. The kitchen works. The beach is nearby as promised. Because when your mind is at rest, your heart has room to breathe.

What drives us

What began as a personal quest for better solutions grew into a mission: we're building the network that was missing. Coastal apartments that are truly suitable for families. That we know personally. That we test. That deliver.

Today and tomorrow

We continue to grow steadily along the Belgian coast. Each new apartment follows the same principles: space, quality, location, convenience. Because families traveling with multiple households deserve accommodations that truly work.