Brussels Travel Guide

Accommodation choices in Brussels are of a very high standard and tend to be pricey. There are a number of places where you can find a good value, but take into account the fact that lodgings in Brussels tends to cater to the upper echelons. This international destination has more good hotels than most world cities.

You'll find everything here from an inexpensive room at a hotel such as Hotel Galia to an executive five-star hotel like the Amigo Hotel, where you can enjoy all the hotel's facilities or just relax with an exquisitely served breakfast. What could be better?

City

The City offers several fantastic options for travelers, all conveniently located near many popular attractions and public transit. The Métropole is a hotel that was built in the late 19th Century, and the interior is stunningly-decorated with chandeliers, marble floors and mirrors. Bedford Hotel is located near the Grote Markt/Grand Place, and features a lounge with live entertainment in the evenings. Famous Hollywood stars of the silver screen like Humphrey Bogart have stayed at the elegant Hotel Le Plaza. The New Hotel Charlemagne is another good option, and features an in-house bar that serves many brands of Belgian beer. The Grand Sablon is within walking distance to the NH Stéphanie, an ideal hotel for business and leisure travelers alike.

If all these chic hotels are not for you, then perhaps you would find one of the youth hostels more attractive. An above-average hostel in Brussels is Jacques Brel which features 100 beds. It offers an inexpensive restaurant and more facilities than most.

Bruxelles

The Royal Windsor Grand Place is just steps from the Grand Place, and contains a club, bar and restaurant all under one roof. The recently-renovated Vendôme still retains its Anglo-Normandy charm. Le Châtelain is 20 minutes from the airport, and offers comfortable lodging with en-suite bathrooms. The Hotel Aris is not far from the Beenhouwersstraat/Rue des Bouchers and serves an American breakfast in the morning.

Overseas visitors may be interested in lodging in the area close to the airport. Hotels such as Holiday Inn and Novotel are very popular with both leisure and business travelers. The airport is situated just 20 minutes from Central Station.

Ixelles/Elsene

The rooms at the Bristol Stephanie are decorated to be Scandinavian in style, while the centrally-located Renaissance Brussels offers practical, unpretentious rooms for those that plan on being out sightseeing most of the time. The Sofitel Toison d'Or is a good place to stay for its convenient location next to some of the district's best shops and restaurants. Select rooms at the family-friendly Atlas Hotel Brussels come with kitchenettes, ideal for travelers that plan on being in the city for the long-term. The Warwick Barsey Hotel is just steps from the Bois de la Cambrepark.

Quartier Louise

This quiet district also offers a few nice options for places to stay. The Hotel Capital has a relaxing garden on its grounds and one meeting room that is convenient for business people. Manos Premier Hotel offers long-term stay rooms decorated with antiques and period furniture. It's an ideal place for families or couples. Hotel De Boeck's was built in the 18th Century. Rooms here include an en suite bathroom and WiFi Internet access.

In short Brussels is unique, has a great atmosphere, is very friendly towards foreign visitors, and most people speak at least a little English. Brussels' enormous amount of hotels are amongst the world's best. Although Brussels is a traditional city, it has not dragged its heels in the progress department. It's continually updating and modernizing, so you'll never find a building or government establishment that isn't well maintained. Enjoy your stay!2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 13