Decent stay at 4 PointsPosted: Sun, Jun 22 2008Location:
3Rooms:
2Service:
2.3Value:
3Overall: This property is a tourist and business hotel. It is cost effective and modest.
Location: This is located about 15-20 minutes away from the main downtown ring by tram and walking. It is in somewhat of a residential and business area. Be warned that if you are a tourist, it is not close that close (but not that far) from the attractions such as Grand Place. It is close to Louise street which has some nice shops and restaurants.
Checkin: No issues
Parking: If you come by car there is a parking sign that leads you into a parking garage in the hotel. It is a rather small entrance that serves as both the entrance and exit. Once inside, there is room for about 15 cars. You buzz the front desk via a phone to gain entrance (once you have a room key, you can get out of the garage to the hotel yourself). Parking is 15 Euro a day.
Room: We noted a damp smell with perhaps disinfectant upon entering. All rooms smell that way. The bathroom is clean and had a tub/shower combo with toilet and bidet. There was a closet and a very comfortable bed with real sheets (not two singles pushed together with a duvet). The room had an easy chair, table, desk, mini bar, internet connection (for a fee) and a TV. We faced the city and noted there is street noise from cars. There are court yard rooms which may be quieter.
Dining: Breakfast was available but not included. After several days of hotel buffet breakfasts, we opted for simple breakfast. I went exploring. If you turn right out of the entrance, go the the end of the street and turn right again, you will see Louise Ave. Cross to the other side and start looking for a pastery shop of your choice. I choose the Coffee Club which had a nice selection of pasteries (and sandwiches) and of course coffee for reasonable prices.
We did eat at the hotel restaurant on the first night. They are kind to children. Portion sizes seemed small.
The second night we dined near the tourist area Grand Place. We went to the Royal Safir on Petite rue des Bouchers. Prices were not bad and the staff was good to children. They have a small space inside and some seating outside. The street is a pedestrian only street with restaurants on either side competing for your business (they come to greet you as you walk by). We were dining with a native of Brussels who greatly assisted us.
Getting to attractions: Tram tickets can be bought at reception. They also have city maps. You can take the 94 tram on Louise. Make sure it is the one pointed to the city centre. Locals are not that helpful (French language skills is helpful). Note that we got on one tram which actually stops at Louise Louiza. We caught the next one pointed in the right direction. To get to Grand Place, get off at the big park and start walking in the direction opposite the park across the street (going physically downwards in height) which will take you in about 5-10 minutes to the Grand Place. You may need a sense of adventure for doing this because we were somewhat disoriented even with directions, but we got it done (so can you). Four tickets (trip there and back) cost 6.40 Euro. Small children are free. You board anywhere, (may have to press a button to open the doors) and validate your ticket in an orange box. They don't seem to check though. Note some trains can be crowded.
Chocolates: Oh you will see lots of shops - take your pick.
Driving: Drive to the hotel and park if you have never been here. Driving is a little hectic. A GPS will help you find the hotel.