Express By Holiday Inn Hasselt - Hasselt, Belgium 

The Express by Holiday Inn chain seem to have won me over for getting the balance right between service, price and facilities. They all look pretty much the same with the same facilities, which for me are adequate: friendly reception, bar, continental breakfast (included); rooms comfortable and well lit, bathrooms clean, TV, seat desk, tea/coffee making facilities, shower (no bath), toilet and sink, open wardrobe and a hair drier. They all seem well serviced and clean and this one was spotless. At first I missed the place completely, despite my sat nav telling me I'd arrived, but there are some parking spaces on the little road at the side of the main road that the hotel is on. I parked there, looked round then saw it. It's ?1 / hour to park there. When I checked in the freindly receptionist told me about my parking options which were either at the Holiday Inn, 200m away (paying I think it was ?16 or thereabouts) or free further round at the harbour. If you exit the hotel and turn left, you are skirting the inner town area on your left, with all the shops, bars and restaurants. Head to the Grote Markt or Vismarkt and the surrounding streets and squares for plenty of dining options. The staff gave me a map which was very useful.

This 3-star hotel is within walking distance from the railway station. It offers good value for money. My room was very clean and comfortable. The hotel offers basic services only - no restaurant - for instance, but was just right for my purposes. Not a grand bathroom, but a clean basic one. What more do you want? Hairdryer in the room, good bed with nicely patterned sheets, adequate breakfast. I enjoyed my stay.