hotel quandry in Brussels ,Aug. 26?
Aug 17th, 2004, 08:19 AM
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hotel quandry in Brussels ,Aug. 26?
Hi, as a first-timer on Fodor's but an avid traveller, I am returning to Brussels on vacation, where I was born and attended the Internation School. I am bringing my Mom, and views this as a nostalgic, perhaps last trip for her in order to see old friends and family in both Brussels and Paris. Albeit lively, she can't walk as much as she used to, and I wanted to find a reasonable hotel in Brussels, preferably close to the Grand Place, so she can indulge in her favorite European activites, strolling and having afternoon tea in an outdoor cafe. I plan to be in Brussels from Aug. 27 for at least week, if not more.
The Belgian tourist office suggested Le Dixseptieme, Aris, Astrid...I imagine there are any number of places, but I would like to keep it under $ 120/night, with the stipend being 2 beds/1 room and clean!!!
I apologize in advance for the length of this missive but I need to make a dcision fairly soon...and wonder if there are good discount brokers to consider - or priceline?
Some of the writers on this site, by the way gave me wonderful insightes as to out-of-the way parks, sites and eating adventures! Thank you! I'm delighed to come back after my last visit, 15 years ago, and revisit every Belgian dish I ever dreamt about !
The Belgian tourist office suggested Le Dixseptieme, Aris, Astrid...I imagine there are any number of places, but I would like to keep it under $ 120/night, with the stipend being 2 beds/1 room and clean!!!
I apologize in advance for the length of this missive but I need to make a dcision fairly soon...and wonder if there are good discount brokers to consider - or priceline?
Some of the writers on this site, by the way gave me wonderful insightes as to out-of-the way parks, sites and eating adventures! Thank you! I'm delighed to come back after my last visit, 15 years ago, and revisit every Belgian dish I ever dreamt about !
Aug 17th, 2004, 08:25 AM
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Hi, I stayed in Hotel La Legende in June for a night. It fits your price range -- I think that it was about 100 Euros for a double. It's recommended by a couple of guide books and I've no complaints.
I'm not sure if it has air-conditioning -- or whether you'll need it. I think that they've a website (hotellalegende.com?).
It's quite centrally located, very near Grand'Place. I considered a couple of hotels and decided that this would serve my purpose.
If I remember correctly, Le Dixseptieme is much more upscale. But I've read some very nice things about it.
Enjoy your stay.
I'm not sure if it has air-conditioning -- or whether you'll need it. I think that they've a website (hotellalegende.com?).
It's quite centrally located, very near Grand'Place. I considered a couple of hotels and decided that this would serve my purpose.
If I remember correctly, Le Dixseptieme is much more upscale. But I've read some very nice things about it.
Enjoy your stay.
Aug 17th, 2004, 08:35 AM
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I think that I looked a couple more -- or thought about them.
Hotel Welcome is frequently recommended; I seem to remember that it's slightly more expensive.
Also there's one called Hotel St-Michel, if I remember correctly, right on Grand'Place.
Anyway, I opted for one pretty close to Grand'Place -- I remember seeing a number of options closer to Ste-Catherine or St-Gery. Of course, still very close to GP, but I decided on something further south.
Hotel Welcome is frequently recommended; I seem to remember that it's slightly more expensive.
Also there's one called Hotel St-Michel, if I remember correctly, right on Grand'Place.
Anyway, I opted for one pretty close to Grand'Place -- I remember seeing a number of options closer to Ste-Catherine or St-Gery. Of course, still very close to GP, but I decided on something further south.
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:07 AM
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We stayed at the Atlas Hotel in 2002, and I would definitely use it again. It is about 650 meters walk to Grand Place (about 4 blocks). Our room was quiet, a bit larger than normal budget Europe hotel, very nice bath. It is not luxury but a very good value for the price.
Atlas Hotel Brussels ***
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains, 30 Brussels 1000
http://www.atlas.be/
Double/Twin: Mon-Thurs 115E / Fri-Sun 79E
I also stopped in at Hotel la Legende for a brochure. It is about 2 blocks south of Grand Place; the manager told me he gets lots of regulars/repeat customers and to book early. I didn't see a room but he was very nice and handed me every conceivable brochure or business card he had available!
A few more options:
Hotel Arlequin ***
17 - 19, rue de la Fourche 1000 BRUSSELS
Twin 75-125E
Ask for room on higher floor (bar in the basement)
Hotel Opera Bruxelles **
53 Rue Gretry Brussels B 1000, Belgium
Twins for 92E; could be some street noise
Also, there is an Ibis around the corner from Grand Place - it is more like 129E on weekdays...
Atlas Hotel Brussels ***
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains, 30 Brussels 1000
http://www.atlas.be/
Double/Twin: Mon-Thurs 115E / Fri-Sun 79E
I also stopped in at Hotel la Legende for a brochure. It is about 2 blocks south of Grand Place; the manager told me he gets lots of regulars/repeat customers and to book early. I didn't see a room but he was very nice and handed me every conceivable brochure or business card he had available!
A few more options:
Hotel Arlequin ***
17 - 19, rue de la Fourche 1000 BRUSSELS
Twin 75-125E
Ask for room on higher floor (bar in the basement)
Hotel Opera Bruxelles **
53 Rue Gretry Brussels B 1000, Belgium
Twins for 92E; could be some street noise
Also, there is an Ibis around the corner from Grand Place - it is more like 129E on weekdays...
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:24 AM
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Thank you, Travelnut:
I will look into these tonight..is is better to book directly or through a discount e-route such as expedia?
AAA offered through its member services a hotel for 5 nights for $ 400.37 but I can't find a review of it anywhere - it's called the Queen Ann..makes me a bit leery!
I believe I noted th Atlas before but have yet to check into it, as I will do for the others.
The Metropole seems to have an amazing price at $ 117/night (dollars) but friends told me it is a bit further and has somewhat have-seen-better-days rooms, as opposed to the grand lobby!
I will look into these tonight..is is better to book directly or through a discount e-route such as expedia?
AAA offered through its member services a hotel for 5 nights for $ 400.37 but I can't find a review of it anywhere - it's called the Queen Ann..makes me a bit leery!
I believe I noted th Atlas before but have yet to check into it, as I will do for the others.
The Metropole seems to have an amazing price at $ 117/night (dollars) but friends told me it is a bit further and has somewhat have-seen-better-days rooms, as opposed to the grand lobby!
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:29 AM
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If you want to be close to the Grand'Place at a good rate, check out the Novotel. It's got a nice facade that blends in well with the historic buildings, the rooms are comfortable, and it's located almost exactly between the glass roofed galleries and the Grand'Place. I just did a quick check on the Accor web site and the Novotel Grand'Place is available (starting August 26) at the Internet rate of 85 euros per night. You have to ask them for a two bed (twin) room but that should be available.
BTilke (Brussels)
BTilke (Brussels)
Aug 17th, 2004, 11:41 AM
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Aug 17th, 2004, 02:49 PM
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I booked the Atlas Hotel using their website reservation form. I believe I rec'd a confirmation by email. I don't know if they are an option via web discounters ie. Expedia, Orbitz...but doesn't hurt to try.
The Novotel is a good location, walked by it. 85Euro is an exceptional rate. (under 120E is an exceptional rate for that Novotel).
The Novotel is a good location, walked by it. 85Euro is an exceptional rate. (under 120E is an exceptional rate for that Novotel).
Aug 18th, 2004, 08:59 AM
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I would second the Novotel recommendation. It's a good location and steps from the Grand Place, and the Central station if you wanted to take a train for a day trip.
and welcome back to Brussels... from an ISB alum...
Patricia
and welcome back to Brussels... from an ISB alum...
Patricia
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:22 AM
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I emailed the Atlas yesterday but thus, far , got no reply. I did check out the Novotel - the prices are w/o breakfast so there is a supplememary charge - it is an option.
I contacted three other hotels but they are full for some of the days we will be there, or only have "single bed" rooms as opposed to a room with two beds
Is the Sablon area too far from the Grand Place for a semi-spry 80 year old woman to walk? (smile..my Mom)..it might be as pleasant a locale but I only know it for the antique fair I remember going there for.
I just need a pleasant, convenient neighborhood...given my druthers, I would opt for a B&B or something more adventurous, but BTilke HAS given me ideas through his suggestions at other threads, such as visiting parks and cafes to try.
I contacted three other hotels but they are full for some of the days we will be there, or only have "single bed" rooms as opposed to a room with two beds
Is the Sablon area too far from the Grand Place for a semi-spry 80 year old woman to walk? (smile..my Mom)..it might be as pleasant a locale but I only know it for the antique fair I remember going there for.
I just need a pleasant, convenient neighborhood...given my druthers, I would opt for a B&B or something more adventurous, but BTilke HAS given me ideas through his suggestions at other threads, such as visiting parks and cafes to try.
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:27 AM
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I emailed the Atlas yesterday but thus, far , got no reply. I did check out the Novotel - the prices are w/o breakfast so there is a supplememary charge - it is an option.
I contacted three other hotels but they are full for some of the days we will be there, or only have "single bed" rooms as opposed to a room with two beds
Is the Sablon area too far from the Grand Place for a semi-spry 80 year old woman to walk? (my Mom!)..it might be as pleasant a locale but I only know it for the antique fair I remember shopping at 15 years ago.
I just need a pleasant, convenient neighborhood but not necessarily an ameican-style antiseptic hotel with no flavor....given my druthers, if I was visiting alone, I would opt for a B&B or something quite more adventurous... BTilke has at least given me ideas through his suggestions at other threads, of visiting parks and cafes to try.
The search continues!
But, I need to consider my mother's needs, a good-humored and adventuorus as she is - thoug slightly less so!
I contacted three other hotels but they are full for some of the days we will be there, or only have "single bed" rooms as opposed to a room with two beds
Is the Sablon area too far from the Grand Place for a semi-spry 80 year old woman to walk? (my Mom!)..it might be as pleasant a locale but I only know it for the antique fair I remember shopping at 15 years ago.
I just need a pleasant, convenient neighborhood but not necessarily an ameican-style antiseptic hotel with no flavor....given my druthers, if I was visiting alone, I would opt for a B&B or something quite more adventurous... BTilke has at least given me ideas through his suggestions at other threads, of visiting parks and cafes to try.
The search continues!
But, I need to consider my mother's needs, a good-humored and adventuorus as she is - thoug slightly less so!
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:32 AM
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Dear BPProvince:
I went there many moons ago....in the early 60's, before we emigrated to the States ( I am 55 now)but have wonderful memories. We used to come back to Belgium every summer (since my father's clients were still there) but year-to-year, everyone dispursed from the classes I remember and even by the 2nd year, no-one ws left in Brussels who had been in my class.
I went there many moons ago....in the early 60's, before we emigrated to the States ( I am 55 now)but have wonderful memories. We used to come back to Belgium every summer (since my father's clients were still there) but year-to-year, everyone dispursed from the classes I remember and even by the 2nd year, no-one ws left in Brussels who had been in my class.
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:35 AM
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What hotels have you tried? Let us know which ones you contacted so we don't suggest places you've already tried.
The only hotel I know of right on the Sablon is the Jolly Hotel. It's quite nice and the Sablon is lovely, as you know, but I wouldn't expect it to have a two bed room for under $120 a night. I think it's possible that your mother wouldn't mind the walk DOWN from the Sablon to the GB, if you kept it leisurely (lots of window shopping to do along the way), but I wouldn't recommend the walk back.
The Hilton often runs some excellent specials...I know people who've gotten two bed rooms there for $99 a night. However, it's on the Blvd. Waterloo, not near the GP. There is a park behind it that offers a short cut to the Sablon, but I don't recommend it, especially in the evening...I was mugged there at 6:30 pm.
The only hotel I know of right on the Sablon is the Jolly Hotel. It's quite nice and the Sablon is lovely, as you know, but I wouldn't expect it to have a two bed room for under $120 a night. I think it's possible that your mother wouldn't mind the walk DOWN from the Sablon to the GB, if you kept it leisurely (lots of window shopping to do along the way), but I wouldn't recommend the walk back.
The Hilton often runs some excellent specials...I know people who've gotten two bed rooms there for $99 a night. However, it's on the Blvd. Waterloo, not near the GP. There is a park behind it that offers a short cut to the Sablon, but I don't recommend it, especially in the evening...I was mugged there at 6:30 pm.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:43 PM
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I tried writing to the Atlas 2 days ago but they never responded ( then a cousin advised was too far away from the Grand Place)..I tried the Astrid and the Aris, recommended by the Tourist Bureau in Ny but they didn't have 2-bedded rooms available...I emailed Le Dixseptieme but they were about $ 350/night (!!)..A friend in Spain recommended the Bedford but then a cousin said "don't go there"...I approached the Arlequin and was told the area was bad ( again by a Belgian cousin!)..I could get a room through AAA at the Queen Anne but read it was near strip joints (that was sort of amusing, but I don't think my Mom would laugh about it!)
..my cousins only suggested what I came to later realize were the top tier hotels: Amigo, Metropole, Plaza,Conrad ( I would rather spend my money on great food than lodging...by the way, is Comme Chez Soit worth the splurge?!)..
I guess, after the elimination of the higher-priced places, the concern remains the surroundings and convenience...I don't know how far away the Sablon is, but I did check on the Jolly and might call their 800 number tomorrow to learn more..I researched it a bit and found it belonged to a chain of hotels that you can join as a member, called "optime card holders" and get discounts..and I am not sure, but I think I remember reading in the research that they accept Amex frequent flyer miles, for those of you who are interested.
Now, if I could walk into a store today and buy a camera in ten minutes, surely I should be able to find a nice hotel I will be happy with more ease and less angst!!! This done hopefully soon, I will be able to concentrate on discovering all the pleasures of Belgium! Good night!
..my cousins only suggested what I came to later realize were the top tier hotels: Amigo, Metropole, Plaza,Conrad ( I would rather spend my money on great food than lodging...by the way, is Comme Chez Soit worth the splurge?!)..
I guess, after the elimination of the higher-priced places, the concern remains the surroundings and convenience...I don't know how far away the Sablon is, but I did check on the Jolly and might call their 800 number tomorrow to learn more..I researched it a bit and found it belonged to a chain of hotels that you can join as a member, called "optime card holders" and get discounts..and I am not sure, but I think I remember reading in the research that they accept Amex frequent flyer miles, for those of you who are interested.
Now, if I could walk into a store today and buy a camera in ten minutes, surely I should be able to find a nice hotel I will be happy with more ease and less angst!!! This done hopefully soon, I will be able to concentrate on discovering all the pleasures of Belgium! Good night!
Aug 19th, 2004, 06:39 PM
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I stayed at the Atlas Hotel my first visit to Brussels, for two nights. We walked to Grand Place in 10 minutes or less, and even walked to Gare Centrale to take the train to Bruges. We walked around St Catherine, Place Broukere and a bit up rue Neuve.
Did you try the Ibis Brussels Off Grand Place? I think their twin rate is 129E on weekdays and 109E on weekends (+ breakfast). www.ibishotel.com
What about Hotel Madeleine? It's on the same square as the Ibis, which is around the corner from Grand Place. Madeleine gets mostly good comments and a few negatives, I think due to bar noise in the lower-level rooms...http://www.hotel-la-madeleine.be/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...-Brussels.html
Did you try the Ibis Brussels Off Grand Place? I think their twin rate is 129E on weekdays and 109E on weekends (+ breakfast). www.ibishotel.com
What about Hotel Madeleine? It's on the same square as the Ibis, which is around the corner from Grand Place. Madeleine gets mostly good comments and a few negatives, I think due to bar noise in the lower-level rooms...http://www.hotel-la-madeleine.be/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...-Brussels.html
