Jen

My husband and I are going on a 12 day trip Jan 30-Feb 10. We are pretty fast paced travelers and are planning to fly to Paris, spend 4 days, 2 days Belgium, 2 days Amsterdam, and the rest London. I've heard mixed messages about Brussels. I live for chocolate. Should the second day be spent on a day trip to Brugge? Also, looking for a good place to stay in London. Typically go with 4-5 star Hiltons. We're considering the Conrad but it seems a bit out of the way. Is it too out of the way or should we go with something nearer the sights? Other Hilton suggestions?<BR>I have never been to Europe before and would appreciate any tips (weather, clothing, locations, tours, etc.).<BR>Thank you,<BR>Jennifer

xxx

How are you planning on getting to these places?

oxo

Have a wonderful trip. It will be busy but you already know that. We have spent several days in Brussels. I like the city. The Grand Place is beautiful and yes the chocolate is great! There are many parks and unusual building to see. I also love Brugge but I am not sure a day in Brussels and a day in Brugge would do justice to either. If I had to chose I would probably chose two days in Brugge or just stay in Brussels this time. Have a wonderful trip. Will you be flying from Amsterdam to London?

Laurie

Jen- First I'd suggest you break up some of these questions into separate posts that flag your needs better (ie.1) Brussels, Brugge or both for chocolate lover? 2)London Hilton? etc.)in order to get more responses.<BR><BR>As to the London Hilton issue, you say you &quot;...usually stay at a Hilton..&quot; but have never been to Europe before so...my personal opinion, unless you're collecting fflier miles w/Hilton, I'd pick something else in Europe. The Hiltons tend to cater to business travelers &amp; may lack any local charm or character. Without knowing your budget, I won't make any suggestions, but there's lots of good info on this site in both rants &amp; raves &amp; by doing a search for London hotels on this message board.<BR><BR>Weather in Europe will be cold and probably wet. Bring &quot;layers&quot; so you can adapt to changes (ie. shops &amp; museums can be overheated) bring a good rain hat, boots &amp; comfortable shoes &amp; enjoy!

Anne

Jen,<BR><BR>I spent a day and a half in Brussels some years ago and found it to be a rather dull place. Some lovely sights, but not enough to stretch to two days. So I'd recommend going to Brugge.<BR><BR>Yes, the chocolates are great--I bought some from a place called Mary's. The Belgians use real liquor in (some of)their chocolates, but aren't allowed to export it to the U.S. due to Prohibition-era laws! But you can import them yourself.

jill

I have been to all those places although on separate trips. I spent a week in Paris but consumed much time visiting every museum. Limit museum trips if you want to see other things. Pere LaChaise cemetery is a must in my opinion. Paris subway is great so stay anywhere that is close to a station. We stay in Hiltons in Europe on points and are treated like royalty. Having American showers is nice.<BR><BR>Do Brugge and Brussels. I was there for a weekend and did both with no problem. Both are walking cities.<BR><BR>In Amsterdam skip the Anne Frank House to save time. I know it is the no. 1 attraction but it is very crowded and you have little chance of being moved or fully feeling what it was like for the people living in hiding there. On the other hand I was the only visitor standing in Rembrandt's studio in his house which I found amazing and special.<BR><BR>London is very touristy but you are going at a slower time. Get show tickets. The subway is also good there so where the hotel is doesn't matter too much.<BR><BR>I flew between London and Paris but the Chunnel may be more fun.

carolyn

Jen, for chocolate in London, go to Charbonnel et Walker on Old Bond Street. It's wonderful.

Jen

Thanks for your replies so far!!<BR> <BR>Jill, did you stay at the Hilton Paris, Conrad Brussels or Hilton Amsterdam? You mentioned treated like royalty - so I assume they gave great upgrades. Any suite recommendations? Yes, my husband is a diamond level Hilton Honors, so that's why we go with Hilton. <BR><BR>xxx, As for transport, we will go by train from Paris-Belgium-Amsterdam, then fly to London.<BR><BR>Laurie - appreciate the tips. I'm obviously new to this!

BTilke

The Brussels Conrad is one of the city's leading hotels and it's usually swarming with diplomats and executives. It's a good location for upscale shopping and exploring the Ixelles/Chatelain/Chaussee de Waterloo areas, good for finding excellent, moderately priced restaurants away from the tourist crowds near the Grand'Place. And the shopping arcade in the center of the Conrad &quot;square&quot; has a Pierre Marcoline chocolate shop (a chic boutique chocolate maker), a Biguines salon, and a top notch (with top prices) antique shop (the staff includes a friendly golden retriever). The hotel also has a branch of the very posh health club, Champney's. BUT...I don't think the Conrad's service level lives up to its hype; there have been some complaints posted lately.<BR>Nonetheless, you would probably find it superior to the more typical business and tour group oriented Hilton nearby on the Boulevard de Waterloo (also well located, but avoid the little park behind the hotel after 5 pm, it's mugging territory).<BR>Is there a hotel your could stay at in Brugge? I think you might enjoy Brugge as a base better than Brussels (search for my older post, Bruges Moderne, for some non-kitschy places to eat, etc., in Bruges/Brugge [NOT Brugges]). <BR>Belgium in January will probably be cold, damp, with some rain, possibly sleet and wind. Brugge may get some snow--which makes the city look even more charming. Bring boots, gloves, a warm coat, hat and scarf. One nice thing about Brussels and Bruges--lots of cafes have big fireplaces. Very cozy in winter. <BR>BTilke (Brussels)

BTilke

Oops, that's Pierre Marcolini, not Pierre Marcoline.