Looking for suggestions for a hotel close to Brussels airport, as we have a 6:30a.m. departure. I understand the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is the closest, but that convenience also comes at a premium. I've already inquired with a few hotels and their shuttles won't run that early in the morning, so we've resigned ourselves to the fact that we'll need to take a taxi.

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to stay? The NH Brussels Airport looks nice, but I have no clue how close/far these "airport" hotels actually are. This is the last night of our trip, so while budget isn't a huge issue, we'd prefer not to drop a ton of money. And being that we arrive late'ish from St. Petersburg for this final evening, we're not concerned with the amenities of the place...moreso just a place to put our stuff before we takeoff the following morning. Thanks!

As you already know, the Sheraton is really close: it's on the airport grounds.
The following are between 2 and 5 km from the airport:
Novotel
Crowne Plaza
NH Hotel
Hobbit
Van der Valk
Express by Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn
Hobbit
Campanile Bruxelles Vilvoorde
Ibis Brussels Airport
Pullman Brussels Airport.

Right now, I'm deciding between the NH Hotel and the Van Der Valk Hotel. Any thoughts on choosing one over the other?

I haven't used either of them. Van der Valk is one of the newer hotels. Anyway, there's not a lot to do/see in this area of the city since it's a purely business district.

The NH hotel is very nice -I have stayed there and also the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. These 3 are close together near to a big office complex in Diegem. It takes 10 mins to get to the airport from there in a taxi. Stockmansmolen in nearby Zaventem is a nice but expensive brasserie in a lovely old building but there are other options (check TA)

Hey,
I've stayed at the vandervalk Hotel BRUSSELS AIRPORT ON AUGUST 1st.
Brand new hotel, excellent service. Dinner was superb as well.
Minibar & internet is proposed free of charge. maybe not located in city centre but perfect in regards to airport location.

To be recommended,

Thank you all so much! This is very helpful. I appreciate your feedback!

We will be staying at the NH Brussels Airport. In looking at their website, I noticed they have a Sleep and Go promotion for people ages 18-30 (just the person making the reservation need be in this age range). I checked the website and didn't have any luck booking it, so I emailed them and was met with a favorable response: €60/night including VAT (excluding breakfast). While their shuttle doesn't begin running until 6am, and subsequently won't work for our needs, the money we're saving using this deal will certainly offset the cost of a taxi fare. Victory!

Thank you again for your help everyone