I am not a "no reservation type" normally (tried it in France a few years ago and had some major issues)

HOWEVER, I am landing in Brussels on a Saturday in July. One book I read indicated that in that case I should go to the Tourism Office and see what was on the "push" list. Now, I would think this is a risk, but putting my date into Expedia right now I am seeing four and five star hotels show up in the $100 - $150 ranges so it makes sense that things must be slow then.

Any thoughts.

But if you can get a 4* or 5* hotel for $100-150 now, then why wait and take a chance?

I think that you're at most able to get a 3* for that money when you arrive. If you've your tickets booked and will be staying that night in Brussels, then what's it to be gained by not booking ahead?

Actually, I am currently doing the Priceline thing... I figure I have time and there have been some deals on biddingfortravel reported for weekends.... We will see.

Carol-

FYI, on Priceline, the "Brussels" area is very broad. You may end up with a hotel near Midi, or out in the EU area. As long as you are comfortable with that, that's fine. Personally, I wouldn't stay anywhere too far from Grand Place.

We are going to Brussels also in July and I thougth about the same thing. I found the website gtahotels.com and got a great deal at the Lemeridien for $150 with breakfast so you can still get great deals now for the city without the hassle of visiting the tourist office.

Hi C,

Just because there are some good hotel deals now for July doesn't mean that they will be there in July.

I would not do Priceline in Brussels. The hotel market in July is very competitive and you should have no trouble finding a 4-star hotel of YOUR choice in your price range. For example, it`s very likely you could find the Hilton, Sheraton or Sofitel (my favorite of those three) for $125 a night or less. The Sofitel can only be booked online 3 months in advance or less (www.sofitel.com), so wait until May before choosing your hotel.
Ira, Brussels hotels are normally quite available in July. There should be NO problem finding a good hotel in that price range. Summer specials abound. Some of the summer deals are so good, they make me wish we weren`t staying in our own apartment!

Many hotels in Brussels have lower rates on weekends than on weekdays as well.

I figure I will do PL for a few more days. After all the only five star that is showing up is one I would be happy with and I actually enjoy the process.

I also don't see a need to hurry, if prices start to trend up or if hotels begin to show unavialble then I will buy a room.

Thanks for your advice.

I am still working on this. Sofitel has some great deals, but has two hotels in Brussels. Astoria and Toison d'or. So which one would be better??? The Toison is coming up at 99 Euros with free breakfast....

I prefer the Toison d'Or. Better location, restaurants, shops nearby. Gets better reviews on TripAdvisor. 99 euros with breakfast is a good rate for a 4-star hotel (TA lists it as 3-star, but they often get the hotel class star rating wrongs...for a while the 4-star Kaiserin Elisabeth in Vienna was listed as a 2 star).
The area by the Toison d'Or is quite safe at night (generally), including the Louise metro stop. The Madou and Rogier metro stops (for the Astor) have had the occasional problem at night.