Does anyone know of a real cheap hotel or B&B in Brussels?

I'm a freelance journalist going to a trade show at my own expense in May.

I'm not sure what cheap is.

We're staying at the Best Western near the train station and Grand Place for 150E.

What's your budget? Cheap is relative, of course. And where is the trade show? Heysel? FWIW, for around 100 euro per night, you could stay at the 4 star Sofitel Toison d'Or (by the Louise metro stop, a convenient location). Very good hotel up a level from the street with its own garden. Well reviewed on Trip Advisor.
Also, how long do you plan to be in town? If it's a week or longer, you can get some excellent rates on short term apartment rentals--a studio or small 1 bedroom would probably run you under 70 euros per night.

Affordable to me is 30 Euros a night

I don't know if you would consider a hostel, but if you are under 35, Youth Hostel Van Gogh (CHAB) offers single rooms for 28E.

http://www.chab.be/

That is quite low. A hostel may be your best bet. In addition to the Van Gogh, check the hostels and budget hotels listed here:
http://www.reservations.bookhostels....nCity=Brussels

Thank you.

I stayed in a Novotel Hotel last year but my wife was with me and I hadn't been there before and I wanted to book something ahead of time.

But the hotel was too far away from the exhibition grounds.

I could stand something a little grottier if there is anything available.

50 Euros a night would be something like $70.00 Canadian which is about as much as I could stand to spend for four nights. But then ... well, I might be convinced to spend 60 Euros if I absolutely had to.

check www.bancotel.com to see if they have any hotels that suit you for one voucher/night (50 euros).

if there is a trade fair, might be difficult.

check out www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com to LEARN priceline bidding.

there are lists of recent won bids at these hotel auctions. it is quite interesting, and very good in some cities.

you CAN get some great rates.

I stayed at Ustel Hotel (near southern railway station). It was about... 60 euros/double/night. But I can't honestly recommend it: it's not a good hotel. Well, it didn't have bugs, it was not specially dirty, and breakfast was standard, but we didn't like it.