Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Hotel/train reservations in Belgium (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/hotel-train-reservations-in-belgium-547095/)

catriona_rose Jul 26th, 2005 05:56 PM

Hotel/train reservations in Belgium
 
Hello all,

I'll be traveling with my husband to Belgium this autumn. We'll be booking a B&B in Bruges for two days, moving on to Brussels for two more days and then heading on from Brussels to Paris. I'll be making reservations for the B&B in Bruges, but am wondering:

1) Should I try to book a hotel room in advance for Brussels or can I just wing it while we're there? I've been told that good room deals can be had if you just go to the travel information booths in that city, but I don't know if this only applies to off-peak times (we most likely will be spending a Wednesday and Thursday night in Brussels in mid-October and wouldn't want to spend more than $150 US on a room per night).

2) Should I also book our train ticket from Brussels to Paris in advance? It will be a one-way trip.

Thanks in advance for any advice that can be proffered ... I just discovered this board a couple of weeks ago and have really enjoyed reading the informative posts!

PalQ Jul 26th, 2005 06:06 PM

No no need to book rail ticket in advance. Just do it when you get to Belgium - two choices from Brugge: train to Brussels then Thalys train to Paris - ask for the ABS fare - all belgian station fare so that you can go free from Brugge to Brussels in conjunction with your Thalys ticket to Paris - or the cheaper route and just as quick - take local train Brugge-Lille via Tournai and then take French TGV train to Paris - TGVs and thalys trains require reservations before boarding. so in rare case you couldn't book Thalys once there, you'd take this other route, always available. Both routes take about same time. Note there is also a few-times weekly direct Brugge-Paris Thalys train but at very inconvenient hours.

rfbk50 Jul 26th, 2005 07:39 PM

We were in Brugge in April and stayed at a lovely B & B called the Sint Niklaas B & B. The web site is
www.sintnik.be. Wonderful room, great breakfast and the owner, Shaun, was most helpful in giving suggestions for restaurants and activities. It's located right in the center of town. You might check them out.

catriona_rose Jul 27th, 2005 07:04 AM

Thanks so much for the tips on rail and the Sint Niklass B&B. I'll inquire about the train tix at the Bruge station (although I won't be moving on to Paris for few days later, however, I imagine they'll let me know if my ticket is good on multiple days).

Any takers on whether or not I should make hotel reservations in Brussels or just take my chances when I'm there?

BTilke Jul 27th, 2005 07:18 AM

You can wing it and probably find a room in Brussels, but it's far better to book in advance. You can find some good deals on 4-star hotels in your budget. For example, from the Sofitel.com web site, you could find a double at the 4-star Sofitel in Brussels (conveniently located, very comfortable rooms) for 99 to 125 euros per night (Internet specials available only on their web site).

jody Jul 27th, 2005 07:23 AM

We have stayed a few times at the Welcome in Brussels and love it . several friends have also stayed and were delighted, including one who goes to Brussels on EU business frequently..

http://www.hotelwelcome.com/rooms.htm


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:32 AM.