Hi - we're planning a couple of nights in Brussels next summer. (1) Fodors' latest guidebook raves about a little hotel called "Hotel Welcome". Has anyone ever stayed there? (2) Anyone have other experience with reasonably-priced (for Brussels) lodging within walking distance of the Grand Place? (3) Fodors also refers to weekend discounts at some of the business-oriented more-luxurious hotels (as is common in many big cities, i.e., Lyon in France). Anyone have such an experience to report? <BR> We (two couples) plan to visit the Netherlands, Belgium and Alsace, after past trips extensively exploring many other parts of the French countryside. Will be doing a lot of research on the Forum! Thanks.

La Madeleine is a nice, fairly inexpensive hotel that is located within a smaller square that is adjacent to the Grand Place. I can get you the phone, FAX, etc., but, if you're interested, the easiest way to find out more would be to do a web search on the hotel name and include Brussels in the search list. There are several web pages that allow you to make a reservation or request information about the hotel.

Hi Karen, <BR>the hotel Amigo is right in the center of Brussels, close to all the shops and sights and was highly recommended in "Born to Shop Paris with a weekend in Brussels" by Suzy Gershman. I

since brussels hotels are merely business hotels, they often don't only have special rates over weekends, but during the summer months as well ! <BR>ann (from brussels)

<BR>Dont go, where the crowds are! <BR> <BR>I travel to brussels a lot and would highly recommend the Louisa Area. <BR> <BR>It is by far the nicest area in B. to go out, has the best restaurants, not too many tourists and the 15 minute downhill walk (go back with the subway) <BR>is sone of the most beautiful experiences you may have in europe. <BR>(Palace de Justice, "Marolles" Place Sablon, and there you are) <BR> <BR>Hotels in that area are: Hilton, Sofitel, and the Conrad, the best Hotel in Brussels. If you want to save some money try the citadines, a french budget apartment chain, right at Louisa <BR> <BR>Have fun <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

We recently stayed at Hotel Opera, literally only a minute or two walk to the Grand Place. The room was reasonable, but about the smallest I have ever rented (but we don't spend much time in our room). Breakfast was ok. Bathroom in the room. And it is on a street/alley filled from one end to the other with different restaurants. The street/alley reminded me of the Latin Quarter in Paris, so it was a bit "touristy", but the street (an alley, almost) was a lot of fun. We had a very reasonably priced Italian meal there that was delicious. Good luck.

Hi Karen, this past June during a 12 day trip to Belgium and Holland, my wife and I spent three nights in one of Hotel Welcome's "first class rooms". Although we didn't eat at the hotel's restaurant, we found that the Fodor's description of the hotel was fairly accurate. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the Grand Place in an area that is not really touristy. There is a metro stop two blocks away as well. If you are looking to save some money and get a nice clean hotel room not in the thick of the tourist throngs, I think it is a good bet. If you'd like some more info, feel free to e-mail me.

Karen, <BR> <BR>My husband and I stayed at Hotel Bristol Stephanie last summer. The accommodations were wonderful. The best bed I have ever slept in. The down was wonderful. The summer rate was not bad and was in walking distance of the Grand Place (about 20 minutes). Actually we were on a very tight budget and this is the hotel that our travel agent gave us. <BR>Their fax is: 322 538-0307.

We lucked into a great rate at LeMerridian two weeks ago. It is directly across from Central Station which was great since we were loaded with luggage. The rooms are very large and it is a fabulous location in the midst of everything.

We were in Brussels in April and stayed at the Amigo on a weekend. The rates for a weekend were almost half of the normal rate (still around $120-140). The hotel has a fabulous location practically in the Grand Place, lovely public areas and a very professional and accommodating staff. Our room was very good and we would definitley stay there again. Have fun,