Randi

I am planning to go to Brussels in the month of May. Can anyone recommend me a cheap and nice hotel, not too far from the center of the town? <BR>Randi

btilke

Le Mozart is on one of the tiny streets near the Grand'Place and is about the closest you'll come to an inexpensive AND charming hotel in Brussels. The hotels here tend to be business oriented. The Ibis and Novotel also are near the Grand Place. Normally, those are bland, soulless kinds of places, but in this case, they have tried to fit in with the historic neighborhood. <BR>Also, you might want to try your luck at getting some deals on the better hotels. If you can find a discounter, try booking a room at the Jolly Hotel Sablon, in one of the prettiest parts of town. <BR>As a Brussels resident, I have to tell you that outside the Grand'Place, the center of Brussels is not that great. Especially at night. <BR> You might want to look at hotels along the Avenue Louise area. There is a Best Western there that's not too expensive. It's a little bland, but the neighborhood is very nice, lots of shops and cafes and parks. The best Japanese restaurant in town also happens to be there (seems to be a pattern; the best Japanese restaurant in Aachen, Germany, is also at the Best Western). <BR>Hope this helps. <BR>Btilke

Shanna

Stayed at Madeleine ten years ago; recently recommended by Rick Steves. Very close to Gran Place (Grote Markt to me), inexpensive, friendly staff. Large room and large bath.

Santa Chiara

I hated the Mozart. I was stuck in a room that overlooked the street, and since it was warm (imagine that in Brussels), I didn't sleep at all. I asked to be changed, but told the hotel was full. Funny, because I never saw anyone else there. Also, had to carry my luggage up two flights of very narrow and steep steps, cross the building and go up yet another flight of narrow, steep steps. Now, I carry my luggage up and down seven flights of stairs at my apartment in Italy, but these stairs were much worse to negotiate and navigate. I eventually gave up and made two trips. <BR> <BR>The desk staff were singularly rude and unhelpful. I usually don't complain or write bad reports, and I very rarely have a negative experience with hotels, meals, transportation or anything else. But this particular hotel really stands out in my mind. (And then there is what I affectionately call Hotel Weird in Florence but that's another different story.)

Jeff

Randi: I have shared this response elsewhere. Last year we stayed at the Hotel Opera, which is on a neat (but a little touristy) restaurant street/alley (reminded me of the Latin Quartier in Paris). The hotel was a minute or two walk to the Gran(d) Place. The price was right. The rooms were small (barely big enough for the double bed), but there was a bathroom in the room and breakfast was provided. Not perfect, but convenient and well priced. Enjoy Brussles.

Anna

We stayed at La Madeleine in September, 2000. The location is very convenient, a few blocks in either direction from La Grand Place or the Central Station. The staff was friendly and helpful. <BR>http://www.hotel-la-madeleine.be/

texasgirl

We picked the little Hotel Welcome, based on recs. here. Small, not fancy, but great owners and convenient location. seems we paid about $80US but this was in january....