Where To Stay In Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium in Western Europe and is famous because it is home to many EU institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission. However, it is much more than this and is a wonderful holiday place. You will find unusual museums, churches, summer festivals, exciting nightlife and delicious food throughout the city. Brussels is famous for craft beer, waffles, and chocolate, as well as the best pommes frites in the world. There is great shopping as well, with one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, to be found in the city.

Life revolves around the public squares, of which Brussels has around 250. The most famous is Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The squares have stunning architecture, historic buildings, terraces, restaurants, and bars. The only problem with Brussels is the weather. As it is in northern Europe, it generally has warm summers with cold winters, but it can rain anytime, even in the summer. Be prepared and pack a rain jacket or umbrella for your visit. So, you have decided that you want to visit but are unsure of where to stay in Brussels, here are five popular neighbourhoods and three hotels in each district to suit different budgets.

Where To Stay In Brussels

Brussels City Centre

Grand Place is in the centre of Brussels and is surrounded by guild houses, the City Hall, chocolate shops and pommes frites stands.

In the Christmas season, it is the heart of the Winter Wonders Festival, a massive Christmas market.

Museums, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops can be found along the streets leading away from Grand Place.

However, be aware that prices can be higher in this neighbourhood than in other parts of Brussels.

If you are a night owl, however, it is worth the slightly higher prices as the centre of Brussels comes to life when the sun sets and the bars spill onto the streets.

Many have live music to be enjoyed.

A couple of blocks away from Grand Place is the Saint-Gery neighbourhood where you can find many restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

So, which is the best hotel to choose if you want to stay in the centre of Brussels? I have chosen three, a luxury hotel, a mid-range, and a budget hotel.

Where To Stay In Brussels City Centre

Luxury – La Plaza Brussels

This hotel oozes luxury with its marble furnishings, glass chandeliers, and beautiful tapestries.

It is close to the Rue Neuve Shopping Centre and just two tram stops away from Grand Place.

The rooms have everything that you could want for a comfortable stay.

They have air conditioning, heating, a private bathroom, a TV, a tea and coffee maker, and a minibar.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a fitness centre and a lovely restaurant, the Brasserie, which serves gourmet dishes.

Breakfast is served in the salon and there is a bar that is open until late.

Mid-Range – Novotel Brussels City Centre

This hotel is in a prime position as it is only a five-minute walk to Grand Place and 182 metres (597 feet) away from the De Brouckere Metro Station which will take you to other parts of the city.

The hotel has an upmarket Wellness Centre which has a hammam, a jet-stream pool, infrared showers, and a fitness centre.

The rooms are large and have a private bathroom, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a work desk, and air conditioning.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a restaurant, the Gourmet Bar Brasserie, which has an outdoor terrace and offers food from around the world.

The bar serves a wide range of beers, both Belgian and foreign, reinforcing the love of beer in the country.

Budget – Smartflats – Midi 3

These flats are within walking distance of some interesting sites such as the Mont des Arts which offers excellent views of the city.

It is also close to the square, the Place Sainte Catherine.

which has many cafes, bars, and restaurants.

It is also just 1 km (0.62 miles) from the famous statue, the Manneken Pis.

The rooms offer air conditioning as well as heating, a private bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Some rooms also have a terrace.

Ixelles

Ixelles is an arty neighbourhood filled with 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture created by such artists as Victor Horta.

There is a museum dedicated to him and you will also come across several of his UNESCO-listed townhouses throughout the district.

There is a plethora of restaurants in this neighbourhood suiting a wide variety of tastes.

Bars and cafes also welcome you from all sides.

Try the famous Art Deco Cafe Belga, a famous haunt of artists.

Prices are lower than in the city centre as this area isn’t quite as touristy.

The great thing about this neighbourhood is that it is near to the main attractions so you can walk to most of them or take public transport.

Where To Stay In Ixelles

Luxury – Radisson RED Brussels

The Radisson RED Brussels reflects the vibe of the neighbourhood by focusing on art, music, and fashion.

The rooms all have wall art, and the hotel hosts temporary art exhibitions and live music.

In the guest rooms, you will find a 55-inch TV, a tea/coffee maker, and a fridge.

The bathrooms continue the art theme with artistic tiles, and they all have a walk-in shower, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.

The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout the building as well as free use of the sauna, hot tub, and gym.

There is a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there is also a bar.

The hotel is close to many attractions including The Magritte Museum, which is 1 km (0.62 miles) away.

The art museum, the Musée d ’Ixelles is just 600 metres (1968 feet) away, and Park Leopold is 400 metres (1312 feet) away.

The park is a lovely place to have a picnic away from the crowds.

Mid-Range – Sweet Inn – Luxembourg

If you are looking for self-catering accommodation, Sweet Inn-Luxembourg is a good choice.

Every room has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a seating area, a dining area, a private bathroom with a bath and hairdryer, a TV, heating, and free Wi-Fi.

Some units have a terrace or a balcony.

Sweet-Inn Luxembourg is close to the Magritte Museum, Place Royale, and the European Parliament.

Budget – Maison Cokoon

The rooms at Maison Cokoon are equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom with a bath and hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, a washing machine, heating, a dining table, and a TV with satellite channels.

It is like a home away from home but there are restaurants close by if you don’t feel like cooking.

After all, you are on holiday.

The apartments have a communal garden and sun terrace so if you fancy eating out in the open air on a sunny day, you will be able to do so in lovely surroundings.

Maison Cokoon is just 1 km. (6.2 miles) from the Horta Museum.

Anderlecht

Anderlecht is in the South-Western part of the city, in a beautiful green area with plenty of parks to enjoy the great outdoors.

However, if you like museums, you will also be in your element.

The Maurice Careme Museum offers an insight into this Belgian poet’s life.

The historical complex of Erasmus House and Beguinage are two of the oldest museums in Belgium.

Erasmus House displays paintings, Gothic sculptures, and historical furniture.

In the Beguinage, which was the home of Catholic lay sisters, there is religious art and a local history collection.

In the Gueuze Museum, you can sample some unique beers.

The beer is produced in the traditional way but on a large scale, and you will learn how it is made.

You aren’t too far from Grand Place and there is public transport to take you there if you don’t feel like walking.

Where To Stay In Anderlecht

Luxury – YOOMA Urban Lodge

If you like cartoons and comic books, you will love this hotel as it is cartoon-themed.

Throughout the hotel, including the rooms, are pictures from 30 different cartoons and comics, such as the very popular Smurfs, Gaston, and Spirou & Fantasio.

The rooms are of different sizes and will fit two, four, or six people.

They all have air conditioning and heating, a private bathroom with a bath, and a TV.

The hotel has a restaurant that is open for breakfast, which is a hot and cold buffet, lunch, and dinner.

You can also order room service.

The bar is open from early until late and at the weekends, there is a happy hour.

The hotel is just 0.5 km (0.31 miles) away from Brussels Midi train station.

Grand Place is 1.3 km (0.8 miles) away so it can be a pleasant walk on a warm summer’s day.

Mid-Range – Hotel Van Bell

Hotel Van Bell is in a prime position.

It is within walking distance of the city centre, is close to the Gueuze Museum, and is next to the Parc de la Rosee which offers sports activities and playgrounds.

The hotel offers budget, standard, and premium rooms but whichever you choose, they all have a private bathroom with a hairdryer, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel van Bel is good value for money as it provides private underground parking and a free airport taxi.

The hotel has a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a bar, a 24-hour front desk, and a terrace where you can sit on a nice evening with a drink.

Budget – Budget Flats Brussels

If you want to stay somewhere quiet, these flats will suit you down to the ground.

They are in a very peaceful residential area, but you are just 5 km away (3.1 miles) away from the city centre.

The Atomium is a 10-minute drive away and, if you enjoy shopping, you are just a 10-minute walk away from the Westland shopping centre.

If you have hired a car, there is free on-street parking.

The rooms all have a private bathroom, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a TV, a seating area, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The European District

Most people think that there is nothing to do in the European District as it is home to many EU buildings, but this isn’t true.

The neighbourhood houses museums and theatres such as the Theatre Varia and the Musee Wertz, which is about the life of the Belgian sculptor and writer, Antoine Wertz.

You and your children will love the Institute Royale des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique which houses 30 dinosaur skeletons including the largest mammoth skeleton found in the country.

The Place Luxembourg is in this district, and it comes alive on Thursday and Friday evenings when the locals head here for a night out.

If you want to see the sights in the centre of Brussels, you are only 2 km away.

(1.24 miles) away and there is public transport that takes you there in no time at all.

Where To Stay In The European District

Luxury – Stanhope Hotel by Thon Hotels

This hotel is just 250 metres (820 feet) from the Trone metro station which is a direct connection to the city centre.

Within walking distance are the European Parliament, the Magritte Museum, and the historic Grand Sablon which houses the Notre Dame du Sablon Church and is the chocolate mecca of the city.

The Stanhope Hotel is five-star and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Molton Brown toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.

The Brighton restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It is decorated in a traditional British style and offers a full English breakfast.

If the weather is good, you can have breakfast under a 100-year-old Magnolia tree on the terrace.

The hotel also has a bar.

If you want to go out for a meal or a drink, there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by.

Mid-Range – Martin’s Brussels EU

The rooms in this hotel are soundproof so if your neighbours are noisy, you will know nothing about It! The rooms all have a private bathroom, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and a work desk.

A bottle of water is provided each day.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Martin’s Brussels EU has a gym, a garden, and a terrace.

The restaurant produces delicious food promoting diverse Belgian cuisine with tastes of other cultures.

There is room service if you don’t feel like dressing up and going down to the restaurant.

The hotel is only 500 metres (1640 feet) from Schuman Metro Station so you can easily explore the rest of the city.

Budget – Sweet Inn-Michel Ange

If you want to go self-catering, this budget hotel is perfect.

The kitchen has a stovetop, a microwave, a fridge, a toaster, a coffee machine, and a dishwasher.

Each unit also has a private bathroom, a TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Brussels Central Station is just 2.5 km (1.55 miles) away.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is often ignored as a holiday destination because it is southwest of the city centre, but this is all the better for you as it is less touristy.

However, it is connected to other parts of the city by tram, so you won’t have to miss out if you want to see other attractions.

Because it is an area frequented mainly by locals, you will find reasonably priced restaurants and bars in Saint-Gilles.

There are also some interesting vintage shops where you can grab a bargain.

Like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles is an artistic neighbourhood and here you will find many Art Nouveau buildings.

It is an area that has been settled by people from North Africa and the Middle East so you will find many restaurants and shops with this vibe.

Where To Stay In Saint-Gilles

Luxury – Hotel Manos Premier

This hotel is close to the famous and busy Avenue Louise which has spectacular Art Nouveau buildings and shops selling prestigious brands such as Versace and Chanel.

The hotel feels as if it was built for royalty with its marble hall and beautifully decorated rooms.

Guests can expect sophisticated rooms that feature Louis XV and Louis XVI-style furniture.

All the rooms have a private bathroom, free WI-FI, and a tea/coffee maker.

The hotel has both a gym and a wellness centre which includes a hot tub, steam bath, and a sauna.

The restaurant serves Belgian and French cuisine and has a lovely terrace with a fountain.

There is also a bar to relax in before or after your meal.

The hotel has a beautiful garden covering 2,000 metres square (21,527 feet square) where you can relax after a busy day’s sightseeing.

Mid-Range – Hotel Concorde

The Hotel Concorde offers its guests a continental breakfast, luggage storage space, and a 24-hour front desk.

The rooms all have a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, and a TV.

Some rooms have a terrace.

It is only a 15-minute walk to the centre of Brussels from the hotel.

Budget – Ibis Hotel Brussels Centre Gare du Midi

The rooms in this hotel are modern and offer air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, a TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The hotel has a bistro-style restaurant and a bar that serves locally-produced beer.

The Gare du Midi Metro station is just 50 metres (538 feet) away but if you feel like walking, it will take you around 20 minutes to get to the centre of town.

The hotel is also opposite Brussels South Railway Station which is connected to the Eurostar.