8 x the nicest hotels in Brussels
Brussels is always a good idea for a weekend away. We go to the Belgian capital for delicious food and discovering surprising neighborhoods. And of course, during your stay you want a place to stay that is just as atmospheric and special as the city itself. These are our favorite hotels in Brussels.
TheUsual is anything but usual. A few minutes' walk from Brussels-North station, you'll find this sustainable design hotel with bright rooms, a crisp white bed, and a breakfast that makes us very happy. Quiche, juices, and all kinds of other freshly baked sweets for a good start to the day. Not as grand as its Rotterdam sister, but therefore extra cozy, and at least as stylish. The Corner Rooms? They treat you to a view of futuristic towers like the Zuidas and classic Brussels splendor: a nice combination.
The theme is eco chic: from green roofs and recycled materials like cork, to goodies from local makers. The interior is minimalist with earth tones, but has a good pop of color. We like.
Hot off the press: The Standard is settling in Brussels North. After London and Ibiza, now Brussels too, and since May. With 200 rooms, spread over 28 floors. Think: wood, American influences, Japanese finesse. You can eat on the ground floor at Double Standard, have drinks with a view of the 29th at Lila29. Yes, that view is really that good. New and handy: you can also stay here longer. For the first time, The Standard is offering stays of one to six months. A little more work, a little less vacation? This is where you want to be.
We have a penchant for the Pillow hotels which you encounter in more and more locations. In Brussels even twice! It is the first Pillows Hotel in Brussels Pillows City Hotel Brussels Center, (all Pillows Hotels are invariably a mouthful), and number two can be found on the edge of the city under the name Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Place Rouppe. Both with the now well-known (in our case) serene Pillows sauce that immediately makes a person relaxed. The breakfast is perfection and don't miss the small snacks at the end of the day. The hotel now also has a branch in Zwolle and Deventer, in Brussels and in Ghent, all cut from the same chic but accessible cloth.
Harmon House is a boutique hotel in the vibrant Sint Gillis district. Wellness, comfort, and creativity go hand in hand here. The hotel offers simple yet tastefully furnished and comfortable rooms, a beautiful bar, lounge, spa with a pool, sauna, and a modern (excellently equipped) fitness room.
What makes the hotel extra special: art is in its DNA. The communal areas also serve as a gallery, showcasing rotating exhibitions by Belgian artists – from emerging talent to established names. This way, Harmon House feels not only like a hotel but also a creative exploration in the heart of Brussels.
Located in Saint-Gilles, within walking distance of Avenue Louise, perfect for those who love stylish tranquility with an artistic edge.
The Le Berger Hotel just outside the city center of Brussels was once a small rendezvous hotel where couples secretly retreated for a few hours of fun - it even had two small elevators so guests wouldn't bump into each other. It has now been stylishly renovated into an art-deco hotel with 51 cozy and luxurious rooms.
We applauded this in more detail hotel le Berger, we also go one step further with love and pleasure, where the owners of le Berger opened the incognito hotel Jardin Secret... in September 2017. When you arrive at what should really be the right address, you may think you are standing in front of a plant shop. But no: that green shop is actually a secret passage to a secret garden that leads you to the restaurant of hotel le Berger. From that point you will be guided to another garden with a (now semi-) secret hotel behind it. Et voilà: Jardin Secret – what's in a name, right? Don't worry about getting lost: the entire route is marked with metal strips on the ground. handy, not to be missed (read: idiot proof) and above all very fun. the hotel itself is both simple (which keeps things wonderfully affordable) and a place to stay that features all the 2019 hits: plants, the right shades on the walls and in the furniture, a bit of vintage, some design, everything clean and fresh , a lovely bed. All rooms overlook the central courtyard and you can have breakfast at le Berger, which remains extensive and fun.
Not Brussels, but just outside the Belgian capital you will find a real upscale weekend escape: Chateau de la Poste. Just read.
'The dream world of leon°16 inspires and houses brave warriors, virtuoso soloists and courageous lovers who want to explore the city, stay there and catch their breath before going into battle energetically again', as can be read on the website of B&B leon° 16. That needs some explanation. It goes like this: the owners of Leon°16, Karel and Annelies, were inspired by Leon de Witte de Haelen, a Belgian army officer and general during the First World War, and built their own fantasy world around the man. leon °16 is located at De Witte de Haelenstraat, at number 16, hence the name. That's not the only striking thing: leon°16 is located in a building with mint green tiles on the facade, hence the similar illustrations on the website. This has also been considered: the aforementioned Leon was the son of Louis De Witte, hence the lot of white in the house, and Elisa du Jardin, the reason for all the green. Ah.
Karel and Annelies live on the top floor of the building. on the ground floor and on the first floor they created two pictures of garden suites; spacious bedrooms whose furnishings are a cross between a chic greenhouse – chic like fashion stores: the fewer clothes on the racks, the more expensive the stuff – and a Swedish barn. Beautiful. on the first floor you will also find a communal area with a great designer table, a fantastic kitchen and again a collection of plants. Karel and Annelies have taste, if that wasn't already clear. From leon°16 it is only a short walk to the shopping street Rue de Flandre. If you want to stay indoors, an understandable choice, then it's Netflix & chill on the big screen.
More tips
-
Tips for fun and less touristy cycling routes around Antwerp
-
A weekend in Kortrijk? This is the place to be!
-
CAOS Antwerp: not your average taco night
-
Sleeping and eating delicious food in Limburg: these are the best places
-
Jonoje: this very attractive B&B in Bruges is located in an old broom factory (adults only)
-
Restaurant Nage: à la minute in Antwerp
-
Always a good idea: lunch in Antwerp
-
This is August Antwerp: the stylish, serene monastery where peace reigns.
-
One of the nicest hotels in Antwerp: Hotel Pilar
-
Shopping for wedding dresses? These are the bridal boutiques where you want to schedule an appointment.