Belgium - recommended hotels by Mark Sukhija

Antwerp

Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when contacting these fine establishments. I have stayed at all these hotels.

• Hilton Antwerp (Groenplaats 32, Antwerpen) - Right in the centre of historical Antwerp, the Hilton Antwerp is a matter of minutes from the Cathedral and Peter Paul Rubens house. Rooms are spacious and facilities are modern. A high scorer in the comfy carpet and good bathroom stakes. There's also a rather enjoyable cafe overlooking Groenplaats for people watchers. One of the more expensive hotels in Antwerp - but you get what you pay for in location, comfort and facilities.

• Hotel Ibis Antwerp Centrum (Meistraat 39, 2000 Antwerpen) - Does what it says on the tin. Reasonably priced budget hotel. Weekend market is in the square directly outside. Walking distance (around 10 minutes) from the Cathedral and the historical centre of Antwerp. Bathrooms are tiny and service can be quite functional. But you get what you pay for.

Brussels

• Four Points by Sheraton (Rue Paul Spaak 15, B-1000 Brussels) - The Four Points by Sheraton in the Ixelles area of Brussels around a 30 minute walk or a short tram ride to the old town and right around the corner from the shopping street of Avenue Louise. Rooms are generally clean, comfortable and improved after a Sept 2009 refurbishment. Breakfast offers a respectible spread of meats and cheeses and a good selection of coffees. Staff are helpful and responsive to comments / questions etc. Pretty good value all round.

• Novotel Brussels off Grand Place (120 rue de Marche Aux Herbes, B-1000 Brussels) - Right around from the Grand Place Square, the Novotel Brussels off Grand Place is extremly well located to explore Brussels and a short walk from Brussels Central station. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Overall a solid performer providing the usual Novotel combination of handy location, cleanliess, service and value for money.

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