I would normally look for a smaller hotel with local charm , however after looking at many others which appeared shabby or expensive, (or both,) or in dodgy areas, it appeared the Novotel was such good value, and in such a perfect location (important for me, a first time solo traveller with only 24 hours to spare). From Gare Centrale, a short walk through a shopping mall almost to the front of the hotel. The room was clean, comfortable, with windows which opened to the square outside (no street traffic), and as with some other Novotel hotels, a second inner door, so no corridor noise from people arriving or leaving. Breakfast (included) was plentiful, in a clean airy restaurant. Staff very helpful, and free internet access from their computers in the lounge area. And everything within easy walking !

My wife and I stayed one night during a quick business trip to Brussels. The hotel has a very nice location, and the hotel was clean and comfortable. The modernistic interior did not seem to match with the beautiful Grand Place area around the hotel. Clean and nice, yes. Ambiance, no.

Nothing personal about this hotel. Spacious, clean and modern? Yes. But I do except more from a hotel in the heart of my favourite city all time high, stunning Brussels. For me Brussels is all about cosy streets, amazing restaurants, friendly people and an over-all inviting atmosphere. So, this stiff hotel doesn't really fit in. Rooms are in a good standard. Fresh bathrooms. Nothing to complain about. And ofcourse, the middlehigh-price is because of the extraordinary location. Step out from the lobby, and you're in the middle of the heart of Europe. So I do recommend it for travellers, hwo prefer a good hotel with good location, but don't care about how Belgian it is. P.S If you are a chocolate lover you'll love it. Best Belgian chocolate ever is within your reach... :)

Despite reserving directly with the hotel, receiving e-mail confirmation, and providing credit card for guarantee, I was informed that no room was available for my colleague. According to the staff the hotel has 2 systems : reservations system and checking-in system. For some reason the checking-in system didn't pull his booking from the reservations system. And the staff indicated that this was not unusual. Unbelievable. Fine if they have rooms available but if not you're in trouble. It didn't help that the staff found the incident funny. Anyway, goodbye Novotel (from an a-club silver card holder).