Hilton Brussels City is a good option when staying in the "Capital of Europe". It is close to Gare du Nord from where the commuter train takes you to the airport in less than 15 minutes (faster and cheaper than any taxi).
In a way the Hilton treats its visitor just like Brussels does: you have to be pretty lucky to enjoy your first visit, but once you know your way around, it's a fairly nice place.
Rooms, even those that are officially the same standard, differ considerably in size, WiFi connectivity, noise level, size of the bathroom and so on. By now, I know the lay-out of the floors and refuse rooms I disliked on previous stays. My recommendation to first-timers is to not accept the room if you don’t like it. Often, they can provide you with a better option (at no extra charge). Don’t get me wrong: Most of the rooms are nice with good amenities, ironing board, mini bar, you name it.
On the mezzanine floor they have a gym and a sauna if you want to work out before you spoil yourself with Belgian cuisine. The restaurant is a big plus as food and service a far better than you’d expect from this kind of city hotel belonging to an international chain. In particular the wine selection at the bar is worth mentioning.
During most of my stays I received upgrades due to my HiltonHonors Diamond status. I do spend quite a number of nights on the road and when in Brussels I stay at the Hilton nine out of ten times. Surprisingly, they don’t seem to be keeping track of regular guests and I am always greeted with: “Is this your first time here, Sir?”
That, of course, is a minor issue but it is symptomatic of a certain negligence in their service attitude, and the reason I couldn’t recommend the hotel to fellow travelers as “excellent” but only “very good”.
- Hilton International Brussels
- Hilton Brussels
- Brussels Hilton
