As far as Brussels hotels are concerned, the Chantecler falls in the cheap category, so it's an option if you are in a tight budget. The location in the lower town is indeed quite convenient, there are many shops, cafes and bars around, the Grand Place is a few blocks away, the Bourse metro station is two blocks away and you can walk to and from the Central station in around 10 minutes (from is easier than to, it's downhill).

I stayed in one of the back rooms, which means no noise from other rooms or the bar across the street, but with a view to a ventilation shaft. The room was very badly lit and rather small for a twin, unlike the bathroom which was actually quite large. The room looks outdated and a bit worn, but it looked and smelled clean (too much disinfectant). The breakfast (included in the price) consisted of bread rolls that you got yourself from a plastic bag, marmelade, butter, juice, milk and coffee.

Oddly, you have to pay up front for the room, and it seems as if the hotel gets walk in customers (there is a large sign with the prices outside and photos of the rooms at the entrance). The staff seems disinterested, but when asked for information they are quite helpful and all spoke good english.

On the other hand, this is not the only cheap hotel in the area, but in late March 2007 this was the only one available, so I gave it a try. Having been to other nearby hotels in the past, I would not go back to that one again, you can certainly do better for the same money if you book a bit more in advance.

The other reviews are spot on about "getting what you pay for". This was one of the most cost effective stays during our trip through Western Europe. But the return on our investment was directly proportional.

To begin with, if you are considering a stay in this hotel during the summer DON"T DO IT!!!!! There is no A/C! We sweated out mussells from Brussels every night of the stay. Also, there is a really rowdy pub across the street that doesn't let out until about 8:00am.

Complaints aside, the positive aspects balance out the negative making for a bearable stay. The hotel location is spectacular; about a 3 minute walk from downtown. The staff is friendly and the breakfast is a decent little snack to start the day off. Don't expect anything grand however. Rooms seemed clean enough and the price was good.

We stayed at the Hotel Chantecler for 3 nights. It was very centrally located to the top tourist sites, including the Grand Place. We walked everywhere from this hotel, only taking the subway to and from the train station.

The hotel staff was fabulous! They were very friendly and helpful. The room comes with breakfast, which consists mainly of bread, croissants, milk, coffee, tea and juice. Nothing too fancy, but enough to get your day started.

The rooms were clean, but not particularly modern. The decor felt a bit 1980s. the shower was very small, so be prepared if you are used to American showers. This is not here! But there is a bidet in the room Whooppiee!

The location is just wonderful. There are many nightlight options right on your doorstep. There's even a little market right around the corner if you want to pick up some fruit before heading out for the day.

The walls of the hotel are rather thin. We could here the guy in the next room arguing with his wife/girlfirend on the phone. Every word was as clear as if he was in our room. We could also hear some night noise from the street for when the pubs were letting out for the night. But it didn't really keep us up.

So if you expect luxury and fancy rooms, this is not the place for you. It's a fine place to grab a good night's sleep, a hot shower and a bundle or rolls before heading out for a day. But it's certainly not fancy. It all depends on what you are willing to slurge on.

Tip: Go to the Delirium Cafe and sample over 2000 beers. It's a beer drinker's paradise! And right outside the bar is the Janneken Pis, the female Manneken Pis. Too funny.

Also, eat at Chez Leon near the Grand Place on the Butchers ave. We had the best mussels there. Get the ones with tomoatoes and garlic. Yum!

I stayed here for one night on my own and the location is fabulous. Very close to the Grand Place and walking distance to almost all the main sights. The staff were very friendly and the rooms were very clean BUT... the walls are paper thin, I could hear the person next door rustle the shopping bag and the people in the street coming home at 5am.
It was perfectly adequate but I would probably try somewhere else next time.