We came to Leuven to visit friends and stayed here for 5 nights. First (good) impressions: A short, direct walk from the train station; right in the center of a great shopping street; quick walk to the city center; a bar/bistro (which we did not use, but which was always busy -- good sign) right downstairs; very friendly and helpful man at the front desk. The hotel itself, though, shows some signs of age, in the hallway (we stayed on the 3rd floor) and in the room proper (noted some worn carpeting in the room). I would agree with another reviewer who wrote about a powerful room deodorant smell covering up a sewer odor, as well. I am quite sensitive to smells, so both of these scents were tough to ignore and contributed to the sense that the room was not as clean as it looked and, along with very utilitarian mattresses, made me feel like our room was less of a haven after long days out than I would have liked (particularly since we'd just come from a posh-looking-and-feeling but relatively reasonably-priced hotel in London). Back to the positive, though, the breakfast/breakfast room is lovely. The variety of food is incredible (I enjoyed great lox, among many other things, every day), and then there's the large, light- and art-filled room itself to enjoy. By the way, we were in Leuven right before Christmas, and the city, with its extensive Christmas market (great shopping and snacking, and drinking!) was, despite the short and chilly days, a festive delight. Back to the hotel, like the title says, it has its pros and its cons. For myself (and for the money), I would probably try the Radisson across from the train station next time, but it's up to you to decide which elements matter.
- Leuven Theater Hotel
