Category Archives: Hotels
Saint Gilles in Brussels
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Situated in Brussels which lies in the capital region of Belgium, Saint Gilles is a commune with a varied population and a number of art nouveau buildings that are worth visiting. Some consider Saint Gilles as the centre of artist’s lives.
The rich private houses in some of its areas are just unbelievable. Houses of all sorts of architecture are found here. Masterpieces of renowned architects and designers like Horta, Struyvens, and Hankar litter the town’s upper area.
The Horta museum or Musée Horta, which is actually the houses that Horta designed for himself, has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hotel Hannon is another art nouveau building which has been converted into a museum called the Contretype Museum of Photography.
Saint Gilles doesn’t just feature buildings and museums which can only be appreciated by architects and artists. It also features a range of interesting shops and restaurants. A very famous tea shop is one with an archaic atmosphere. You will find all kinds of vintage stuff there. Not only this funky furniture made from old parts of cars, motors etc is also sold at a shop.
Brussels is a posh area full of sophisticated nobles and uptight formal people. But Saint Gilles is not so clean. So you have to be careful as to the area in which you decide to venture. But again, Saint Gilles is also more interesting then Brussels. So if you ever come to Belgium and come to Brussels, you simply must take the tram that leads to you to the small municipality of Saint Gilles.
The Mini Europe in Brussels
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Situated at the foot of the Atomium in Brussels, Belgium, Mini-Europe is one of the most unique amusement parks and probably the only one which allows you to experience the whole of Europe within the duration of just a few hours. The park’s area is about 24000 square meter and about €10 million were invested in its construction.
Almost 80 cities and 350 buildings of Europe can be seen here. Though only representations these monuments have a very realistic feel and is worth visiting. So if you can’t afford a trip to Europe you may want to visit Mini-Europe in Brussels instead!
Its models are extremely costly and many of them were built from money given by European cities. Silicone molding, epoxy resin and polyester are only few of the materials used. The artists who constructed these representations are the best in their field and what they’ve created is unbelievable.
The park does not comprise of only dead, still replicas of great monuments, it even features simulations or live action models of trains, mills, eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Airbus, cable cars and more.
‘The spirit of Europe’ which presents all the information pertaining to the Europe Union and the best part is that it isn’t some boring display of large placards that you have to read! Most of it is in the form of multimedia games!
A large amount of greenery gives it the aesthetic sense that it requires. Ground covers, dwarf trees, bonsais and grafted trees are only few of the kinds of plants found here.
All in all it is a place that must be visited if you happen to find yourself in Brussels.
The Anderlecht Beguinage in Brussels
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The beguinages are the homes of beguinages which were actually small communities of women that emerged as early as the 13th Century in countries like Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. These ladies, known as Beguines, led a sacred life in a quiet seclusion, without taking religious vows. Belgium has the remnants of the beguinages in 20 cities, of which 13 have been inscribed on UNESCO’S World Heritage List and the Anderlecht Beguinage in Brussels is one of them.
The Anderlecht Beguinage is composed of four simple houses which are arranged around a central garden close to the church. It was actually the tiniest beguinage of Belgium with only eight residents and was built by the funding of one of the canons, William Doyen of the Chapter of Anderlecht.
In 1930, the structure was turned into a museum open to public. The museum is made up of two houses and there is a narrow path leading to the entrance. They are located around a lovely inner courtyard, offering a splendid view of the nearby Collegial Church of St Peter and St Guido. The inner garden has a covered well and is flanked by two rows of maisonettes.
For the history lovers, the museum contains a local history collection documenting a thousand years of Anderlecht past. The museum shares a common administrative office with the Erasmus House, the former home of the great Renaissance scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam.
Parks And Gardens In Brussels
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The city of Brussels abounds in greenery with a host of parks and gardens, each one unique in its own history, organization, sculptures, architecture, trees, and so on. Some of the famous parks and gardens in Brussels are:
The Colonial Garden:
Standing next to the royal park of Laeken, this garden was created in 1905 by king Leopold II so that he could bring his collections of exotic plants from Belgian Congo there. At the entrance of the garden, Léopold II built a ‘cottage’ in Norman style according to the plans of the architect Haneau. The garden happens to be a part of a green walk which connects the Heysel with the Wood of Laerbeek.
Park of Laeken:
Opne all the year round, the park has an open view on Brussels on one of its sides and a great view on the royal palace at its other side. The park takes pride in its collection of trees like chestnut-trees, rowan trees, purple beeches, and so on. Some of them are more than 100 years old.
Osseghem Park:
Standing in a quiet place within the pulsating urban habitation, this park is situated not far from the Atomium. From 1 April till 30 September, it is open from 6 am till 10 pm and from 1 October till 31 March, it is open from 7 am till 9 pm.
The Leopold Park:
The pond of this park is the last vestige of the Maelbeek valley. It is open from 1 April to 30 September from 6 am to 10 pm and from 1 October to 31 March from 7 am to 9 pm. Visitors can discover the medieval Eggevoort Tower, which dates from the 15th century. On the spot of the former greenhouse Victoria Regia stands the bust of Jean Linden, botanist and traveler (1817-1898) who introduced a variety of more than 650 plants in Europe.
Manneken Pis: The marvel in Brussels
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The city of Brussels takes pride in its figure of Manneken Pis, which happens to be a tiny figure of a peeing boy which is located at the junction of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat. To find it, one takes the left lane next to the Brussels Town Hall from the famous Grand Place and walks a few hundred metres to arrive at the spot. The statue will be on the left corner.
The statue has always been an object of controversy in the history of Brussels. Since the time when the original version of the statue, cast in bronze by Jerome Duquesnoy, was installed on the site in 1619, it has faced a lot of attacks and yet it manages to stand there. On one occasion, the figure was shattered to pieces. The remains were used to create the mold from which the contemporary version of the statue was cast.
Apart from threats from vandals, it has also managed to stay one piece even during war times. During times of war, it was always disassembled and hidden to avoid destruction in bomb raids. Once, this statue was stolen by residents of the Flemish town, Geraardsbergen, who claimed that their own statue of the peeing boy is the oldest in Belgium.
The statue is dressed in costume several times each week and its wardrobe consists of more than 600 costumes which are kept at a permanent exhibition inside the City Museum, located in the Grand Place, immediately opposite the Town Hall. The collection also includes folklore costumes and a collection of special outfits, such as the complete Elvis Presley or Mickey Mouse costumes. The costumes are managed by the non-profit association The Friends of Manneken-Pis, who review hundreds of designs submitted each year, and select a small number to be produced and used. Many costumes represent the national dress of nations whose citizens come to Brussels as tourists; others are the uniforms of assorted trades, professions, associations, and branches of the civil and military services.
On occasion, the statue is hooked up to a keg of beer. Cups will be filled up with the beer flowing from the statue and given out to people passing by.
The visit to Brussels is incomplete without a look at this marvel. There are many hotels near Manneken-Pis some of which are Hotel Amigo, Bedford Hotel and Congress Centre, Eurostars Grand Place Hotel, Hotel Mozart, and many others.
Conrad Brussels, 5 star hotel in Brussels
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Conrad Brussels 5 star hotel in Brussels
• Overview of the Hotel: Situated on the Avenue Louise, the luxurious Conard Brussels is the hotel that is surrounded by the stylish shops, restaurants and bars. Guest at the hotel can enjoy and can have access to the Aspria Wellness Centre. The private health club there at the hotel provides about various different beauty treatments. Restaurant Café Wiltcher’s serves international meals and as well has entirely covered terrace that provides the views of the courtyard. The smoking area in the Loui Lounge & Bar provides a range of cigars and whiskeys. The hotel is about 5-minute walk away from the Louise Metro Station that provides the direct access to the Brussels South Station in 3 stops. The Magritte Museum and Royal Palace are about 15-minute walk away from there. The hotel has total 269 rooms and it is the part of the chain of the Hilton Hotels,Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
• Amenities at the Hotel: With reference to general amenities in the hotel it include facilities as restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, newspapers, terrace, non-smoking rooms, rooms/facilities for disabled guests, elevator, safe, baggage storage, all public and private spaces non-smoking and air conditioning. In services the hotel include as room service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, hair/beauty salon, breakfast in the room, ironing service, currency exchange, shoe shine, car rental, tour desk, fax/photocopying and ticket service.
• Hotel Rules: As for hotel rules in the common areas in the hotel same rules are applies whereas for the different rooms in the hotel the varying rules therefore are easily available and are provided. The check in time into the hotel is 15:00 hours and the checkout time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policy there vary according to the room type. Pets are allowed there on a certain applicable charges. The hotel accepts cards like as American Express, Visa, Euro-Master Card, Carte Bleue, Diners Club and JCB.
• Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Classic Double Room: € 146.73
Premium King Room: € 213.73
Junior Suite: € 263.98
King Room: € 146.73
Deluxe King Room: € 166.83
Be Manos Hotel, 5 star hotel in Brussels
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Be Manos hotel 5 star hotel in Brussels
• Overview of the Hotel: The hotel is located about at a distance and walk of five minutes from Brussel’s Midi South Station with many Thalys and Eurostar intentional train connections. There a buffer breakfast is there provided in the morning. For lunch and dinner, Belgian specialties and healthy menu choices are too provided there. There are total 60 rooms in the hotel.
• Amenities at the Hotel: With respect to the general facilities as included in the hotel involves as restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, newspapers, terrace, non-smoking rooms, elevator, safe, heating, design hotel and baggage storage. In services in the hotel are included as room service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, breakfast in the room, ironing service and fax/photocopying.
• Hotel Rules: With respect to hotel rules and policies in the hotel Be Manos, there exists a uniform and lateral policy at the common areas and rooms of the hotel. However, these hotel policies get varies as a person changes rooms. The check in time into the hotel is 14:00 hours and the checkout time is until 14:00 hours. There cancellation and prepayment policy differ according to the type of room where a person stays in. Pets are allowed in the hotel free of any extra charges. Hotel accepts credit cards as American Express, Euro/Mastercard, Carte Bleue, Diners Club, Maestro, Bancontact and Debit card.
• Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Standard Room: € 180 (Per Night)
Junior Suite: € 200 (Per Night)
Le Meridien Bruxelles, 5 stars hotel in Brussels
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Le Meridien Bruxelles 5 Stars Hotel in Brussels
• Overview of the Hotel: Le Meridien Bruxelles is situated across from Brussels Central Train Station, and has distance of about 5 minutes from the Grand Place. Most of the spacious room presents the exquisite city views. There you can have exercise at your 24 hour fitness center. After that you can refresh yourself with a drink at the bar. The L’Epicerie Restaurant presents there French cuisine in a Caribbean setting. From the hotel you can reach Magritte Museum about in 7 minutes. The European Commission is there about 4 metro stops away from there. The hotel has about 224 rooms and it is the Chain of Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts.
• Amenities at the Hotel: For General facilities in the hotel it includes the following one as restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, newspapers, non-smoking rooms, rooms/facilities for disabled guests, elevator, express check-in/check-out, safe, soundproofed rooms, heating, baggage storage, stores in hotel, gay friendly, allergy-free room. In services hotel provides the following one as fitness center, casino, massage, hiking, room service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, breakfast in the room, ironing service, honeymoon suite, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, car rental, fax/photocopying and ticket ser.
• Hotel Rules: With respect to the hotel rules there are some common rules in the hotel that are common for every guest staying in the hotel. However, these hotel rules get change from rooms to room where a person is staying in. The check in time into the hotel is 15:00 – 00:00 hours and checkout time is between 07:00 – 12:00 hours. The Cancellation and prepayment policies there vary according to the room type. Pets are allowed in the hotel. It accepts credit cards as American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Carte Bleue, Diners Club and JCB.
• Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Superior Double/Twin Room: € 125 (Per Night)
Deluxe King/Twin Room: € 175 (Per Night)
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, five stars hotel in Brussels
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Radisson blu royal five stars hotel in Brussels
• Overview of the Hotel: This beautiful and elegant hotel with a glass dome is situated about five minutes walk away from Grand Place and Brussels Central train station. The restaurant in the hotel Sea Grill is awarded with 2 Michelin stars. The hotel has the rooms in five respective styles like classic, maritime, art deco at home and oriental and each room having Wi-Fi and coffee/tea facilitates. Hotel has about 281 rooms and it is the chain of Radisson Blu.
• Amenities at the Hotel: As for the general services in the hotel it provides the amenities like as restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, newspapers, non-smoking rooms, rooms/facilities for disabled guests, family rooms, elevator, express check-in/check-out, safe, design hotel, allergy-free room and air conditioning. As for services in the hotel there prominent ones are room service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, breakfast in the room, ironing service, currency exchange, shoe shine and fax/photocopying.
• Hotel Rules: With respect to hotel rules there are some rules that are necessary for every person to follow who is visiting the hotel as guest. However, these hotel rules can vary from hotel rooms to hotel rooms. The check in time into hotel is 15:00-00:00 hours whereas the check out time there is between 07:00 -12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies too depend upon the type of room where a person is staying in the hotel. Pets are allowed in the hotel. The hotel even accepts the credit cards like American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard and Diners Club.
• Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Standard Room: € 219 (Per Night)
Business Class: € 279 (Per Night)
Magritte Package: € 259 (Per Night)
Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, Brussels hotels near Airport
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Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, Brussels hotels near Airport
Overview of the Hotel: Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport is in close proximity to Brussels National Airport and surrounded by the corporate village, with many international companies, plus the beautiful 3HA park. Brussels Airport is an international airport 6 NM (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of Brussels, Belgium. The airport is partially in Zaventem partially in the Diegem area of Machelen. The airport is home to around 260 companies, together directly employing 20,000 people. There is a free shuttle service that runs for part of the day to this Crowne Plaza Brussels.Guests can start each day with an American-style breakfast buffet. There is a fitness center, sauna and there area Turkish bathtubs. When the weather is sunny, guests can enjoy the terrace or organize a barbecue. The modern restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The B@r serves a selection of Belgian beers and has views of the terrace and park. There is 24-hour room service.
Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel offers Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Grounds, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Safe, Soundproofed Rooms, Design Hotel, Baggage Storage, Air Conditioning, Sauna, Fitness Center, and Turkish/Steam Bath. Other services include Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Airport Shuttle, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Shoe Shine, and Fax/Photocopying. Wi-fi is available in public areas and costs EUR 25 per 24 hours. Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 15 per day.
Hotel Rules: The check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 50 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of total guests in a room is 2. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, and Diners Club. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival. The free shuttle service is available every 20 minutes from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. until 10:50 p.m. At the weekends and during public holidays guests need to phone the hotel for a private shuttle from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Standard Room: € 132
Included in room price: 6 % VAT
Park & Fly Offer – Free Parking: € 280
Included in room price: 6 % VAT
Double Room (Special Offer): € 225
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Breakfast
Standard Room: € 320
Included in room price: 6 % VAT
29 square metres Deluxe Club Room: € 795
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Breakfast