Hotel Esperance

Esperance occupies an 1930s Art Deco building that was classified as a historic building in 2008. The narrow facade features brick accents, elegant cornice flourishes, and wrought-iron balconies, but the real charm is at the ground level, where the entryway showcases dark wood and marbled details, not to mention classic Art Deco-era lettering and a geometric stained glass window. Instead of a lobby, guests step into the Esperance Tavern where period-details reign: a wood parquet floor pairs with dark wood details, dark green club chairs, and beautiful stained glass windows. There's no lobby or reception area tucked away somewhere else -- this is it. And the four-stool bar doubles as a reception desk. The charm of the property diminishes slightly as one ventures upstairs -- the five-story building lacks an elevator and AC, and besides the single Art Deco room, decor is decidedly modern. But the historic character, location, and budget-friendly price tag are major draws for tourists, and couples in particular can take advantage of the rooms that are primarily double-occupancy

The hotel is located on a small side street between Adolphe Max Boulevard, one of the city's main thorough fares, and the famous shopping street Rue Neuve, which has recently been pedestrianized. The immediate neighborhood is packed with shops, but there are also restaurants, bars, and attractions in walking distance. The gothic church Sainte-Catherine is an eight-minute walk and the historic city square, Grand Place, is a 10-minute walk. For sights farther out, the Rogier subway station is just a five-minute walk and the Bruxelles-Congrès train station is a 10-minute walk. Brussels Airport is a 20- to 35-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Rooms at Esperance are individually decorated, and most feature basic but modern decor with wood floors, white bedding, and bright or playful wallpapered accent walls. Vintage Louis XV-style chairs provide chic seating. Rooms tend to be small, with a converted feel: bathroom walls jut out into the room, and wardrobes are open units. The bathrooms are fully tiled in white and compact, with wet-rooms style showers -- some of which feature transparent or translucent glass walls that look out into bedrooms. Some rooms also have Juliet balconies.

Guest rooms aren't uniform and some stand out from the pack. The hotel's one Art Deco room is truly charming with wood wall paneling, period details, and an in-room roll-top tub with gilded feet. The modern Jacuzzi Room features iridescent mosaic tiling and a marbled whirlpool tub. And the Studio Flats, which have kitchenettes, are situated in a separate building around the corner which, unlike the main hotel, has an elevator. 

In-room amenities across all units include flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and small minibars stocked with a slim selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Bathrooms come with hairdryers and just a few toiletries. Rooms do not have coffee/tea service or air-conditioning. Guests occasionally complain about street noise. 

The hotel's only extra property features is the Art Deco restaurant and bar, which also serves as a reception area. The tavern is open until late, while reception stays open 24/7. A basic breakfast is available there daily for an extra fee and in-room drink service is available 24 hours. Laundry, car, and photocopying services can be arranged for an extra fee. Wi-Fi throughout is free.