Martin’s Brussels EU

Martin's Brussels EU is part of a Belgian chain of hotels. Interiors are modern, with stylish contemporary decor in dark colors and red accents. The sleek lobby features slate-colored walls and floors with white couches, a crimson rug, and a bright lime-green accent wall with a recessed shelf stocked with city brochures. The adjoining ground-floor bar and restaurant espouse a similarly modern style, with fashionable design lighting, brushed chrome bar stools, and handsome wood-slat shades framing large windows overlooking the garden patio. The hotel attracts mostly business travelers, and the vibe and decor are accordingly businesslike. 

The hotel is situated just down the road from the European Commission, on a street that is a mix of small traditional terrace buildings and more modern, large properties. Traffic is limited to a low speed and the road doesn’t get too busy. The hotel is opposite residential apartments, but within a few hundred feet are bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as the Schuman metro station. The location suits business travelers because of its proximity to the business district, but it is a bit removed from the city center and not within walking distance of major sights (though well connected via public transportation). The Grand Place is about a 17-minute ride on public transportation and the airport can be reached in about 50 minutes.

Rooms range in size, but all are pleasant and simply decorated, if a bit plain. Walls are dark gray or crimson, with an occasional hand-painted decoration, though little other attempt at ornamentation. Traditional, even slightly dated wooden furnishings include nightstands, accent tables, and bed frames, while beds are topped with bright red throw blankets. These throws and the accent walls do provide some modern veneer, but overall the rooms aren't up to expectations for an advertised four-star property. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars (though these are lightly stocked), tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Suites add separate living rooms with low-lying leather couches and tables. Cream-tiled bathrooms have standard double vanities, shower-tub combos, heated towel racks, hairdryers, and makeup mirrors.

Icones Lounge Bar & Restaurant is a stylish, contemporary space that serves Belgian and international dishes and opens out onto a small garden with a patio terrace for alfresco dining in the warmer months. A breakfast buffet is available with an additional (pricey) charge. There is a medium-size fitness center equipped with several treadmills, exercise bikes, and weight machines, as well as an adjacent dry sauna. The hotel has several meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but some guests complain of slow service.