NH Collection Brussels Centre

The NH Collection Brussels centre is in tune with its historic location, though 2015 renovations brought the property up-to-date inside. The Art Deco building features intricate iron railings, NH flags, and large arched windows that offer views of the glam lobby. The sleek reception area has an original grand staircase that dates back to the 1920s, plush red-and-cream club chairs, and wraparound seating adorned with velvet pillows. A more subdued second-floor seating area houses stylish neutral-tone seating, a wood chest, and silver accents. The ninth-floor restaurant is a standout, offering outdoor terrace seating with lovely views of the city. Most guests passing through are tourists, though given its location and chain name, it's also popular with those coming to town on business. 

Positioned on the backside of a busy high street, the hotel is located near top tourist sights. The Mannekin Pis is a 13-minute walk away, Grand Place is 10 minutes by foot, and the Magritte Museum is eight minutes away by direct bus. Rue Neuve, Brussels' main shopping street, is one block away, or about a two-minute walk. For those in town on EU business, the Council of the European Union and Parliament are 11 minutes and 20 minutes away by public transit, respectively. 

Public transit and links to onward travel are easily accessible, as the closest metro stop is a two-minute walk away. The hotel is seven minutes from the central railway station by transit, and the airport is about 22 minutes away by transit (longer by car at about 25 minutes).  

The hotel's 2015-renovated rooms are large for Europe, with high ceilings, streamlined white walls and furnishings, and windows that let light in. Striped white-and-tan wallpaper and bright-red accent chairs are reminiscent of other NH properties, though modern and stylish for a corporate chain. Crisp white linens furnish the comfortable beds. Excellent standard amenities include desk and rolling chairs, tall floor mirrors, Nespresso machines and kettles alongside coffee and tea, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and wardrobes with electronic safes. Bathrooms are spacious, with quality chain-brand toiletries, hairdryers, and separate tubs and showers. Upgraded rooms may add seating areas, large balconies, and bathrobes. Guests should know that rooms facing the street may experience late-night noise. Additionally, some rooms have unattractive views, facing other rooms.

The hotel has a buffet restaurant on the ninth floor, though most guests skip the dining room in favor of the outdoor terrace, which offers a bit more of a soulful setting with pleasant views of the city. Breakfast isn't free, but the hot and cold spread is great and varied, plus the coffee's good too. Downstairs, near reception, is a gourmet burger restaurant and a small lobby bar. The gym is part of the Basic Fit chain, and it's large enough to supply ample equipment for guests and non-guests alike. Access is free for guests. However, there are no pool or spa facilities. 

Like other NH hotels, this one offers a late check-out option on Sundays (5 p.m. at the time of our visit). For business travelers, who make up a large percentage of travelers, five meeting rooms for up to 150 people are available. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, though some guests have reported it being slow. Although there's no parking on-site, there's an area close to the hotel that offers reasonable daily rates.