Avenue Louise 91-93, Ixelles, Belgium | (251) 219-4428
On prestigious Avenue Louise, in walking distance of the European Quarter
Close to shops and public transit
Intimate property with some boutique-style touches
Bright, recently redone rooms with big windows and saunas in some
On-site business center and assorted meeting facilities, including a ballroom
Popular restaurant with seasonal, bistro-style fare
Bar with a full selection of Belgian beers, plus free lobby refreshments
Well-equipped fitness center with sauna
Underground parking available (for a fee)
Breakfast and parking aren’t included
Unlimited Wi-Fi is only free for guests with direct bookings
Located on a chic avenue in the Euro-centric Ixelles neighborhood, this modern 142-room, four-pearl property maintains the high standards guests expect from the Thon brand, a small but well-respected Norwegian-based chain. During the week, the hotel fills with business travelers, many of whom take advantage of its high-tech meeting facilities. Yet vacationers are also drawn by reasonable rates, a convenient address, and stylish, surprisingly large rooms. On-site perks like a fine bistro-style restaurant and fitness center with sauna help seal the deal. Those preferring a historic setting should try the luxe Stanhope, a nearby sister hotel.
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Scene
Style meets substance in a modern hotel on Avenue Louise
This 10-story hotel doesn’t make a dazzling first impression. Its exterior -- a legacy of the 1970s -- is boxy and bland, but the recently-redone common areas try hard to compensate by cultivating a contemporary Neo-Baroque look. The lobby features gilded mirrors, glitzy chandeliers, plus a grand piano; low-slung tufted couches covered in lime-green damask and complementary armchairs done up in gold velvet lend ambiance while leaving ample room for lounging. The adjacent restaurant/bar carries on the theme, changing the palette to aqua and gold. Some jarring notes, however, dampen the decor -- namely the out-of-tune wallpaper and dated grid ceilings. The guests filling both spaces, at least during the week, are mostly business types, and the names of the meeting rooms (Embassy, Consulate…) underscore their occupations. On weekends and in summer, when they decamp and rates drop accordingly, vacationers take over.
Location
A business-oriented hotel, conveniently set on the south edge of the city center
Bustling Avenue Louise, in the chic Ixelles neighborhood, is known for exclusive shops and offers on-foot access to sites like Notre Dame du Sablon and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. For many guests, though, its proximity to corporate headquarters, law courts and key buildings in the European Quarter (home to the European Parliament and European Commission) matter more. Exploring elsewhere in the city is easy because the Louise Metro Station is eight minutes from the hotel on foot. Walking to the nearest tram and bus stops takes only three minutes, and rental bikes belonging to Brussels’ VILLO! program are just steps from the front door. Guests can reach Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport by car in 17 and 56 minutes respectively. Express buses for both depart from the Gare du Midi; this train station, which is also served by Eurostar and TGV, is 14 minutes by public transport from the hotel. - Three-minute walk to the nearest tram/bus stops
Rooms
Bright, well-decorated rooms notable for their generous proportions
Rooms here range from Classic Singles to suites with separate bedrooms. Like the lobby, all have a Neo-Baroque vibe, thanks to their patterned accent walls and plush upholstery fabric. Beds stylishly backed by upholstered headboards and topped with quality linens add comfort, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light (soundproofing and blackout drapes let sleepers rest easy). Each marble bathroom has a tub with a handheld shower and, in some cases, a separate shower stall, as well as a separate vestibule for the toilet. Certain Superior class rooms also boast a private sauna. Across-the-board amenities include free Wi-Fi (unlimited for guests booking directly through the hotel), flat-screen smart TVs, tea/coffee-making equipment, minibars and air-conditioning. Although extras like desks, trouser presses, laptop staffs, and free newspapers make these rooms particularly practical for business travelers, their generous size makes them attractive to families, too. Special family rooms are available, and cribs or rollaway cots can be requested at extra charge.
Features
A broad menu of meeting rooms and amenities, most targeted at business travelers
Features like a business center, 10 meeting rooms with top-notch audio-visual equipment, banquet facilities and a ballroom, confirm that this Thon outpost is aimed largely at business travelers. But guests of any ilk can enjoy Ninety-One, the on-site restaurant: helmed by Chef Sébastien Lemmens, its seasonally changing menu focuses on contemporary bistro-style fare. A buffet breakfast is served in the same space at extra charge, and the expected beverages (including those fabled Belgian beers) can be ordered in the adjacent bar. Round-the-clock room service is available as well. All guests can also make use of the free basement fitness center, which has an adequate workout room plus a sauna and hot tub. There are on-site tanning beds, too (fees apply). The lobby, meanwhile, has a computer corner with free-Wi-Fi, and a free refreshment bar that swaps the standard coffee and carbs for green juice and fresh fruit. Concierge service is provided at the 24-hour reception desk. Limited underground parking is available downstairs for an added charge.
