Thon Hotel Eu

The Thon Hotel EU has an eye-catching color scheme that leans heavily on fluorescent hues, which contrasts with its gray, boxy exterior. The lobby's blond-wood and polished marble panels are punctuated by bubblegum-pink and sea-foam-green chairs and sofas. Above a glowing, multicolor reception desk is a pixilated cityscape that looks like a scene from a video game. The restaurant combines Day-Glo chairs with curvy wood buffets to create a retro, mid-20th century style interior. The conference rooms mixes green chairs and purple carpeting making a fun, almost amusement-park atmosphere. Given the hotel's location, the clientele is overwhelmingly business travelers, especially during the week, with couples checking in on weekends. 

The Thon Hotel EU is located on Rue de la Roi, which is often used as a nickname for the government, since the parliament and prime minister are both on the thoroughfare. Several of the European Commission government buildings are within a 10-minute walking radius, and the Maalbeek metro station is a six-minute walk from the hotel. It's a 15-minute ride to the Grand Palace, and the Royal Greenhouses are about a 20-minute drive. Brussels Airport is a 20-minute car trip or a 30-minute metro ride from the hotel. 

The Thon Hotel chain is owned by Norwegian Olav Thon, and its 405 rooms reflect a modern Scandinavian style. Bold Day-Glo accents like bright-teal armchairs, tangerine-hued loungers, or neon-green headboards add a little punch to neutral gray-and-white backdrops. Rooms range from Classic Twins to Clubs to Suites. One- to three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens are also available for extended stays. Lower-end rooms can be a bit compact, with a cubby-style dark-wood shelving built into the wall, and desks are small. Larger rooms add loveseats and chairs. All rooms include mini-fridges, safes, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi (which is free only for guests who book on the hotel's website). Bathrooms are sleek with dual-faucet sinks, but they have only shower stalls, no tubs. Guests in lower-floor rooms have complained about street noise.

Many of the amenities at Thon Hotel EU are geared toward the business clientele that frequent the property, particularly during the week. Twelve, the restaurant and bar named for the 12 stars in the European Union, serves dishes that add a Scandinavian touch to other European cuisines: Pollock Carpaccio With Apple Jelly and Wasabi Mayonnaise and Duck Breast with Pan-Baked Gnocchis are a few examples. The fitness center has weight-lifting and cardio machines. along with free weights and a sauna. Internet-connected PCs with a printer are in the reception area for guests' use. The hotel's 10 meeting rooms come in a variety of sizes, from a boardroom to a ballroom that fits up to 300 people. Babysitting services can be arranged through the hotel but must be reserved in advance. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel for guests who book their rooms on the hotel's website.