Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Walking out of arrivals and into the lobby is a rarity amid hotels surrounding Brussels Zaventem Airport. With one-minute walks between the two, the Sheraton is ideal for the weary traveler. The lobby's subdued taupes and caramels make for a polished, albeit generic and bland, impression, though leather seating clusters near live departure and arrival screens are convenient. Offering the largest hotel meeting space in Belgium, the 750-person capacity atrium is a busier scene. Geometric-accented glass reaches lofty heights here, and sheer elevators running up its side are offset by an enormous gold plaque, dwarfing trade and banquet layouts below. Monthly jazz brunches liven things up, and past performers grace bar and restaurant walls in a photographic wall of fame. Being both a business attraction and opposite terminal gates, the property gets crowded, but it's an unbeatable setting for guests catching flights. Note, tight security doesn't permit suitcases at breakfast.

The hotel sits across the street from arrival and departure gates at Brussels National Airport, making it a favorable pick for late-night arrivals or early-morning departures. Five-minute walks to the airport's basement lead to Brussels Airport- Zaventem Train Station. Trains from here run to Bruxelles Central train station in around 16 minutes, and longer journeys reach Bruges and Antwerp. The nearby town of Zaventem is an 11-minute train ride, or shorter drive. Zaventem has some commercial districts, plus local restaurants, so guests aren't confined to the hotel and airport offerings. NATO headquarters are a nine-minute drive, or 14-minute train ride.

Soundproof rooms are outfitted in caramels, blond woods, striped carpets, and light-accented lilacs and plums, plus blurry photo murals for a welcome departure from the largely predictable chain decor. Entry-level Classic Rooms start at 215 square feet (20 square meters), and all come with small sitting areas, bedside and desk phones, international electrical outlets, and ergonomic chairs. Laptop-compatible safes with built-in chargers keep business travelers in mind, and  accompany satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. Additionally, ironing facilities, trouser presses, and AC come standard. Wi-Fi is free, but upgrades to higher speeds for non-SPG members are subject to fees. Bright-white bathrooms have shower/tub combos, toiletries, hairdryers, slippers, and robes. Fifth-floor Club Rooms afford Lounge Access, and 538-square-foot (50-square-meter) Suites have living areas with dining tables. Airport-facing rooms don't offer great views, but afford natural daylight, which alternative rooms overlooking the inner atrium lack. 

Gullivers Bar & Restaurant is generally well-reviewed, offering buffet breakfasts with cooked and continental fare, plus fresh-squeezed juices, tea, coffee, and mimosas. Note that it gets busy. Jazz brunches are a favorite, and black-and-white wall mountings of past artists nicely offset the room's neutral tones. The brasserie menu serves international fare, from salads and dim sum, to Flemish specialities and steaks. Light bites, wines, and soft drinks accompany Hoegaarden and La Trompeuse beers at the bar. Club-level guests have access to a lounge for free breakfast, appetizers, and drinks in a professional space. Free newspapers and computers with copy/printing offer good business amenities here as well. 

Alongside the largest ballroom in the region and vast atrium, 21 meeting rooms come equipped with audiovisual and multimedia equipment. The 24-hour fitness center has a good amount of LifeFitness cardio machines alongside weights. There are no spa facilities. Hotel Airport parking is private but pricey, although guests get a discount. Staff can arrange laundry and dry cleaning (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout, with higher speeds free for SPG members.