Where to Stay in Brussels, Belgium
Are you wondering where to stay in Brussels, Belgium?
This guide will show you the best hotels for the perfect Brussels trip! The Belgian capital is an interesting city. Although located in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium and officially designated as a French- and Dutch-speaking city, you’ll find that most people in Brussels speak French on a daily basis.
Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union, so it’s a very international city, with many people from all over Europe and beyond. There are also many immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, and more.
The historic center of the city is full of opulent buildings reflecting the wealth and power of Brussels amassed during the medieval era, concentrated around the Grand-Place, or market square.
Today, Brussels is a thriving, dynamic city. There are tons of amazing restaurants to check out, several interesting museums to visit, and the city’s central location also makes it an excellent base for taking day trips around Belgium. This is what I did, opting to base myself in Brussels for almost a week.
Just for Brussels itself, though, I recommend dedicating two full days to seeing the city.
Best Hotels in Brussels, Belgium
Before I get into the best hotels in Brussels, let’s talk best neighborhoods.
For visitors, I think the historic center of the city around the Grand-Place is the best area to stay. It can get very crowded and touristy (this was especially the case when I visited in December, a couple of weeks before Christmas!), but it’s a central location that’s ideal for exploring the city.
There are a few dodgy areas in the city to avoid staying in. The areas around the Brussels Midi and Brussels Nord train stations can be sketchy (Brussels Central train station is fine), as can the Molenbeek neighborhood. Parts of the Schaerbeek and Anderlecht neighborhoods can also be a little rough after dark.
Staying near the historic center (which is also where the Brussels Central train station is) is your best bet for a neighborhood that is safe, central, lively at all hours, and well-connected for transit.
The Belgian capital can be a fairly expensive city, but it’s cheaper than places like Amsterdam or Paris. Below, I’ve included hotels for every price point so you can find the right place to stay for your budget.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Brussels, Belgium:
- My top pick overall: Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Best boutique luxury: The Dominican, Brussels
- Best on a budget: Aris Grand Place Hotel
And here’s a full breakdown of the best places to stay in Brussels:
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
The Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place is where I stayed, and I would highly recommend it! This hotel is in the perfect location, very close to the Grand-Place, but just a few minutes away, so you’re just far enough removed from the hustle and bustle. There are also tons of great restaurants nearby.
The rooms here were comfortable and spacious, and very quiet despite the location. This hotel was a great base for exploring the city, and less than a 15-minute walk to the Brussels Central train station.
The Dominican, Brussels
Although I didn’t stay at this hotel, I did visit it while in the city, and I was impressed. This historic boutique hotel is an oasis of calm right in the bustling heart of the city center, close to the Grand-Place.
The rooms at this hotel are elegant and tastefully decorated, with plenty of luxurious touches. Amenities at this hotel that guests will also enjoy include a fitness center, a sauna, and a steam bath.
OPO Hotel
Located in a historic building but featuring bright and modern rooms, OPO Hotel is the perfect place to stay in the city if you are looking for an affordable stay in an extremely central location.
This is close to where I stayed, and it’s a great area. You’re not far from the Grand-Place here, but you’re slightly removed from the worst of the tourist crowds. There are also lots of great restaurants all around.
Warwick Grand-Place Brussels
The Warwick Grand-Place Brussels is an upscale hotel that is just steps away from the Brussels Central train station. If you’re going to be taking one or more day trips from Brussels, like I did, then being close to the train station is helpful. You’re also just a few minutes from other top attractions.
Aside from its convenient location right in the center of things, this hotel also offers spacious and stylish rooms. Some rooms offer city views, and there’s a rooftop terrace view that overlooks the skylin.
Hotel Le Dixseptième
Another great hotel in Brussels is Hotel Le Dixseptième. This is also located really close to the Brussels Central train station, as well as a few minutes from the Grand-Place, museums, and other attractions in the city.
This historic hotel features charming period decor and unique details like exposed wooden beams or fireplaces in the rooms. There’s also a fitness center, a sauna, and a private garden for guests to enjoy.
Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel is the place to stay if you want to be right in the heart of the action. It’s right off the bustling Grand-Place, and it’s a hotel with a very interesting history. Back in the 16th century, the hotel was actually the location of a notorious prison! Obviously, that has changed a lot.
Since the 1950s, Hotel Amigo has been one of the top hotels in Brussels, welcoming many high-profile guests. This hotel is a bit of a splurge, but it offers a special and memorable stay in the center of the city.
Aris Grand Place Hotel
Aris Grand Place Hotel is another nice place to stay in Brussels that offers good value for your money. The rooms at this hotel are compact but functional, offering a modern and streamlined style.
As with all of the hotels on this list, Aris Grand Place Hotel is in an excellent location close to all of the top tourist attractions in the city. It’s also just a short walk to the Brussels Central train station.
ibis Hotel Brussels Off Grand Place
Finally, one more good hotel in the city is the ibis Hotel Brussels Off Grand Place. This budget-friendly hotel is modern and bright, with a really good location right in the heart of the city.
Not only are you just a few minutes from the Grand-Place, but you’re also extremely close to the Brussels Central train station. There are plenty of options for shopping and dining nearby as well.
Where to Stay in Brussels, Belgium
This guide showed you where to stay in Brussels, Belgium.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- My top pick overall: Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Best boutique luxury: The Dominican, Brussels
- Best on a budget: Aris Grand Place Hotel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Brussels!
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