Floris Louise

I must admit I haven't stayed here for a few years but the hotel looks the same, the website offers the same facilities and it is under the same management and so I don't reckon much will have changed since my last stay.

This is a smallish (36 rooms) 4-star establishment, part of a locally-owned small chain of 6 hotels, 4 of which are in central Brussels. Being part of a small chain the hotel manages to have a personal feel to it, more like an owner-run place rather than the anonymity of the larger groups. Reception was friendly and if I remember correctly always helpful with directions and the like. The rooms are clean and elegantly smart, without being too formal, and have all the facilities expected of a decent standard hotel.

The hotel doesn't have a formal restaurant but does serve a perfectly good continental breakfast. It does though have a little bar and snacks are available throughout the day. Rooms are equipped with reasonably-priced minibars which also had a couple of snacky bits in it for those late night munchies (and thirsts of course).

Location, on a quiet side street, is just out of the city centre but this is perfectly walkable. The walk takes you past the magnificent Palais de Justice, along with the views over the city from Place Poelart (who was the Palais' architect), before descending through the antique district of Sablon as you wind into the city proper. For those who don't walk it has easy access to public transport.

Unique Quality: Whilst the hotel has undeniable character and charm the bit that I best enjoyed was when I came to check-out. I'd booked through Eurostar Holidays and had gotten a 3 nights for the price of 2 deal (as well as a 1st class upgrade on the train) and so had paid upfront for my stay. When it came to settling my mini-bar account the receptionist insisted that since I was getting 3 nights for 2 then the same deal applied to my mini-bar!! HeHe - if only I'd know I would've hammered it on day 3!

Yep, all-in-all, a great little hotel and I'd definitely stay here again.

Directions: By Metro get off at Louise. De la Concorde is the first road on the left after the Place Stephanie intersection (about 5 minutes walk). The hotel is just off the main road on the corner of rue de la Grosse Tour. Website has directions and a navigable map.

I booked using a website called travelnow and paid euro 90 for a room that is normally 203. The room was very spacious and comfortable, service and facilities all excellent, would defnitely stay here again. The outside of the building is nothing to look at but the inside is lovely.The normal room rate would have been too expensive for me but there seem to be alot of websites that specialise in cut price hotel rooms.

Unique Quality: Large room with an equally spacious bathroom, excellent breakfast included in room rate. Easy walking distance to nearest Metro along Place Stephanie with plenty of shops and cafes at the Place Louise end of the street.

Directions: Corner of Rue de la Concorde and Avenue Louise.