Courtyard Brussels: Belgium's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Courtyard Brussels: Belgium's BEST (and maybe slightly flawed) Hidden Gem? My Honest Take (You NEED To Read This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you everything – and I mean everything – about the Courtyard Brussels. Is it a "hidden gem?" Well, let's just say it's got more facets than a Belgian chocolate diamond. And let me tell you, after my recent stay, I have opinions. Buckle up, because this will be a roller coaster.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Panic):
Landing in Brussels, I was a whirlwind of jet lag and half-understood train schedules. Finding the Courtyard felt like a treasure hunt. No, really. It's not that hidden, but it’s tucked away enough that I started to wonder if I’d accidentally booked a secret agent training facility disguised as a hotel. My stressed-out arrival felt slightly…disorganized. The exterior wasn’t exactly screaming "Instagram-worthy." But hey, first impressions aren't everything, right? (RIGHT?)
Accessibility: (Mostly) A Thumbs Up!
For anyone with mobility issues, this is vital. The good news? Wheelchair accessible – mostly. Elevator? Check! The facilities for disabled guests seemed pretty decent. I did see ramps and accessible rooms, which is fantastic. BUT (and there's always a "but"), the hallways felt a touch narrow for maneuvering a larger wheelchair. Just keep that in mind. Also, the facilities for disabled guests extends to all rooms with features like accessible tubs, depending on the room type. Good on them.
Cleanliness and Safety: (The Sanitizing Superman is Here!)
Okay, COVID-19 is still lurking around, and I'm a germaphobe by nature. I was impressed by their commitment. Daily disinfection in common areas and the presence of hand sanitizer everywhere eased my worries. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes! Professional-grade sanitizing services? Double yes! They seemed to have it covered. I even noticed individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet (more on that later), which pleased my paranoid side. They also had staff trained in safety protocol. I did see signs of anti-viral cleaning products being used. I even considered asking what kind so I could buy it myself! The doctor/nurse on call provides even more peace of mind.
The Room: A Tale of Two Worlds… and Internet Woes!
My room? Well, it was a mixed bag. I'm going to be brutally honest. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a day of navigating the cobblestone streets. The bed was AMAZING. Seriously, I crashed and burned in the best way. The bedding was crisp. I was in serious need of comfort, and the hotel delivered. The blackout curtains were a godsend, allowing me to fight the jet lag. The bathrobes were fluffy. The hair dryer worked (thank goodness!).
BUT… let's talk internet. I paid extra to have a room with Internet [LAN]. In 2023, this is a disaster. I thought it would be faster, and the Wi-Fi [free] was actually faster overall, sometimes. But if you need to rely on it for business, consider upgrading or making sure your personal Internet access [LAN] is working before you check in. The internet services provided were good, but the Internet access – wireless wasn't stellar. I actually found my hotspot on my phone was faster than the Wi-Fi. So, the internet access – wireless was not the best. This is a HUGE minus for me. The laptop workspace was a good size. The desk itself was just okay.
Spa, Sauna, and… A Pool with a View? (Maybe, if You Squint!)
Okay, the fitness center was pretty standard. A treadmill, some weights. Nothing to write home about. The sauna and steamroom were lovely, a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring. The swimming pool was a decent size. And the Pool with view was nice, although it’s more of a… pool adjacent to a view. You have a cool view, but it's not the main feature. However, if spa stuff is your jam, and you are looking for a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, or Spa, this is a great spot. Honestly, the sauna was my personal highlight.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for the Perfect Croissant
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. Let's dive in.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a delightful minefield. There was a Western breakfast and an Asian breakfast, so something for everyone. You could get Coffee/tea in restaurant, which was great. If you're a coffee snob, it's not the best, but it does the job. The Breakfast service was good.
The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch, and the coffee/tea maker was a welcome addition (although, a decent coffee machine would have made me a very happy camper).
I decided to indulge a little and ordered room service [24-hour] one night. It was fast and the food was enjoyable.
My big takeaway? The restaurants in the area are a treasure. I especially enjoyed an all-day brunch near the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Helpfulness
The concierge was genuinely helpful with directions and recommendations. The daily housekeeping staff kept my room spotless. Luggage storage? Easy peasy. Facilities for disabled guests? There are some facilities available.
However, some things felt a bit… lacking. The convenience store was okay, but it didn’t have a lot of options. The cash withdrawal was good with the Currency exchange provided. The dry cleaning service was efficient. Laundy service wasn't available.
For the Kids: (If You’re Traveling with Tiny Humans)
They have babysitting service. The hotel has kids facilities. So, if you have kids, you're in luck. The hotel is also family/child friendly.
Getting Around: (Navigating Brussels – and the Hotel Itself)
The airport transfer was easy. Getting around Brussels itself is a joy. The car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus in a city where parking can be a nightmare. Bicycle parking is also available.
The Verdict: Is It a Hidden Gem? (Maybe With Some Polishing!)
Look, the Courtyard Brussels isn't perfect. It's got its quirks (a slightly wonky Wi-Fi situation, a less-than-stellar exterior). But it's got a lot going for it: comfortable rooms, a decent spa, a great location, and a commitment to cleanliness that I really appreciated. It has a good Check-in/out [express]. They even have a Front desk [24-hour].
My Final, Opinionated Recommendation:
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if you're focused on location, comfort, and safety.
But here’s the kicker:
My Honest Opinion: Book it, BUT be prepared for some imperfections. Embrace the quirks! And for the love of all that is holy, pack a good book (or a mobile hotspot!).
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Escape to Paradise: Inselhotel VierJahreszeiten, Germany - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you are about to get the unvarnished, slightly-hungover, brutally honest Brussels itinerary you never knew you craved. We're ditching the pristine brochure and diving headfirst into the chaotic, delicious, and potentially questionable reality of a trip to the home of chocolate and existential angst.
Day 1: Arrival and the Brussels Buzzkill (aka, Getting Acquainted with the Courtyard)
- Morning (or, you know, whenever you actually wake up): Landed at Brussels Airport. The air smelled faintly of stale waffles and impending bureaucracy. Already, a small, panicked voice in my head started whispering, "Did I pack enough socks?" (Spoiler alert: I didn't). Flight was fine, but my travel buddy, bless her heart, managed to spill a whole carton of orange juice on the flight attendant. Mortifying, yet the flight attendant was very sweet .
- Afternoon: (or, the 'Lost Luggage Blues'): Check-in at the Courtyard Brussels. Okay, the Courtyard isn’t winning any design awards, but hey, free Wi-Fi and a suspiciously clean room is better than a leaky tent, right? Except… my suitcase decided to go on a solo adventure to, who knows, somewhere sunny. So, there I was, officially in Brussels with nothing but the clothes on my back and a rapidly dwindling supply of emergency chocolate from the airport. Panic level: Mild.
- Evening: (or, "Where's the damn beer?"): Okay, this is where things went from "slightly off" to "full-on Brussels baptism by fire." Found a local watering hole and after ordering a local beer, I realized my attempts at French were more "lost tourist" than "cultured traveler." But hey, the beer was cold (and strong) and the frites were an absolute revelation. Seriously, these things are addictive. I have officially eaten more fries than anything else on this planet. The sheer volume of various dipping sauces threw me for another loop. Mayonnaise? Ketchup? Curry ketchup? They don't mess around with their sauces. Ended up getting back to the hotel a little too tipsy and accidentally ordering about three extra waffle from room service. My stomach is still screaming at me about that.
Day 2: Chocolate, Churches, and the Cult of the Manneken Pis
- Morning: (The Chocolate Coma): First objective: Chocolate. I mean, DUH. Wandered the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and my eyes. The sheer beauty of the chocolate shops… it became overwhelming. I'm talking artisan truffles, bonbons, molten lava cakes. I think I have tasted every chocolate in the shop… and I have no regrets. Currently in a sugar-induced haze.
- Afternoon: (Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral – or, "Where Did All the Tourists Go?"): Brussels is stunning. The gothic architecture… oh my. Went to the Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral. It's huge! And for some reason, not overrun by tourists. Felt an almost unsettling sense of peace and serenity there. Maybe the absence of crowds was the key. Took some time to reflect and gather my wits.
- Late Afternoon: (Manneken Pis – The Tiny, Slightly Underwhelming Icon): Okay, let's be honest: The Manneken Pis is… small. Really, really small. And he's just… peeing. I mean, good for him, I guess. There were a bunch of tourists, taking photos, and I joined them. It was less about the art and more about the experience. It's a must-do, even if you question its significance, and it's fun to see the creativity of clothing him. I saw a Spiderman outfit in the store!
Day 3: Grand Place, European Parliament (and the inevitable political existentialism)
- Morning: (Grand Place – The Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Square): The Grand Place. Okay, now we're talking. This place is stunning. Pure, unadulterated beauty! I even managed to get a non-blurry photo. Stood there, mesmerized, feeling completely insignificant in the face of history and the sheer architectural brilliance. The feeling of awe was overwhelming.
- Afternoon: (European Parliament – The Bureaucracy is Real): Decided to get a dose of reality (and free museums) by visiting the European Parliament. It's a lot of glass, a lot of serious faces, and a lot of information about things I barely understood. I started feeling overwhelmed with the complexity of it all and had to escape to the cafe with my travel buddy. It was a surreal experience. I felt a pang of "Oh God, am I contributing anything to society?" I may or may not have spent a good portion of the tour daydreaming about Belgian beer.
- Evening: (The Brussels Existentialism): After my tour of the European Parliament, I was not feeling too great. Ended up wandering aimlessly, the weight of the world's problems settling on my shoulders. Ended up getting some frites with mayonnaise to cheer me up, and I must say, it worked wonders.
Day 4: Departure - and the Questionable Waffle Incident
- Morning: (The Grand Finale Waffle Frenzy): One last chance for a waffle before leaving. The final waffle was the best of the trip. I didn't skimp on the whipped cream this time.
- Afternoon: (Airport Absurdity): Headed to the airport and, wouldn't you know it, my lost luggage reappeared. I had almost forgotten about it. Well, a trip isn't perfect!
- Evening: (Homeward Bound): Feeling a weird mix of melancholy and relief. Brussels, you were a crazy ride. It was messy, it was unpredictable, and it was…amazing.
This is just a taste of the real Brussels. It's a whirlwind of taste, culture, and unexpected adventures, with a sprinkle of existential dread. Go explore, be brave (and pack extra socks), and embrace the beautiful chaos!
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Courtyard Brussels: Belgium's BEST (and Maybe Only?) Hidden Gem Hotel? Let's Break It Down...
Okay, REALLY, is this Courtyard Brussels thing *actually* a hidden gem? Or is it just another beige Marriott?
The Location... Is It as Good as They Say? I'm Hopeless with Directions.
What about the rooms? Are they… you know… *comfortable*?
Breakfast: Worth the Pricey Ticket? Or Should I Just Hit Up a Local Bakery?
Let's Talk Service: Are the Staff Friendly & Helpful?
Anything Annoying or Negatives I Should Know Before Booking?
Okay, You Promised a Deep Dive… Tell Me About *That* ONE Experience!
