Introduction

The Novotel Brussels City Centre is two stops by tram from Bruxelles Midi, the South Station. The hotel is located on a quiet side street away from the main drag and only five minutes on foot from the famous Grand Place.

When I arrive at the hotel just slightly after 16h, the lady at reception tells me I’m going to have to wait for a room to become available. I ask her if there is seriously no room available? To which she replies that there are plenty in the room category I booked but none in the suites they wanted to upgrade me to. I tell her I really don’t mind not receiving an upgrade and that I’d prefer to be given a room straight away. Eventually, she relents and gives me a room on the Executive Floor, but she doesn’t look like a happy bunny about it.

Executive Double Room

My room is on the seventh floor of the hotel. It’s not as new and modern as the recently refurbished Novotel in Luxembourg, but it’s still quite a pleasant room. There is a separate toilet and shower on the right side of the entrance, facing the wardrobe on the other side. The cosmetics are by Rituals. At check-in I was given a choice of having a walk-in shower or a bath.

The bed is a good size and quite comfortable. The pillows are perhaps a bit hard, but that’s something you can work around.

The main difference between a basic and an executive room is the amenities that are included in the room. In the executive rooms there is a kettle as well as a Nespresso machine. The minibar is stocked with complimentary soft drinks and water, which are replenished daily. In addition, a bathrobe and slippers are also available in the room.

Dining

Breakfast is served in the main restaurant on the ground floor. The selection is good and includes hot and cold dishes, like waffles and pancakes. The service in the restaurant leaves a lot to be desired, though, which is mainly because they’re obviously understaffed.

There’s also the Gourmet Bar, which only opens in the evenings and has a small food menu and serves mainly typical hotel bar dishes, things like hamburgers or club sandwiches

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an exclusive romantic weekend getaway in the city where you can spoil yourself in a beautiful setting, then the Novotel City Centre is likely not the place for you. It’s clearly a business hotel that is more functional than elegant. Its location is great, though, situated in walking distance to the famous Grand Place and easily accessible by tram.