——A guide to accommodation in Brussels, a paradise for design lovers
In Brussels, the heart of Europe where politics and culture intersect, in addition to the noble and classical European palace hotels, a number of design hotels with distinctive styles and a full sense of space have also been bred. These hotels break the traditional concept of accommodation and integrate architecture, vision, lifestyle and even environmental protection concepts. They are no longer just places to stay overnight, but also an extension of urban aesthetics. For travelers who focus on travel experience, love independent aesthetics or still crave inspiration at work, these hotels themselves are hidden attractions in Brussels.
Ⅰ. Accommodation Recommendations
1. The Dominican: The interweaving of monastic heritage and modern Zen
Hotel history and overview
The Dominican is located in the center of Brussels. It was formerly an 18th-century monastery and later transformed into a four-star boutique design hotel. The building retains religious elements such as vaults and niches, while boldly introducing minimalist lines and strong colors to create an atmosphere of tranquility and avant-garde. The interior was designed by the famous Dutch design firm FG stijl, emphasizing the “breathing” and “spirituality” of the building.
Location and transportation conditions
Located in Rue Léopold, it is a five-minute walk to Grand-Place, close to the main train station Brussels-Central, and only three minutes’ walk to De Brouckère subway station.
Costs and expenses
Double rooms are about 180 euros per night in the off-season, and between 240-300 euros in the peak season or during festivals. Breakfast is included, and some packages can choose a Zen meditation room.
Surrounding attractions
In addition to the Grand Place, there are also the Brussels Museum of Fine Arts, the Galeries Royales shopping gallery and the Saint-Hubert Church nearby, with a strong artistic atmosphere.
Booking platform
It is strongly recommended to book through Booking.com and Tablet Hotels. The former has a complete evaluation system and flexible cancellation policy, while the latter often has exclusive discounts for design hotels.
Suitable people
Suitable for couples, architecture students, art lovers, and high-end travelers who value privacy and space atmosphere.
2. Hotel Hygge: Nordic minimalist urban oasis
Hotel history and overview
Hotel Hygge was born in the rise of the “Nordic philosophy of life” and was built with the core concept of “comfort is luxury”. The hotel was designed by B-Square, a local environmentally friendly architectural firm in Brussels. The interior is dominated by white and light wood tones, with plant walls and an open living room to create a homely warmth.
Location and transportation conditions
Located in the Avenue Louise area, it is about 10 minutes by bike from the city center. There are many bus lines nearby, and it only takes five minutes to walk to Louise subway station, with convenient transportation.
Cost and expenses
A budget design hotel with affordable prices. A double room is about 110-160 euros/night, and breakfast needs to be paid about 15 euros.
Surrounding attractions
Louise Avenue is a concentration of luxury and designer brands in Brussels. The Horta Museum and Ixelles Park are also within walking distance.
Booking platform
It is recommended to use Expedia and Agoda platforms. Agoda often has “last minute prices” and combination packages, which are suitable for budget-sensitive travelers.
Suitable people
Suitable for environmentalists, single backpackers, couples short-distance travelers, and urban explorers who love natural design.
3. JAM Hotel: The perfect fusion of industrial style and youthful vitality
Hotel history and overview
JAM Hotel is one of the representatives of Brussels’ cutting-edge creative accommodation. It was converted from an old printing factory, retaining the original concrete structure and brick wall texture, and introducing a lot of street art, graffiti and retro furniture. It has a swimming pool, a shared kitchen, and an open-air bar. It is a cross-border work of a youth hostel and a design hotel.
Location and transportation conditions
Located in the Saint-Gilles district, close to the Academy of Arts and independent cinemas. It is about seven minutes’ walk to the Hôtel des Monnaies subway station.
Cost and expenses
It provides beds in multiple rooms (about 40 euros) to triple suites (about 140 euros), which is especially suitable for traveling with multiple people.
Nearby attractions
Within walking distance are the street art gathering place Parvis de Saint-Gilles and the second-hand market Place du Jeu de Balle.
Booking platform
It is recommended to book through Hostelworld, Airbnb Experiences or Lastminute.com platforms, which can not only get group discounts, but also book joint art activities.
Suitable people
Suitable for young travelers, art students, small group travelers, and independent travelers who prefer interactive accommodation.
4. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Place Rouppe: A quiet corner of low-key luxury
Hotel history and overview
Pillows Hotel is the flagship project of the Dutch Boutique Hotel Group in Belgium. It was formerly an elegant 19th-century residence. After the renovation, it was based on the concept of “home elegance”, emphasizing customized services and space comfort. The hotel has a library, a fireplace room and a high-end French restaurant The Living.
Location and transportation conditions
Close to Place Rouppe Square, it is about an 8-minute walk from Brussels South Station (Bruxelles-Midi), which is convenient for taking high-speed trains such as Thalys and Eurostar.
Expenses and fees
The average price is 280-350 euros per night, and high-end business or weekend couple packages are over 400 euros.
Surrounding attractions
It is adjacent to the intersection of the old town and modern buildings, suitable for walking to explore the urban texture. Nearby are the South Station Art Market and the famous French bakery Maison Dandoy.
Booking platform
It is recommended to book through Mr & Mrs Smith and Hotels.com, which have high-end accommodation cashback and personalized room customization options.
Suitable people
Business travelers, honeymoon couples, high-end independent travelers and those who pursue the ultimate quiet experience.
5. Vintage Hotel: Shuttle between retro and modern
Hotel history and overview
Vintage Hotel is a retro-themed hotel composed of three 20th-century buildings. Each room is decorated with inspiration from different eras, from the modern style of the 1960s to the hippie culture of the 1970s. There is a retro Volkswagen camper parked at the door that can be checked in, which is a highlight.
Location and transportation conditions
Also located in Avenue Louise, it is only a five-minute walk from Hotel Hygge, with excellent transportation and geographical conditions.
Expenses and fees
A standard double room is about 130-180 euros/night, and the RV stay experience package is about 200 euros/night, with a small picnic basket.
Surrounding attractions
Suitable for walking or cycling to explore Brussels’ independent design brand stores, local cafes and concept bookstores.
Booking platform
It is recommended to book through Airbnb, Design Hotels or Tiqets’ city accommodation recommendation platform, some platforms can be combined with performance tickets or city exploration passes.
Suitable people
Nostalgia control, Instagram users, couples and short-term holiday travelers with children.
The charm of Brussels lies not only in its political status and medieval squares, but also in these design hotels hidden in the blocks, which record the breathing rhythm of the city’s contemporary culture. From minimalist Nordic to industrial style, from monasteries to garages, each hostel is a dialogue of design and an expression of lifestyle.
If you are tired of boring standard hotel rooms, you might as well choose a design-rich accommodation and start your Brussels trip in a creative space.
Ⅱ. Brussels Accommodation Tips: Booking and Check-in Instructions
Book in advance to avoid the peak of exhibitions
Brussels is the political center of Europe. It hosts many international conferences and exhibitions throughout the year, such as the EU Summit and Art Fair, which makes the city center hotels full at certain times. It is recommended to book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during the peak seasons of spring and autumn and holidays.
Understand the “city tax” and price structure
When checking in, many Brussels hotels will charge an additional city tax (tourist tax) of about 4.25 euros per person per night in addition to the room rate. This fee is usually not included in the price displayed on the booking platform. It is recommended that travelers calculate the total cost in advance to avoid extra-budgetary expenses.
Pay attention to traffic and location safety
Accommodation in the old town is easy to explore on foot, but tourists are relatively dense at night. It is recommended to choose an area close to the subway station or the main traffic artery. Although the area around the South Station is convenient for transportation, the security of some neighborhoods is not good. Female solo travelers are advised to choose carefully.
Multilingual service is not the default
Although Brussels is a multilingual city, some boutique design hotels may use French or Dutch as the main communication language. Most front desk staff can speak English, but it is still recommended to prepare basic accommodation terms to enhance your stay experience.
These tips will not only help travelers choose a hotel that matches their style, but also add a sense of comfort and ease to exploring Brussels.
