NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon

Brussels is not short of hotels, but so many seemed pretty bland, catering to the mass market of people visiting the EU on political or corporate business. The Grand Sablon looked to me to offer some personality. Pre-arrival wasn’t great with the NH app not able to retrieve my booking and the online check in also failing at the third and final step of the process. The NH app gets an average App Store rating of 1.2, so maybe it wasn’t me! However check in at the hotel was great. I’d asked for a room on a high floor, which was confirmed during the check in process and we got some good suggestions for our weekend in Brussels. The junior suite (523) was exactly what I hoped for. It was quiet, well designed and spacious. It wasn’t perfect, one light fitting didn’t work (replaced during our stay) the room was warmer than we’d like and the system was on the winter setting so no cooling was possible (but opening the windows solved that problem) and the bathroom was a bit dated with laughably poor water pressure in the bath, but perfectly good pressure at the sinks and separate shower. Breakfast was superb, with cava available too. There aren’t really any public areas at the hotel. The only bar is part of the outsourced restaurant and that doesn’t open until 7pm. We asked for and got a 5pm check out (join the loyalty scheme and book direct) which meant we had a full Sunday out and about in Brussels and could still come back to freshen up before heading to the Eurostar. This is a fantastic feature, and would strongly encourage me to stay at NH hotels in the future. I’d absolutely stay here again, and definitely recommend the junior suite which more than makes up for the lack of public areas.

The hotel's location in one of the most desirable areas of Brussels is top. Check was rather slow as only one person at the desk. Also don't like the idea only one key pass is issued when you travel as a couple... we had a need as we were doing different things at different times! At least they did issue another key pass upon insisting. Rooms are basic, even when you book the "premium" version. Mattress on double base wan't very stable and when one person moves, the whole mattress moves. Temperature control was also rather limited and unable to open the window. However, the worst was the sound-proofing: we could hear everything from conversation in the corridor and room next door to steps (sounding like an elephant) in the room above as well as next door. Hence our sleep was severely impacted - not ideal when you need to get up at 6am to meet clients. On a positive, the on-site parking; albeit payable, was nice.

We only stayed one night but everyone was very helpful and friendly. The rooms were nice and clean. The room was warm and cozy

- ACCESSIBILITY: Walking distance to major attractions such as the Belgian Royal Arts Gallery, Royal Palace, Grand Place and even the E.U. Parliament! - CULINARY EXCELLENCE: Delicious and diverse options at buffet breakfast. They will also cook and deliver food to your room even when the restaurant is closed. - COMFORTABLE ROOMS WITH THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES: The room was not only comfortable and pleasant to be in, but it also had thoughtful touches such as an international power outlet that was good for U.S., Japanese and British plugs, and towel drying rack in the bathroom - your towel will be all warm and dry the next time you need it.

This has got to be the best hotel in Brussels. It ticks all the boxes - the quality of staff, facilities, the location with marvellous views, excellent and comfortable room, the great breakfast, and all at a very reasonable price. My wife and I can't fault it.