Arlequin in Brussels
My husband, John, and I had the luck to find a wonderful hotel in the center of Brussels’ I’lot Sacré (the historic district). The fairly modern, 92-room Floris Arlequin Grand’Place (rue de la Fourche 17-19, B-1000, Bruxelles, Belgium; phone +32 [0] 2 514 16 15) has an ambiance of comfort and coziness and a location that is not to be beat.
On a quiet section of rue de la Fourche and set just off the busy rue du Marché aux Herbes, it’s simply steps away from the Grand Place, the shops of the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert and the famed rue des Bouchers (Restaurant Row). The Gare Centrale is a 10-minute walk away.
When we told the friendly and helpful registrar, Madi Chadli, that we valued a view room, she suggested No. 702, which we’d highly recommend. This penthouse room has an incredible 180-degree view, with large windows overlooking St. Nicholas Church and the Bourse as well as other sights.
It had a duvet-covered queen-sized bed; a sitting area with a table and two relaxing chairs, and a full bathroom with a strong shower and hair dryer, plus a flat-screen TV, phone, mini-fridge and, in the ample closet, a safe. The windows could be opened, and heavy curtains could be drawn to keep out the light.
The total cost for our six-night stay, Dec. 8-13, 2010, was €626 (near $863), including breakfast. By paying our bill in full ahead of time, we got a 15% discount.
The top-floor breakfast room, 7th Heaven, has a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Grand Place. The breakfast buffet included eggs, sausage, bacon, cold cuts, cereals, bagels and croissants plus steaming cups of espresso, cappuccino or coffee. Eating in this room while watching the city come to life each morning was a favorite part of our day.
Other hotel amenities — the Floris Bar, a free fitness center and, at additional charges, dry-cleaning and WiFi services.
One tip — it’s easy to miss the discrete entrance to the hotel, no doubt constructed to blend into the historic buildings. Watch for a bright pink banner.
LINDA OLLIS
Omaha, NE