Aloft Brussels Schuman

From the street, Aloft looks like just another blocky, gray office building in the neighborhood. But a few things hint to its funky spirit: A tumble of little rectangular windows punctuate the facade, and an LED-style blue "hotel" sign runs down the side with a clock face acting as the "O." Inside, the bright and colorful lobby has a look that's both contemporary and mod. A foosball table parked next to the entrance announces the playful vibe right from the get-go. Pixelated light fixtures hang from an exposed, industrial ceiling with chrome air ducts and lipstick-red pipes. Clusters of colorful armchairs are placed around a self-check-in kiosk. But a circular front desk parked in the middle of the lobby can provide personal attention to guests. Behind that, separated by a groovy room divider, is the Re:mix Lounge, a broad-open space outfitted with bubble chairs, another foosball table, a pool table, a bar, a fireplace, board games, and the occasional DJ manning a turntable. Two happy hours on weekdays give guests another reason to linger.

Centrally located in the heart of the European District, the hotel is a five-minute walk to the Council of the European Union. The neighborhood, with its mix of business, government, and residential buildings, is relatively calm. But the hotel is near the Schuman rotary and the Rue Bellard, so traffic is busy and frequent out front. Those seeking quiet can retreat to the Parc du Cinquantenaire, eight minutes away on foot. The Schuman metro stop is around the block, and a 15-minute train ride brings you to the city center. 

The mod decor from the lobby becomes slightly more muted in guest rooms, where slate-gray carpets, wood-panel walls, and crisp white sheets are accented with Eames wire chairs, urban artwork, and pixel-printed bolster pillows. Oversized headboards act as a room divider, and their backside gives cubbies and closet space. Amenities include 42"-inch flat-screen TVs with "Plug-and-Play" stations that link to guest devices, plus safes, writing desks, empty mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free coffee, tea, and bottled water. Bathroom sinks are parked by the closets, awkwardly next to the front door. But they're attractive with white vessel basins and chrome fixtures -- and stocked with Bliss Spa bath products. Walk-in showers have pump dispensers for body wash and shampoo. Rooms fall into two categories, Aloft and Savvy. However, Savvy Rooms feature extra large windows that overlook Leopold Park or Jean Ray Square. Thankfully all rooms are soundproofed, so outside noise makes little to no impression. 

Being a hub of European business, Brussels practically requires that all hotels have meeting rooms, and Aloft doesn't disappoint, with spaces that wouldn't seem out of place at a hip startup. Think: striped carpeting, bean-bag cushions, and graphic graffiti-style artwork around the conference tables and chairs. A work station with Mac computers and a printer are also available in the lobby. Sky-blue walls and a generous amount of mirrors decorate the 24-hour fitness center -- they help compensate for its windowless state. It's equipped with a full suite of cardio equipment, including recumbent bikes, ellipticals, and a treadmill, along with free weights and balance balls. The sprawling Re:mix Lounge area with a pool table, foosball table, fireplace, and bubble chairs, creates and inviting place to hangout, especially when live music is on or happy hour is in full swing at the bar. And the grab-and-go eatery has wraps, sandwiches, baked goods, and a full spread of snacks and drinks.