Housingbrussels

Behind a modern brick facade, Hotel Housing offers simple, homey interiors. The lobby and breakfast room are combined, with basic white walls and wooden floors contrasted by crimson accent walls and tablecloths. While the space lacks a wow factor, it does have a few thoughtful touches like fresh flowers on tables and city drawings on the walls. Glass doors lead to a furnished patio that overlooks a large, charming garden with an expanse of grassy lawn bordered by bushes, trees, and flowers. Overall, it's a pleasant if unsurprising property, and with a Dutch owner and Arabic-speaking management, it draws diverse clientele from all over the world. Many business travelers are drawn here due to the hotel's proximity to the EU Commission headquarters, NATO, and businesses, while families and extended-stay visitors appreciate the apartments with full kitchens and living rooms.

Hotel Housing is located in Schaerbeek, a diverse neighborhood that’s within driving or walking distance of business-oriented areas. The surrounding streets have some restaurants, bars, and shops. From the hotel, it's an 18-minute walk to the European Commission headquarters that sits next to the beautiful Cinquantenaire Park, while NATO is an 11-minute drive away. The city center is about a 15-minute drive, or around a half-hour by public transportation (the bus stop is a minute's walk from the hotel). The nearest metro station is a bit under a 20-minute walk. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Brussels Airport, or 35 minutes via public transportation.

The 12 rooms, suites, and apartments at Hotel Housing are spread between two buildings. Each is cleaned daily, and comes with ample space, white walls, wooden floors, dark salmon-colored bedspreads and pillows, and large wardrobes. The design is simple and homey in the guest rooms, while apartments get a bit trendier with red couches, small electric fireplaces, and sleek wooden cabinets. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, but lack air-conditioning. Suites and apartments have kitchens with stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, kettles, coffeemakers, toasters, cookware, plates, and cutlery. Apartments also have separate living rooms and balconies with lovely views of the garden. Bathrooms have sleek tan tiles, toiletries, hairdryers, and either shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs. 

Apart from its affordable price, Hotel Housing adds to its appeal and value by providing a good selection of amenities that are all free. A free daily breakfast buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, hard boiled eggs, pastries, coffee, tea, and juice. Throughout the day, guests can take advantage of a kitchen stocked with free drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks. Bike rentals and parking are also available at no cost, but take note that the parking can be a bit tight and is best suited for smaller cars. Laundry service and irons are available, and guests can make up to 10 free phone calls per day. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and guests can make use of a public computer.