NH Brussels Stephanie

The NH Brussels Stephanie is typical of other NH hotels, with a modern conservative style that's both bland and comfortable. Almost everything is some shade of gray or brown, and there's a lot of woodwork with brass accents. A few steps down from the main entrance puts guests at a curved wooden reception desk in a corner, with a space that opens up into the bar and breakfast restaurant. Because the staff is small and multitasks between reception and the bar (monitoring the self-serve stations), there's a relaxed vibe that the tourists and business travelers who make up most of the guests here appreciate.  

The hotel is situated on the corner of a small block, a two-minute walk from designer shopping along Avenue Louise. The area is convenient for high-end shopping, commuting to downtown, and there are many bars and restaurants are within walking distance on nearby side streets. The Grand Place and other central attractions are a bit of a hike at just over 20-minutes on foot, but the large Louise Metro station is a five minute-walk from the hotel. Brussels Airport is about a 16-minute drive, and Gare de Bruxelles-Midi -- the city's main train station where travelers can catch the Eurostar to London or the TGV (high-speed train) to Paris and Amsterdam -- is less than 10 minutes away by car.  

The hotel's 67 guest rooms have modern decor with wood floors, cream walls, and minimalist dark-wood furnishings. The rooms get a lot of natural light from windows, and upgraded sixth-floor rooms have city views over the rooftops. They're on the larger side for Europe starting at 247 square feet. Standard Rooms have twin, queen, or king beds with oversize headboards that have articulated reading lights. Seating areas have handsome armchairs with a black-and-white plaid print, and all units contain work desks and cushioned chairs. Triple Rooms with extra twin beds are also available. Basic Wi-Fi is included, along with large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles (but no coffeemakers). Frosted glass doors open to tiled bathrooms, with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

The lobby bar has a few booths and tables across from a 24-hour self-serve station with a microwave and several coolers that have a range of snacks and packaged light meals. There are also various beverages, including alcoholic drinks, and the spot is overseen by the nearby reception staff. A few steps up, the area opens into a breakfast room, with a buffet for an additional charge that includes pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and hot dishes cooked to order. Parking in an underground garage is available for a fee. Basic Wi-Fi throughout is free, thought it can be slow; high-speed service costs extra.