Rue du Parnasse 19, Ixelles, Belgium | (251) 219-4428
Minutes' walk
from most embassies and EU institutions
One block from
direct train access to Brussels Airport
Modern rooms, some featuring views over city rooftops
Impressive health
facilities include an indoor swimming pool
Bistro and bar
serving Belgian food and beers
Parking garage on-site (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi in common areas
Fee for in-room
Wi-Fi (unless you sign up for free Marriott reawards program)
Some rooms prone
to noise
The Renaissance
Brussels Hotel is an upscale, 262-room business-oriented property set in the
center of the city's European Quarter -- with easy access to all the European Union institutions. Rooms are modern and chain-like, though there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi and the lack of stocked minibars is a shortcoming. A heated
indoor pool is a real bonus and drivers will find on-site parking
particularly useful in this part of town. All in all, it's a solid option for
those with business in the area, though for a little more character compare
with the nearby Stanhope Hotel or Made in Louise. Leisure travelers may find the location a bit too far from tourist sights such as The Grand Place.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Upscale and straightforward chain hotel popular with EU officials
With its
mid-90s, beige-and-brown facade, the Renaissance
Brussels Hotel provides a straightforward, smart, and functional first impression. Stepping into the
lobby the vibe gets a little more upmarket, thanks to high ceilings, broad pillars,
and low-profile contemporary furnishings. The hotel was last renovated in 2010, and interiors
still feel adequately updated. Polished touches such as marble-trimmed elevators and wood paneling also
add a high-end feel. The location and ambience inevitably draws plenty of
business guests -- mostly EU diplomats and other officials -- though there are a
surprising number of leisure travelers at weekends. After the bombings in March 2016, the hotel instituted increased security and travelers may have their bags searched upon arrival.
Location
Set close to European Union institutions and offering easy airport access
The hotel is located
in the European Quarter, largely set among other hotels, some residential
buildings, and the city's European Union offices and institutions. The European Parliament building is just a few minutes' walk away, and there are
numerous embassies in the immediate area, making this a particularly popular
spot with international officials. The hotel is also around 15 minutes on foot to the Avenue
Louise shopping area, as well as to the Royal Palace. It's a bit far to walk The Grand Place, however (25 minutes), so leisure travelers may prefer a different location. The
Brussels-Luxemburg train station too is just a block away, which connects
directly to Brussels Airport in 20 minutes. Those with cars will likely appreciate the on-site parking garage, though keep a close eye out as it can be easy to miss.
Rooms
Modern, corporate rooms with coffee/tea facilities and mini-fridges
The hotel's 262
rooms are modern, business-like, and conservative. Decor blends patterned fabrics, carpets, and drapery with dark-wood furnishings and black-and-white photographs. They're fairly spacious and beds are comfortable. While the expected amenities are
here -- tea/coffee facilities (with free instant coffee), flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges -- Wi-Fi is not
free of charge (without signing up for the chain's rewards program), and some may prefer the convenience of a stocked minibar. Bathrooms are functional, with
shower/tub combos, hotel-brand products, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Rooms on
the higher floors feature pleasant views over the Brussels' rooftops.
Lower-level rooms, however, can be prone to street noise and some guests have
experienced noise between rooms.
Features
Belgian Bistro and heated indoor swimming pool
An extensive hot and cold
buffet breakfast is served in the Parnasse Bistro, though it's not typically included in
the room rate (some packages do include breakfast and Wi-Fi). This colorful bistro-style eatery is also open for lunch and
dinner offering a menu of traditional Belgian dishes. A swish lounge bar also
serves Belgian beers and Starbucks coffee. The hotel also features an
impressively large health center, which includes a spacious and well-equipped
gym, a heated indoor swimming pool, and a sauna; fitness facilities can get
busy at peak times. On-site parking is available for a daily fee.
