WHAT’S IT LIKE? Opened 12 years ago, the Conrad is recognised as one of the finest hotels in Brussels. It’s a new-build property constructed around the facade of the Wiltcher’s and Carlton Hotel dating back to the late 19th century. With its high ratio of staff to guests, this hotel is popular with top executives, eurocrats and government ministers (Tony Blair is a regular guest, staying four or five times a year).
WHERE IS IT? On Avenue Louise, in the centre of the city’s prime shopping district. The hotel is a short walk to Louise Metro station, which is a few stops from the Gare du Midi (the main arrival point for international trains, including Eurostar) or a 15-minute journey by taxi. Parking is no problem if you arrive by car as the hotel’s garage has 600 spaces.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 269 rooms, of which 124 are classic rooms, 56 are deluxe rooms, 50 are premium rooms, and 39 are suites (24 junior, six executive, six spilt-level, two presidential and one royal suite).
ROOM FACILITIES One of the Conrad’s big selling points is the size of its rooms, which are claimed to be the largest in Brussels. Even the classic or deluxe rooms – the smallest on offer – are 45sqm (roughly 50 per cent larger than those at a first class hotel) while premium rooms boast 65sqm and junior suites 75sqm.I occupied a junior suite on the second floor which consisted of one large room with a small staircase leading to a separate seating area by the window. It and the marbled bathroom were luxurious. The double glazing was effective at keeping out street noise, but I found that my air conditioning wasn’t particularly efficient.
All rooms come with a safe and an iron and ironing board. A laundry service is offered daily except Saturday when a 50 per cent surcharge applies. There’s also 24-hour room service, free daily newspaper and evening turndown service with free mineral water.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Loui Restaurant is located in a period house directly linked to the Loui lounge and bar within the hotel. The restaurant (non-smoking) serves a fusion of European and Asian cuisine. The Loui Bar serves drinks and snacks and allows smoking.
There’s also Café Wiltcher’s, which is the hotel’s restaurant-brasserie. Here there’s a more relaxed atmosphere and on fine days you can dine outside on a terrace with access to the internal courtyard. Breakfast is taken at Café Wiltcher’s which also serves buffets and brunches.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There’s wifi, a business centre and nine meeting rooms accommodating from 10 to 60 people. There’s also a video conferencing room.
LEISURE FACILITIES The Conrad is one of the very few hotels in Brussels with a swimming pool. It’s 17 metres long and located in the huge (2,500sqm) Aspia health club spread over three floors. There’s a gym, beauty studio, sauna, solarium, Turkish bath, spa bath and a health food cocktail bar.
VERDICT A well-located luxury hotel, convenient for town centre and for those arriving by train and car from around Europe.
PRICE Room rates fluctuate markedly according to supply and demand. At slack times online rates for classic rooms cost €219 with deluxe rooms at €244, premium rooms €294 and junior suites €369. At busy times, the cheaper room categories may be unavailable so guests will be quoted €284 for deluxe, €334 for premium and €409 for a junior suite.
At peak times, expect to be offered only premium rooms at €474 with junior suites at €549. Weekend rates are €209 for classic, €234 deluxe, €284 premium and €359 for a junior suite. You must cancel at least one day ahead to avoid any cancellation charge.
CONTACT Conrad Brussels, 71 Avenue Louise, B-1050 Brussels, tel +32 2 5424242, conradhotels.com.
Alex McWhirter
