Brussels Day 3 - A brief gap in the Royal Palace
Feeling increasingly ropey from too much beer and too little sleep, we started our day with a fry up courtesy of Bridie!
Suitably refuelled, we headed to Brussels@Heart Hostel – a self contained 1 bed ground floor apartment that sleeps 4. Great location 10 minute walk from Grand Place, 2 minutes to closest metro on a quiet residential street. High on the contemporary design features, clean with modern décor and art on the walls. Small private patio area to enjoy your breakfast. Almost like having your own apartment in Brussels – great if you want independence, and not relying on your accommodation for meeting people. Carmelo the host seems like a top fella.
Royal Palace
With a brief gap in the schedule we’d been tipped off that the Royal Palace was open to the public. Apparently it’s open access for a fortnight each year when the King decides to take his summer holiday. Loads of very similar looking rooms differentiated only by the colour of the tables and chairs in each….except the main ballroom which was bling-tastic, painted gold and covered in mirrors and chandeliers. Definitely worth the detour!
Next up was Hotel Royotel to say hello to Sohail. The property’s a one star hotel near the botanical gardens and financial district. Sohail was manning the small reception area, and was eager to have a chat with us. After a quick refreshment we went upstairs to check out the rooms. All would meet your basic needs – bed, tv, bathroom en-suite, sleeping any number from 2 to 6 people per room.
Campari Bottle Lamps
Our penultimate appointment for the day was Monty Design Hotel. In a well manicured part of town, 2 minutes from the metro and a decent stroll to the centre of town. The building’s a large old end-of-terrace house that juxtaposes with the ultra-modern design interior. Grey and red rule from the moment you step into the front garden to be greeted by a full size shiny red cow. Plenty of attention to detail in this boutique hotel – from Campari bottle lamps over the dining table to replica microwave televisions in each bedroom. All en-suite with mini bars perfect for backpackers looking to treat themselves to something a little different for a night or two. The surrounding area has plenty of life – supermarkets, bars and restaurants abound. Nice communal breakfast/dining room and lounge area to meet others.
Back to Bridies Bed & Breakfast to pick up our bags and have a chat with Bridie. The place is run single-handedly by Bridie – a number of rooms spread over 2 floors. From self catering apartment to themed rooms, she seems to have the lot (the Irish look in the James Joyce room and a pure state-side feel in Ralph Lauren). A comfortable lounge/breakfast area with lots of character and oodles of charm…a definite home from home. 1 minute from Simonis Metro, 2 minutes from the Brussels Basilica, and strolling distance from the centre of town, this place is ideal to get away from the hustle bustle of city life and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Bridie, goes out of her way to make sure you enjoy your stay in Brussels!
After a Eu10 menu near ther Gare Du Midi (we’re budget traveller after all!) and a quick Duvel stop at the local off license, it was back on the Eurostar….which we found out still let you on if you arrive 5 minutes before departure!!
Comprehensive list of Brussels Hostels
For more information on getting around Brussels go to Planitram Brussels
