October, 2007

Rating: 7 out of 10

The Tariff: 2 nights' stay for a family of 4

• 240 Euros (approx $312)
• plus tips for breakfast service and maid

The Setting

The Hotel Opera is situated very close by Brussels' main attraction, the Grand Place, and also just at the end of the rue des Bouchers--a fabulous old cobblestone street filled with cafes and restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining. It is an older inn, not so grand as the drawing on the main web page, but not run down. We were happy to be in the 'thick of things'--just to walk in each direction from our door step to see new and interesting sights. The big downtown shopping streets full of department stores was only a few blocks away and we lucked out with the timing of our visit since there was a day of free concerts in a square at the end of our block during while we were there. From the hotel it was easy enough to find a good restaurant, a quick take away of frites or waffles, or to visit a local market.

The Service

This hotel (a Frommer's recommendation) was a good find for four reasons--it was not outrageously priced, I was able to communicate and book the room easily via email, it had a room for a family of four, and it was centrally located. Our room was kept neat, the people at the front desk were friendly and fairly helpful, and having breakfast included made the mornings easier.

The Room

Our room was on the 3rd floor (the 4th) and we usually took the stairs as the tiny lift was slow and could only really hold two people. Once my daughter joked that the two of us, along with our bags, were sinking fast! Inside room 315 was clean and featured simple modern furniture, a good-sized bathroom, two windows with deep sills overlooking the street, two double beds and a pull out single, a closet and in-room safe--we had plenty of space. We liked the beds and pillows and slept comfortably for the most part. The drawback was the street noise, especially from rowdy partiers down below on Saturday night and from trash trucks early Monday morning. Also, probably because the hotel is in an old building, the plumbing (?)/heating (?) system made lots of crackling sounds. For the best night's sleep consider wearing earplugs.

The Food

Although not the most important feature, the breakfast was convenient. It was in a small dining room on the 1st floor (what is the 2nd floor to Americans) It was not the best or worst of breakfasts at this type of small inn. I should note we were hoping for, even expecting, real pastries for breakfast--at least a cold croissant! We found instead a few breads, a lunchmeat, a cheese, and some spreads. It turns out opening a French baguette and spreading it with butter and honey or alternatively spreading it with chocolate spread is quite delicious. Other choices were hard boiled eggs, oranges, two cereals, milk, tea, coffee and juice.

Hotel Opera
Rue Gretry, 53
1000 Brussels (Belgium)
Tel : +32 2 219 43 43