Brussels

Our 3-day stay in Brussels was an excellent time. I fell in love with this city. We took the double-decker sightseeing bus -- it was ok, but there are less sights to see on it than taking one in London! It was a great way to see the city, though. Skip the atomium, but hit the Grand Place and Mannekin Pis. Do NOT skip the Belgian waffles -- you'll never find anything like them elsewhere in the world. My favorite chocolate was Galler off the Grand Place. Definitely try the al fresco dining -- dinner in Brussels was an experience --excellent food!

Quick Tips:

Check out www.hotelwelcome.com to see the pictures of this fabulous hotel!

Best Way To Get Around:

We walked pretty much everywhere -- took a taxi to/from the airport and hotel. Walked to the train station when we went to Bruges. Walked everywhere else except when we took the double decker bus. Unless you're really adventurous, I would not advise renting a car. I thought Chicago drivers were nuts, but I got an eye opener in morning rush-hour traffic in the taxi on the way back to the airport!

This was an excellent hotel based on location. The rooms were older and slightly shabby, but everything was clean and the staff was friendly. The location was suberb; near all the major sights, dining, bars, etc. There was an Ibis across the street but that was much more expensive. The elevator in this hotel was definitely not like anything I've seen before!

This was an extraordinary hotel. Every room is highly decorated with the theme of a different country. We stayed in "China", but there was also Japan, Thailand, etc. This was one of the best hotels I have stayed in. It's very small (~10 rooms), privately owned and operated, a very friendly staff, etc. I would definitely stay here again. It has an excellent location just southwest of the Grand Place & Place Ste. Catherine.