The Marriott is a superb addition to the Brussels hotel scene. Opened in 2002, it benefits from an excellent location just west of the old Bourse and a mere two blocks from the Grand Place, the heart of old Brussels where you want to be.
The entrance has one of those automatic revolving doors, so just hop in and do not push the glass. The lobby has that Marriott look to it, bright red and spacious with plush seating to hang out while waiting for your slower companions. There is a popular bar here where you can get a free cup of coffee or tea or step up and pay for a stiff drink. The front desk is manned with helpful staff members who are more than happy to hand you a free map of Brussels. The elevators are fast, but they seem slower because they are activated by your room key card (a good safety precaution, I suppose).
The Marriott has six floors and 218 rooms, with a fitness room and sauna in the lower level. My room with two double beds was on the highest level. Again the furnishings sport the Marriott look, with a red and yellow color scheme on the walls, carpet, bedspreads. Very comfortable, very familiar, very Marriott. Loads of amenities here, including cable TV, in-room safe, one bathrobe, plenty of tables and lamps and chairs. The bathroom is a good size and features Neutrogena products. The window is the most atypical feature, a small round window that looks like a porthole or a “painting” of a scene in Brussels. The window does flip open and if you stand on a chair, you can look outside onto the street level and get a more expansive view of the city. If you want a larger window, ask for another floor. It appears there are some rooms that have large windows which open up to create a small balcony effect.
Breakfast is generally not included, but if you are a businessman or tourist with money to burn check out the selections at Brasserie le Sauvoir, just past the front desk area. The buffet includes a complete selection of hot and cold items, beverages, and plenty of it. You can ask for a made-to-order omelet, which is a nice touch. Otherwise, grab a plate and dig in amongst the sweet rolls, fresh fruit, potatoes, cereals, yogurts, sliced cheeses and meats. There is nothing particularly Belgian about this early feast, but it is all as good and healthy as you wish it to be. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner too.
The Marriott is a very pleasant hotel in a great up and coming location of central Brussels. There are plenty of good dining and shopping choices around. No surprises here, but that is what the international traveler wants from a Marriott.