Holidays in Belgium

Belgium Hotels 5 STAR

One of the seats of power in Europe, Brussels is also known for its stately, historic heart. And if that’s the side that appeals to you, the 5-star hotels dotted around the Grand Place district should come at the top of your list. These will put you amid the Baroque and Gothic buildings that make central Brussels so picturesque. The corridors of power lie over in the European Quarter, though, and hotels here are ideal for visiting the European Parliament building, the cross-shaped Berlaymont building, and other gleaming landmarks of the EU.

Top 5-star hotels in Brussels

Steigenberger Wiltcher’s has a prestigious spot on Avenue Louise, a handsome, tree-lined thoroughfare studded with chic fashion boutiques and international embassies. The hotel itself is as handsome as any of the buildings in the area, with plush yet understated rooms. More regal is the Metropole Hotel, where the gilded guestrooms are illuminated by glittering chandeliers, and a luxurious Art Nouveau brasserie offers the perfect place to relax and dine. Another 5-star option is the Warwick Brussels, with its rich decor, antique furnishings, and on-site sauna and fitness center.

Where to find the best restaurants in Brussels

Think “Belgium” and there are certain foods that spring to mind. Mussels, cooked lightly in garlic and wine, accompanied by crispy fries, is one of the national dishes, although the Grand Place district also has chic restaurants housed in centuries-old townhouses offering roasted game and lobster. Foodies should also look to Ixelles, a vibrant and cosmopolitan quarter with hip eateries, or head to the Sainte-Catherine area for seafood restaurants serving everything from crab croquettes to dover sole with lobster sauce, as well as exciting Ethiopian and Japanese restaurants to satisfy curious palates.