A night at the Conrad (Conrad International Hotel)

Member Name: grumbleweed

Product:	Conrad International Hotel
Date:	18/06/01 (137 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Luxurious rooms

Disadvantages: Pretentious, breakfast expensive

This is reputedly one of the best, if not the finest, hotels in Brussels. We checked it out on a Sunday night in May at a “special” weekend rate of around £115 per night for a large, de luxe double room, booked via Internet. Still expensive for a weekend night in Brussels, so we were expecting something special.

The hotel is in the Avenue Louise, a few minutes walk from the Louize metro, which in turn is a couple of stops from the Eurostar terminal at the Gare du Midi. Approaching the hotel, it is obviously a classy establishment, with doormen in red livery. Up the steps into a large lobby area, extending to a luxurious lounge. The reception was fast and efficient but not particularly welcoming. Surprisingly no one offered to show us to our room on the fifth floor.

The room did not disappoint. It was very large, with a huge and comfortable bed, luxurious fittings, sofa and two armchairs, writing desk with fax and pc links, large TV and extensive mini-bar. Furnishings were a traditional, somewhat chintzy style. The bathroom was stunning, with bath, walk in shower cubicle, gold fittings, bathrobes and a good selection of Penhaligon toiletries.

The hotel is built around a large central courtyard and has all the facilities you would expect of a first class hotel including 24 hour service and a Champneys health club with pool and sauna. Conference facilities looked very impressive. We did not try the restaurants – pricey menus and lacking in atmosphere. Instead in the evening, we walked down to the Palace of Justice (about 10 mins) from which there is a view over the city. Then down to a small restaurant by the Grand Place, for a pizza, green salad and bottle of house wine. Returning to the hotel, we decided to visit the bar for a nightcap. The only one we could find was the cocktail bar – dark, hushed and rather Victorian. Three full bowls of assorted nuts, fruit and crisps were brought. We seem
ed to upset the waiter by asking for two Irish coffees, not on the menu. He swept away the menu with a flourish, as if to say, I’ve mixed cocktails all over the world, from the Waldorf Astoria to the QE2 and you ask for Irish coffees! In short not really a cosy place.

Breakfast was nothing to write home about. Although the breakfast room and service were first class, the selection of buffet food was only average. We were surprised to later find it included as an extra in our bill at approx £15 each.

Our overall opinion is that the rooms are excellent but that the hotel is rather pretentious and lacking in atmosphere – although allowance must be made for it being a Sunday night.

Summary: