We stayed in Brussels for one night on December 8 2007.

I was unsure about which hotel to pick for our one night stay in brussels but found this one by doing a map search on google and choosing it due to its proximity to the Grand Place. We knew we wouldn't be spending much time in the hotel so as long as it was clean we would be happy.

We were very happy. The hotel couldn't be more central. It is virtually on top of the Grand Place - you just walk through a tiny street and you are there. It is also five minutes from the Centraal Station - we couldnt believe it when we walked down (following the rest of the travellers who had alighted from our train) the hill and there it was, right in front of us as you see the first of the Christmas market stalls... It is almost next door to Galeries St-Hubert, the oldest shopping centre in Europe. Well worth a look but save your money as you can buy the a lot of the same stuff in the supermarkets (tins of chocolates and biscuits; bottled beer sets etc) for a quarter of the price they are in the posh shops...!

The receptionist was charming and helpful, and although the information states that you cannot check in until 3pm, we checked in at just after 10am. We were unpacked and exploring by 10.30 - fantastic. For those who cannot check in, the hotel are happy for your bags to be kept safe until you can.

The hotel is clean, bright and welcoming. Our room was more than we hoped for. Comfortable, relatively spacious, easily workable air conditioning/heating and a great shower. We didn't have the most amazing of views but could just see the Grand Place with its light show and the general skyline is pretty.

Great friends of mine (real foodies) recommended the Raphael restaurant to me, and guess where it is...? Right next door?!! I couldn't believe it. It rained on the Saturday evening that we were there so it was a godsend just to hop next door. The food is good and the service is very friendly. The building itself is quite unique with winding staircases and floors with tables in every nook and cranny. Every plate on its way back to the kitchen was clean and we took this to be a very good sign!

Sadly we missed breakfast although I read here that it is worth getting up for.

I thoroughly recommend this hotel for the service and location and am happy to answer questions from anyone if you email me.

Personally I think you should visit Brussels during the Christmas Markets as they are great fun and well worth the visit. The markets are very well organised - you follow a path right through the city that ensures you see every part of the market. At the end of the walk you reach the ice rink and big wheel and can have some well earned gluhwein/fish soup/frites - whatever you fancy!

My top tips:

1. Don't be intimidated by Brussels Midi Station - yes, it's big, and tends to be haven for the city's homeless but just follow the crowds to the main concourse and check the screens for trains to Centraal - it's one stop and is included in your eurostar ticket. We had never been and had no information but managed to get there so you will too!
2. Take an umbrella. It rained virtually the whole time we were there but it didn't really matter as we had an umbrella and took plenty of shelter in local bars!
3. Don't buy anything until you have been in the supermarket. There are two supermarkets just a stone's throw from the chinese district, a GB and another supermarket. They are WELL worth the visit as you can buy the same items at a fraction of the price. After you have been to the supermarket do the rest of your present shopping happy in the knowledge you have got the best bargains!
4. Go during December and visit the Christmas Markets. We didn't buy much the first day but got a little bit tiddly on gluhwein and thoroughly took in the atmosphere.

Enjoy!

Worth it for the location alone. The Aris could not be more central. It is located just behind the Grand Place and is about five minutes walk from Brussels Central Station.Comfortable and good value for money...

We recently spent 2 nights at the Aris Centre Hotel. What a great location! It was a 5 minute walk from Central Station, about a block away from The Grand Place, and very near numerous restaurants and shops. The staff was friendly and helpful. The breakfast, included, was one of the most extensive we had on our European trip. The room and bathroom were very clean and nice sized. Our room was on the top floor and there were 2 fast, reasonably sized elevators. The biggest negative was that the internet connection in the lobby was very expensive to use. I would, however, definitely stay at the Aris Centre if I returned to Brussels.

Great location. This hotel is an easy walk from the central station. The staff was helpful and pleasant. We got a room on the topfloor at the front of the building and we had two great views.