It is a rather new hotel with clear and clean rooms, double glazing and fine beds. It is about 13 minutes to the city center. Breakast is very good and abundant. We had no problems with the smell of the Brewery near the hotel, i.e. we did not smell anything. There is a parking underneath the hotel; the train station is a 7 min. walk. Recommandable.
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Stayed at the Novotel at the end of January 2005, and had no problems or issues to report. All was well. Since I'm American, and don't travel abroad frequently, my frame of reference is based on American hotels.

The room was relatively spacious (which isn't to say much), with king bed and a pull-out sofa. The bath/shower was ultra-modern, and quite functional. The staff was all friendly, and most were pretty good english speakers.

As the other review notes, it is directly across from the Stella Artois Brewery, but I guess we had favorable winds while we were there, as we had no stench problems.

There don't appear to be too many modern hotel options in Leuven (except, perhaps, the Holiday Inn, which did appear to have a better location near town center).

Most of the restaurants, bars, and activity are in the center of town, a good 15 minute walk from the Novotel, but that didn't present too much of problem, as we did the walk twice a day each day, despite the rainy cold weather.

The TV in the room included about 30 channels, a few of which were mostly english speaking, including CNN Europe.

Overall, no complaints, which I rate to be above average.

This hotel is across the street from the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven, which spits out noxious fumes.Bad for opening windows for fresh air.
We pulled up as a large tour bus was unloading a bunch of british beer lovers for a drinking expidition. Hallways were like suanas. Rooms were smaller then I expected.However, food was surprisingly good.
Had problems with the day staff. No return needed.