As part of a mini-weekend between TravelGuys in Brussels, I chose to stay at the Marriott Brussels Grand’Place, taking advantage of the merger between Marriott and Starwood that will take effect on August 1, to enjoy my usual benefits. A look back at this rather banal stay.

Booking

Instead of staying as usual at the ALoft Brussels Schuman, located in the rather deserted European district on weekends, I chose to cancel my reservation and stay at the Marriott located downtown.

Thanks to the Corporate discount I use, I was able to get a rate under 120€ per night, with maximum flexibility.

Arrival

Unlike usual, my reservation was not changed to reflect a possible upgrade.

I arrive with little hope at the hotel, ideally located near the stock exchange and thus very well served by the public transport network of the Belgian capital.

A little wait at the reception before being taken care of by a very charming receptionist.

She indicates me an upgrade to an executive room with a partial view on the Place de la Bourse.

She also tells me the opening hours of the Executive Lounge, and those of the breakfast, offered in the restaurant on weekends instead of the lounge. A great plus because it’s a real American breakfast instead of a continental version.

Room

The room, located on the 4th floor of the property, is very basic, and I must say quite typical of American Marriott hotels.

Upon entering, a fairly spacious bathroom is available. If it has been tastefully redecorated, the bathtub does not suit me very well.

The toiletries are present in sufficient number.

After the entrance is the room itself.

The mini-bar is empty, strange. A kettle is available with so courtesy tray. The quality is not at the level of an Executive room.

The king size bed is well made, as well as the bedding.

The rest of the furniture is placed in a very strange way, probably for lack of space: an armchair in a corner, a pedestal table in the middle of the room blocking the access to the window, and the desk in another not very pleasant corner.

The view is very very partial on the Place de la Bourse (you really have to bend down), but it’s not so bad considering the rather late animation on this place.

Executive room artifact: a bathrobe and a pair of slippers are placed on the bed.

Disappointing.

To finish, a visit in video of this room :

Hotel facilities

I was not able to test the hotel’s fitness room, located in the basement. However, it seems to be open 24 hours a day.

Restaurants

I did not test the hotel’s restaurant either. Nevertheless, Bertrand and I took advantage of the Happy Hour at the Club Lounge which ran until 7:30 pm on the day I arrived.

The liquid offer is quite limited, with a wide selection of softs, a few beers available in bottles and a choice of mid-range red and white wine.

The solid offer is more complete, with soups, appetizers, cheese and cold cuts.

The lounge as a whole is very nice, but can get crowded quickly at breakfast or Happy Hour.

Departure

The departure formalities were simple since I used the Mobile Check-out.

Nevertheless, after my response to the survey sent, the front desk manager contacted me to invite me to send him an email during my next stay so that he could ensure an upgrade to a suite. Very professional!

Bottom line

A rather basic experience for a not so sweet price in Brussels… There are small hotels nearby that are very nice and much cheaper… Bertrand experienced it!