Hotel Hubert Grand Place: Belgium's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)
Hotel Hubert Grand Place: Belgium's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!) - REALLY? Let's Find Out!
Okay, alright, alright… Hotel Hubert Grand Place. They call it a "best kept secret" and "luxury awaits!" My inner skeptic, a grizzled old bulldog named Bartholomew, immediately started barking. Luxury? Belgium? Secrets? Sounds like a recipe for… well, something. Let's dive in, shall we? I booked a room. For science.
First Impressions (and My Immediate Panic Attack About Parking)
Finding the hotel involved a series of wrong turns, a near-miss with a rogue cobblestone, and a mental breakdown involving the lack of available parking. (Seriously, the "Car park [free of charge]" is a bit… optimistic. Prepare to circle the block a few times unless you're VERY lucky). Once inside, though… whoa. The lobby is… something else. Chic, modern, maybe a touch minimalist, and absolutely NOT what I expected. The “facilities for disabled guests” section in the details had me slightly worried about the possible accessibility, but the elevator access was good.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Emotions, TBH)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, good news! The website claims it's wheelchair accessible, and I saw an elevator. But the cobblestones outside? That's a fight for another day.
- Elevator: Yep, and a pretty smooth one at that. A big plus!
- Accessibility overall: Still a bit unsure. I'd recommend directly contacting the hotel about more specific needs - better safe than sorry.
Digital Detox (Or Lack Thereof): Internet & Staying Connected
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the internet. Because let’s be honest, even if you’re in a palace, without decent WiFi, you might as well be in a glorified broom closet.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Praise be! The WiFi speed was actually surprisingly good, which is a massive win.
- Internet [LAN]: This is good too. If you, like me, sometimes appreciate the security and speed of a hard-wired connection.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yup, it's good. The lobby is a decent place to get some work done, or to stalk social media while pretending to appreciate the "ambiance."
The Sanctuary Within: My Room & Its Quirks
Okay, my room. My sanctuary. It was… nice. Seriously, a genuinely comfortable space that felt more like a stylish apartment than a hotel room.
- Available in all rooms: The essentials were there: air conditioning (thank GOD!), a mini bar (because, Belgium), a safe, a hairdryer (a good one, which matters more than you think), and free Wi-Fi (again, bless!).
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in the summer. I’m a sweaty disaster, and this was a life-saver.
- Bathtub: Glorious! I had a long hot soak with some Belgian chocolates and a bath bomb. (Highly recommended.)
- Blackout curtains: Yes! I'm a light sleeper so this was a godsend!
- Coffee/tea maker: This is a must!
- In-room safe box: Always appreciated.
- Seating area: Comfy and inviting.
- Soundproofing: Pretty darn good.
- Extra long bed: I slept like a baby!
- Smoke alarms: Feeling extra safe in the hotel…
The Spa Experience: A Total Letdown (But… With a Twist?)
I'm usually a sucker for a spa, all the pampering, the peace, the… look, I love it. So, you bet your bottom dollar, I was hyped for the sauna, steam room, and massage that was on the list, the promises of relaxation and rejuvenation. The promises of a "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" got me so hyped. But… crickets. Turns out, the on-site spa was basically non-existent. A few treatments, yes, but the full "spa" experience? No cigar. Annoyed? Yes. But…
The exception? The pool. The Pool with a View. This was… unexpectedly amazing. There was something about swimming in a heated pool, gazing up at the Brussels skyline in the evening light… it was ridiculously relaxing. So, while the spa situation deflated me at first, I ended up with a memorable experience because of the pool. Lesson learned: Lower your expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Food, Glorious Food! (Or, the Belgian Breakfast Debacle)
Alright, let's talk sustenance. Food is important. It's… essential. So the expectation for the food was to be high.
- Restaurants: The hotel offers a restaurant, boasting international cuisine.
- Breakfast [buffet]: And here's where things got… interesting. The breakfast was included, a buffet. Now, I’ve eaten a LOT of hotel breakfasts. This was… okay. Not quite the culinary revelation I was secretly hoping for.
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant: Didn't see this, but I'm pretty sure it's not the main draw.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The same goes here: good, not great.
- Poolside bar: Ah, yes. Perfect for a post-swim cocktail.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bonus points for this.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Pretty good, and always available.
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious (I'd say, a necessary evil in Belgium).
- Vegetarian restaurant: This is a great option to have.
The Hygiene & Safety: Did They Get It Right?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They certainly seemed to be. Safety seems to be a priority.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring in these times.
Beyond the Room: Services and the "Extras"
- Concierge: Helpful and efficient.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- Laundry service: Available, but I didn't use it.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: The hotel definitely caters to business travelers.
- Exterior corridor: This is something I was really happy about.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a relief.
- Smoke alarms/Fire extinguisher: Again, very safe.
For the Kids? Maybe… (But I'm Not a Kid Person, So…)
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Family/child friendly: Seems to be.
Getting Around: The Brussels Tango
- Airport transfer: They offer it, which is a massive convenience.
- Taxi service: Readily available, but Brussels traffic… well, good luck.
- Car park [on-site]: Be very aware of the on-site parking situation!
The Verdict: Is Hotel Hubert Grand Place a Secret Worth Keeping?
Okay, so it's not perfect. The parking situation is a pain, and the spa is a bit of a letdown. BUT… the rooms are gorgeous, the location is fantastic (right in the heart of it all!), the staff is friendly, the pool is amazing, and the WiFi is rock-solid. It's a solid option for a luxurious stay in Brussels. It leans towards "best kept secret" to be honest.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. With a caveat: bring a good book to read in the bar!
The REALLY Compelling Offer (aka My Pitch to You):
Escape to the Heart of Brussels: Experience the Unexpected at Hotel Hubert Grand Place!
Tired of the same old travel routine? Yearning for a city break that's both stylish and surprisingly relaxing? Look no further!
Here’s why you NEED to book the Hotel Hubert Grand Place right now:
- Unwind in Style: Luxurious rooms, perfect for resting and recharging. Expect elegant design and comfortable seating area.
- Location, Location, Location: Right in the heart of Brussels, steps from the Grand Place, the best shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Dive into Relaxation (Seriously!): Take a swim in the pool with a view.
- Stay Connected, Effortlessly: Free, fast Wi-Fi in every room ensures you can work, scroll, or stream without a hitch.
- Eat like a King (or Queen): A great breakfast buffet (with a coffee shop for that morning kick!), offering a truly local experience. Plus, 24-hour room service!
- And the Best Part? Avoid those overcrowded Tourist-Traps. You deserve a little luxury. Book now and receive:
- **A free upgrade to a room with
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is not your pristine, perfectly-organized travel itinerary. This is a DOCUMENTED SURVIVAL (and hopefully, enjoyment) of a trip to Brussels, staying at the Hotel Hubert Grand Place. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable navigation skills, and a whole lot of chocolate.
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Illusions (and a Side of Panic)
10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Brussels Airport (BRU): Landed! Jet lag already kicking in, and let me tell you, figuring out the train system… a nightmare. I swear, the signs are designed to confuse. Finding the train to Central Station felt like a treasure hunt led by a slightly tipsy leprechaun. Managed it, though! Phew!
11:30 AM - Check-in at Hotel Hubert Grand Place: Oh. My. God. This hotel… it's gorgeous. Seriously, the lobby alone made my jaw drop. Like, legit, I actually gasped. That's the good news. The bad news? I forgot my phone charger. Cue internal panic. I'm a digital nomad, people! This is practically a crisis!
12:30 PM - Lunch at a random brasserie near the hotel: Found a place that looked charming, but it turned out their English was as wonky as my French (which is currently about as extensive as "Bonjour"). Ordered a croque monsieur. Ate it. It was… fine. The real highlight? Accidentally spilling water all over myself, which made me feel like I'd single-handedly brought the rain indoors. Charming.
2:00 PM - Exploring the Grand Place: Right, so the Grand Place. The actual Grand Place. Pictures do NOT do it justice. Seriously. It's like something out of a fairytale. Gold-gilded buildings, intricate details, the whole shebang. Wandered around like a slack-jawed tourist, which, you know, I am. Took a million photos. Then, promptly got lost. Found myself admiring the architecture again, and then totally lost again. Is there a map, like ever?
- Anecdote: I swear I saw a group of pigeons plotting world domination in the corner of the Grand Place. They seemed to be having a particularly intense meeting. Maybe they were discussing how to steal the best fries and chocolates!
5:00 PM - Chocolate Shop Pilgrimage (Almost): Okay, this is a big one. I’d been dreaming of Belgian chocolate since I booked this trip. Found one of those fancy chocolate shops, that looked really elegant and intimidating at the same time. Walked in. Couldn’t decide. Felt overwhelmed. Panicked. Backed out. Okay, maybe tomorrow, after I've had a stiff drink…
6:00 PM - Dinner at a frites stand: This is where it gets interesting. Remember that water spill? Well, as luck would have it, I immediately dropped my frites on the cobblestone. Cue more embarrassment. The frites were amazing, though, even with the cobblestone seasoning. It's all part of the experience, right? RIGHT?!
8:00 PM - Beer Tasting at a local pub (attempt): Found a pub. Sat down. Looked at the beer menu. Got overwhelmed again. Asked the bartender for a "Belgian beer." Ended up with something that tasted like liquid sunshine and happiness. I actually think I'm starting to understand beer now!
9:30 PM - Back to the Hotel (and Charger Hunt): Finally found a phone charger at a small random store! Success! The hotel room feels like a haven after all that chaos. Journaling, and hopefully, a good night's sleep (after I figure out how to work the ridiculously complicated light switches).
Day 2: Waffles, Water Closets, and the Manneken Pis (More or Less)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel: The hotel breakfast was amazing! The croissants were flaky, the coffee was strong, and the whole experience helped me prepare for the chaos of the day.
- 10:00 AM - Waffle Quest: Right, waffles. This is non-negotiable. Found a waffle stand that promised “authentic Belgian waffles.” Ate a waffle. It was… heavenly. Seriously. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with mountains of whipped cream and chocolate sauce. I could live on these things.
- 11:00 AM - Lost in the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert : The Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert are beautiful. Like, breathtakingly so. It makes you feel classy just being there. But it's also a bit… confusing. I lost myself in the shops, got distracted by the delicious-looking chocolates. Decided I would buy them later
- 12:00 PM - The Manneken Pis (The…Smallest Disappointment?) Went to see the Manneken Pis. Okay, so… it's a small statue. Really small. And I'm not sure if I was expecting more, or less, or… something. It was… underwhelming. To its credit, it's wearing a costume. It really is pretty cool though! Now I can say I've seen it. Tick!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch near the Manneken Pis: The restaurant wasn't very good, and it took forever to get the food. Spent the time people watching, because, well, that's what you do.
- 2:00 PM - Chocolate Shop Round Two (Success! and a sugar coma) I went back to the chocolate shop. This time, I was prepared. I knew what I was getting into. Tried a dark chocolate truffle. Another. Another again. Another. Okay, I went a little nuts. But I have no regrets. Currently experiencing the euphoric bliss of a sugar coma. Worth it.
- Emotional Reaction: Honestly, the chocolate was pure, unadulterated joy. It was like a tiny explosion of flavor in my mouth. Pure bliss!
- 5:00 PM - Exploring the Sablon district (attempt): Got lost again (shocking, I know). Ended up wandering in circles, taking pictures of the architecture.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant: Found a tiny, charming restaurant tucked away on a side street. Ate some moules frites. They were good, but nothing compared to those waffles.
- 8:00 PM - Back to the hotel, contemplating my existence: Sitting in my room, a bit overwhelmed. Brussels is… a lot. I feel like I've walked a marathon today. Started writing, then took a nap.
Day 3: Art, Atom, and Airport Anxiety
- 9:00 AM - Check out of the hotel (with sadness). It's been a great stay, probably the best hotel experience of my life. The staff so helpful, the location amazing, it was a dream. Said goodbye, with some sadness.
- 10:00 AM - The Atomium: It's bizarre, it's magnificent…it's a giant molecule! I found the experience exciting. What's amazing is how well done it is, how you can see all of Brussels.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch near the Atomium: Trying to find a restaurant. It's a bit challenging. But eventually after a lot of walking, I found a place.
- 1:00 PM - The Magritte Museum: I love art, and this was a must-see. It was great! I really enjoyed the paintings.
- 3:00 PM - Last Chocolate Run (yes, really): One more chocolate shop visit. Because, you know, priorities. This time, I got a selection of chocolates to bring home. For everyone else, of course. Definitely not for me.
- 4:00 PM - Running for the train to the Airport: I almost missed my train to the airport. Brussels is stressful!
- 6:00 PM (ish) - Brussels Airport - Departure (and post-trip contemplation): Sitting at the airport, reflecting on the trip. Brussels is an amazing city. It has its quirks, its chaos, but it's also beautiful, delicious, and full of surprises. I loved the hotel. I loved the chocolate. And I loved getting lost. Maybe I will find my way back someday…
Reflections/Ramblings:
- The Language Barrier: My French is… well, non-existent. But the locals are generally friendly and helpful. I relied heavily on pointing and smiling. It got me by!
- The City: Brussels is a city of contrasts. Grand, elegant buildings stand alongside quirky, sometimes run-down neighbourhoods. It's a place that keeps you on your toes.
- The Food: Waffles. Chocolate. Frites. Beer. Need I say more? Yes, you NEED to eat all of these things.
- Hotel Hubert Grand Place: Amazing hotel, amazing location, great staff. Would absolutely recommend it!
- Final Verdict: Brussels is a city that will challenge, delight, and frustrate you in equal measure. It's a place that’s full of unexpected wonders
So, is Hotel Hubert Grand Place *really* Belgium's Best Kept Secret? Come on, spill the beans...
What's the *vibe* like, though? Is it all stuffy "luxury" or…?
The rooms... are they actually as amazing as the pictures? Because, let's be honest, those photos are usually heavily filtered.
The location! Obviously, Grand Place is iconic, but is it all just hordes of tourists and overpriced tourist traps?
Let's talk food. The hotel's restaurant? Worth it?
Any MAJOR downsides? Anything that really, really bugged you? (Be honest!)
So, would you go back? Or is it a one-time, "been there, done that" kind of deal?
Is there anything that they *don't* do?
Okay, final verdict: Should *I* stay at Hotel Hubert Grand Place?
