Citybox Brussels Centre Louise

Self check-in and check-out made things convenient, and the room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The lighting was a little dim, though, and there was no wardrobe, safe for valuables, or Do Not Disturb sign. There’s just one elevator, it can be inefficient, and waits can get long. The stay was pleasant, but those details could be improved.

The shared kitchen was a real plus for making meals and saving money, and the price felt very good for Brussels. There are cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and shops right nearby, so it’s an easy city base. The hotel is close to the centre with excellent public transport, though it isn’t right in the historic core near Grand Place. The digital setup made check-in and check-out quick and smooth. Our room was tidy, clean, and had what we needed. I had a really positive stay and would happily choose it again.

For a “small double,” the room was surprisingly roomy and had a modern style I liked. The bed was the most comfortable I’ve slept in, and the little seating area and table were great. There was even an image of a woman bathing in bananas on the wall. The shower was spacious, the soap and shampoo smelled great, and the air conditioning worked well. You could open the window too. Plenty of lights, working sockets on both sides of the bed, USB on one side, and extra outlets elsewhere. It’s a few minutes’ walk away, then about ten minutes by metro to the main station. A small supermarket is a minute away and has what you’d need for a night or two. I’ll try the other locations when I’m near one.

I booked through Booking.com and arrived to find only an auto check-in machine. It asked for a code I’d never received. Apparently an ID could work, but since I’d booked two rooms, that option wasn’t available either. Someone in a small nearby office found my reservation, but said it showed as unpaid, even though Booking.com had already charged me in full. She said she had no phone access and wasn’t reception, and told me to contact Booking myself. Her suggestion was to pay again and seek a refund later, a large sum for two rooms and four nights. After over an hour without useful help, I called Booking.com. They weren’t very helpful either, though they said they’d refund me, which I’m still waiting for. I had to leave and book somewhere else. There’s no real customer service or willingness to sort out problems. The self check-in might be convenient when everything works, but if something goes wrong, you’re on your own. There were free earplugs in the office for guests, which honestly made me want to leave even more. Not recommended.