Marriott Executive Apartments Brussels, European Quarter

The place was reasonably clean, but the furniture and appliances looked worn and depressing. There was a smell of old men and broken plumbing, and the carpet looked like giraffe roadkill. It wasn't the worst hotel I've stayed in, though you don't want to hear about some of the places I've had to stay.

The apartment is huge and quiet, with a kitchen, separate bedroom and living room, two TVs and a little balcony over a peaceful courtyard. It was clean and everything worked, but the old thermostat, cabinets and finishes make the place feel dated and purely practical. The corridors and lifts feel more like a residential building, so the whole space comes across as impersonal. It works well for a longer stay if independence matters more than atmosphere, but there isn't much design or liveliness. Breakfast is at the Renaissance Hotel. It's the usual buffet with cooked food, bread, fruit and coffee. Functional, but predictable, without much freshness or distinction. The room is busy and impersonal, with little sense of calm or refinement. The European Parliament is nearby, which is handy if you're working there. The walk to the European Commission's Albert Borschette building is long and awkward if you have tightly scheduled meetings. The area is quiet, but outside office hours, and especially on Sundays when most cafés, restaurants and shops are closed, it can feel almost deserted. Check-in is at the adjacent Renaissance Brussels Hotel, as explained in advance. It was efficient, and I could leave my luggage there before exploring. My apartment was ready shortly after 14:00, ahead of the official 16:00 check-in. The setup works, though it makes the apartments feel like an annex to the hotel instead of an independent property. My stay was calm, spacious and orderly, with reliable comfort and everything functioning, but the place lacks hospitality and a real hotel atmosphere. I'd rate it 4/5: suitable for longer business stays, less so for a short visit, Commission meetings or anyone wanting to see the city.

The manager was the one person who listened to our problems, tried to help and apologized. We spent two nights here as a family, and the hotel felt dated. The rooms were cold because the heating wasn't working properly, and after a long wait we had to ask for extra blankets. Service was poor, and the kitchen appliances didn't work properly.

We ran into a few problems and the rooms were only adequate, but the customer service was excellent whenever we needed help, at any hour. Sanraj looked after us personally, with a great smile and sense of humor. Best hotel host ever. The hospitality and attention to detail were excellent.