The Standard Brussels

The welcoming staff really make this hotel, and everyone we met was lovely. It’s also very close to Brussels Nord train station. Room service was inconsistent, though: some days we got none, and our coffee, tea, and cream weren’t topped up during the stay.

The €100 daily deposit seemed excessive, and we still haven’t received our money back. They wanted to return it in cash, but carrying a lot of cash around Gare du Nord didn’t feel like a good idea. The breakfast service was also awkward. A friendly woman asks you to choose a table, but the process felt tedious, especially when we just wanted to see the room without someone talking us through it, or on later days when it seemed unnecessary. My cappuccino took 20 minutes on the first morning, and getting more coffee meant trying to catch the waiters, who carried a jar but didn’t seem to notice us. I ordered a cesar salad through room service, and it arrived without chicken. They apologized and brought the chicken with complimentary fries and olives, but then charged an extra 7€ as a “tray fee.” When I asked about it, the guy at reception raised his voice as if I were protesting, though I was just asking. It was alright overall, but we wouldn’t return.

What a view of my beloved Brussels! The hotel feels welcoming from the moment you arrive, with the best reception staff. The interior is beautiful, lots of wood with an art deco feel, and the room service food was delicious.

Djo, pronounced Jo, was warm and welcoming before I’d even stepped through the door. His helpfulness and hospitality were outstanding, and he’s a great representative of the team. The rooms were pleasant too. Ask about extra charges like room service or the mini-bar, since they aren’t very clear unless you check.