**Brussels Midi Station Hotel: Unbeatable Novotel Luxury Awaits!**
Brussels Midi Station Hotel: My Love-Hate Affair with Novotel (and Brussels!)
Okay, buckle up, because this review isn't gonna be your average, cookie-cutter, "blah, blah, blah" affair. We're diving headfirst into my experience at the Novotel Brussels Midi Station – and trust me, it was a rollercoaster. This isn't just a list of features; it's a story. A story with pastries, questionable Wi-Fi, and a serious case of jet lag.
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- Keywords: Brussels Midi Station Hotel, Novotel Brussels, accessible hotel, Brussels hotels, spa hotels Brussels, family-friendly hotel Brussels, free Wi-Fi, fitness center Brussels, restaurant Brussels Midi, gluten free, luxury hotel Brussels, business hotel Brussels, pet-friendly(ish), accessibility, wheelchair access, airport transfer, parking, review
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Novotel Brussels Midi Station! From accessible rooms and amazing spa facilities to the challenges of navigating Brussels and the occasional Wi-Fi meltdown. Discover the good, the bad, and the croissant-filled beautiful!
(My Actual Experience - The Good, The Bad, and The Croissant-y!)
First things first: location, location, location! The Brussels Midi Station Hotel is right there. You stumble out of the train, bleary-eyed from your journey, and BAM! You’re practically tripping over the entrance. Convenient? Undeniably. Romantic? Maybe not. Kinda felt like landing on a giant, shiny, modern fortress.
Accessibility: More Than Just a Ramp (Thank Goodness)
This is HUGE for me. My partner uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible hotels is like hunting for unicorns. The Novotel did impressively well on this front. Wheelchair accessible was a resounding YES! The hallways were wide, the elevator worked flawlessly (unlike some I've encountered…shudders), and the rooms were spacious and well-designed. We actually got a room that felt designed for accessibility, not just awkwardly retrofitted. The bathroom was a triumph, with a roll-in shower, grab bars, and plenty of room to maneuver. Big thumbs up from us! The Daily housekeeping was incredible, spotlessly clean - I mean literally spotless!
Cleanliness & Safety: Germs Beware!
Okay, let's get real for a hot minute. Post-pandemic, cleanliness is at the top of everyone's list. Novotel is trying. The hand sanitizer was plentiful, the staff trained in safety protocol, and there were those little tell-tale signs of daily disinfection in common areas. They even had anti-viral cleaning products. I didn’t personally take a microscope and count the germs, but it felt safe. Not a germophobe, but appreciate the effort. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, so you could decline cleaning if you like. And I’m a sucker for a good cleaning product smell, so I gave them extra points for that.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" (Mostly a Success!)
Right, so let's break this down…
- Fitness Center: I’m not gonna lie, I maybe used the Fitness center once. I'm on holiday, what’s the rush?! Looked decent, though.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with View: Now we’re talking! Though the pool with view felt a bit… enclosed by the surrounding buildings, it was a great option for a quick dip. The Sauna and Steamroom were glorious escapes from the Brussels drizzle. I spent a ridiculous amount of time in the steamroom. It cured all the worldly woes. And the massage? Well, let’s just say I floated out of there. Bliss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly)
The restaurant situation was…interesting. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. The buffet in restaurant was decent, lots of options including Vegetarian restaurant options. My partner is a gluten free, and we were able to get some safe options for them. I loved the Coffee shop - a lifesaver in the mornings. The Poolside bar wasn't exactly a tropical paradise, but hey, a cocktail is a cocktail, right? They claim Happy hour, which is always welcome. The Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. The pastries were heavenly, the coffee was strong, but finding a table during peak hours felt like a contact sport. Remember that jet lag I mentioned? Yeah, hungry and tired is a dangerous combination. I recommend going early.
Rooms: Comfort and Convenience (Mostly)
The rooms themselves were comfortable and functional. Our non-smoking room had a great city view (okay, maybe not "great," more like "Brussels-y"), a comfy bed and a decent desk for my laptop (that's important to me as I work remotely). We had Air conditioning, which was appreciated. And the blackout curtains were a godsend. I loved that.
The Almost Perfect Moments…And the Imperfections
- Wi-Fi Woes: Ah, the curse of modern travel. The free Wi-Fi was… inconsistent. Sometimes blazingly fast, sometimes slower than a snail in molasses. I'm grateful there was Internet access – wireless for my daily Zoom meetings. The Internet [LAN] was available but I didn't bother using it.
- The "Helpful" Staff: The staff were generally friendly and helpful, but there were a few times where I had to repeat myself (language barrier, maybe? Brussels is a melting pot!). Nothing major, just a little… frustrating.
- The Little Things That Matter: They had bathrobes, which is a plus. And the complimentary tea and coffee maker were appreciated in the morning. But the slippers? MIA. A minor detail, but hey, it's the little comforts that make a hotel feel special, right?
Services and Conveniences: The Smorgasbord of Amenities
They've got a ton of services. Dry cleaning? Check. Laundry service? Check. Concierge? Checked, but a few times, I felt like I knew more about Brussels than the person at the desk! The luggage storage was very convenient for our day trips away from the city. They have Car park [on-site].
For the Kids:
They're Family/child friendly and offer Babysitting service. I didn't travel with kids, so I can't attest to those aspects, but they certainly seemed prepared!
Getting Around: The Airport Shuffle (and a Note About Car Parking)
The airport transfer was a lifesaver. Brussels traffic is… well, it's Brussels traffic. The car park [on-site] was great, but be prepared for a bit of a tight squeeze.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (And More Importantly, Would They Let Me?)
Look, the Novotel Brussels Midi Station isn't perfect. No hotel is. But it's a solid choice, especially if you value accessibility, convenient location, and a good spa day. The staff are generally lovely, the rooms are comfortable, and the city is right outside your door. It's a hotel that gets A LOT right.
So, yeah, I’d go back. In fact, I'm already plotting my return. Just hoping they've upgraded the Wi-Fi by then… and maybe added some extra slippers.
Shenzhen's BEST Hotel Near Tai'an Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to wrangle a trip to Brussels from the Novotel Brussels Centre Midi Station, and spilling the beans (and probably some Belgian beer) along the way.
Trip: Brussels - A Chaotic Belgian Rhapsody
Base Camp: Novotel Brussels Centre Midi Station. (Ugh, that name… sounds like a train station trying to be a hotel. Which, let's be honest, it probably is.)
Day 1: Brussels, Baby! (Or, The Day My Brain Took a Scenic Route)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU). Jet lag? More like "jet-LAGGED," am I right? Everything feels… fuzzy. Finding the train to Gare du Midi felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by someone who hates tourists. The signage was… suggestive. And the train? Cram-packed. Squeezed in next to a guy who was definitely clipping his toenails. Brussels, you're already charming me.
- Anecdote: Got lost in the station, and ended up in a giant, echoing hall. Echoed "Hello?" to see if anyone would help. A pigeon responded. Pretty sure she was laughing at me.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the Novotel. Finally! The room is… functional. Clean, thankfully. The view? Let's just say it's a close-up of another building. Still, a bed is a bed, and I collapse with the force of a dying star.
- Quirky Observation: The mini-fridge is stocked with overpriced water and what I think is yogurt. I swear, hotels judge you for not buying anything from the mini-bar.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Just pure, unadulterated relief. And maybe a tinge of guilt for judging the mini-fridge.
- Evening: Wrestle my weary limbs out the hotel. Hit up some recommendations. Eat Frites with mayo. It’s a life-altering experience. The frites were crunchy but fluffy, the mayo was divine. Not a meal, but a celebration.
- Opinionated Language: Listen, some people say fries with mayo is gross. They are wrong, and they clearly don’t know joy.
- Imperfection: Got mayo down my chin. Didn’t care.
- Continued Rambling: The people-watching was top-notch. Saw a couple arguing passionately in French, a dog wearing a tiny sweater, and a guy juggling oranges outside a shop. Brussels is already a sensory overload, in the best way possible.
Day 2: Chocolate, Beer, and a Slight Existential Crisis (in other words – Belgium)
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The scrambled eggs? Meh. The croissants? Heavenly. (Okay, I may have eaten three.)
Morning/Afternoon: The real fun begins. Chocolate shops! I mean… CHOCOLATE SHOPS! I went into one, and emerged an hour later, a changed person. I purchased enough chocolate to feed a small army (or more realistically, myself). It was a dark chocolate with some cherry thing inside. It was divine!
- Doubling Down: After the chocolate, did a beer tasting. It. Was. Glorious! The variety is insane. The taste is… well, it's everything you've ever dreamed of. It's amber, it's rich, and it's more-ish!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. I was in a state of chocolate-fueled, beer-soaked nirvana. Brussels is a culinary genius.
- Imperfection: My Belgian beer-stained shirt is a badge of honor.
Afternoon/Evening: Walked around the Grand Place. Jaw-droppingly beautiful. Seriously, the architecture is insane. But also, I got a little lost. And then a little overwhelmed by all the people. I'm starting to get a little home sick.
- Messier Structure: Okay, this is where things get a little… murky. Found myself staring at the buildings, feeling a strange mix of awe and "oh god, what am I doing with my life?" Existential crisis, anyone?
Evening: Dinner at a very "local" restaurant. The food was good, but I mostly remember the waiter who seemed like he was personally offended I didn't speak better French. Oops.
- Opinionated Language: The service? Let's just say it wasn't as smooth as the chocolate. But hey, that's character building, right? (I hope so, because I'm pretty sure I need it.)
- Anecdote: I tried to order a beer (again). The waiter just stared at me. Eventually, I pointed at a picture. Success! (Sort of.)
Day 3: Art, Waffles, and the Lingering Question of What Day it Is
- Morning: Visit to the Magritte Museum. The art was interesting, but honestly, I spent most of the time thinking about how cool the building was. Art. Overrated. Okay, that's a lie. Some of it was pretty neat.
- Afternoon: Waffles! Waffles! Waffles! Found a waffle stand with the perfect amount of whipped cream. It almost made up for the previous day's existential crisis. Almost.
- Imperfection: Got waffle sugar on my face. Again.
- Afternoon/Evening: Packing up and heading out. I feel like I haven't seen half of what the city has to offer. (A good excuse to come back!)
Departure (or, The End of My Delicious Chaos)
- Farewell: Saying au revoir to Brussels, with a stomach full of chocolate and a heart full of… well, a mix of things. Gratitude, exhaustion, and a newfound appreciation for Belgian beer. This trip was messy, imperfect, and totally unforgettable.
- Final Thought (Rambling): Brussels, you strange, beautiful, slightly confusing place. You were everything I hoped for, and absolutely nothing I expected. And that, my friends, is what makes a trip truly worth it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch, and probably a chocolate craving to satisfy.
(P.S. I have no idea what time it is. Sorry.)
Sun, Sea, & Savings: Your Dream Salou Escape Awaits at Rentalmar Azahar!
Brussels Midi Station Novotel: The Good, the Bad, and the Brussels Sprouts (Maybe Not...)
Okay, is this Novotel REALLY "unbeatable luxury?" Because I’ve seen some hotel ads...
Alright, alright, let’s be honest. “Unbeatable luxury” might be a *tad* hyperbolic. It’s a Novotel, people. It’s aiming for a solid, comfortable stay, and for the most part, it delivers. Think reliable, with a touch of polish. I walked in expecting gold-plated bidet attachments and was... relieved it didn't have any. (Cleanliness is next to Belgian-ness, right?) It's definitely a step up from *that* roadside motel I stayed in last year... you know, the one haunted by the ghost of a suspiciously active air conditioning unit. So, "luxury" in a practical, well-designed way? Yes. "OMG, I'm swimming in diamond dust!" luxury? Maybe not. Unless the diamond dust is in their surprisingly good bar snacks.
How are the rooms actually? Anything beyond the brochure photos? (And are the pillows… you know… *good*?)
The rooms *are* decent. They’re clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. The design is modern, the colors are okay (not too much beige! Praise the gods!), and the air conditioning actually *works* (another win!). The real test? The pillows. Listen, I've faced more terrible pillows than I care to admit. This is where the Novotel surprised me. Solid, supportive, didn't disappear halfway through the night. I actually got a *good* night's sleep. I’m talking, like, "woke up feeling almost human" good. That, my friends, is worth its weight in Belgian chocolate. (Which, by the way, is also readily available at the hotel. Don’t judge me.)
Brussels Midi Station itself... is it safe to walk around, and how noisy is the hotel?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Brussels Midi Station. It *can* feel a bit rough around the edges, especially late at night. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I’ve spent time in some real dives and I can tell you it is safe. The area immediately surrounding the hotel? Perfectly fine during the day. I wouldn't recommend wandering around alone at 2 AM, but that’s generally good advice for… well, almost anywhere. The hotel itself is reasonably well-soundproofed. You'll hear the occasional train rumble, but it wasn’t a constant assault on my eardrums. I'm a light sleeper too and found it manageable. If you’re super sensitive, bring earplugs, just in case. Better safe than awake at 4 am, counting sheep and regretting that extra frites.
Food! What about the food? Hotel restaurants are often… questionable.
Okay, here's a confession. I’m a hotel restaurant skeptic by nature. I've eaten some truly terrible meals in the name of convenience. (I'm looking at you, "mystery meat" burger from that hotel in… never mind.) The Novotel’s restaurant? It's actually… pretty good! The breakfast buffet is decent – strong coffee is a must, and they had a decent selection of pastries. The dinner menu was slightly more adventurous. I had a perfectly cooked steak (a minor miracle!) and some excellent frites (naturally). It's not Michelin-star level, but it’s better than a lot of the overpriced tourist traps in the area. Plus, the bar snacks are fantastic. Seriously, go for the snacks.
Okay, what's the *one thing* you really loved (or hated) about this hotel? Hit me with your honest, unfiltered opinion.
Alright, here goes. The thing I *loved*? The convenience. Seriously. Being right next to the train station is a godsend. I arrived after a hideous flight delay, exhausted, grumpy, and craving a shower. Walked straight from the train into the hotel. No taxi hassle, no panicked Googling for directions in the rain. That, my friends, is worth its weight in gold. (Or, you know, a reasonably priced hotel room.) And the thing I *hated*? This is an honest observation that is more a general observation: the elevator situation during peak hours. During the rush, you'd have a better chance of winning the lottery than getting into the elevators. It's a small thing, I know, but after a long day of sightseeing, *nobody* wants to wait five minutes (or more) for an elevator. I’m not saying I’m a dramatic person, but I may have *considered* taking the stairs with my luggage... once. And then I remembered I’m not in peak physical condition.
What kind of people stay there? Solo travelers? Families? Party animals?
It's a real mixed bag, which is nice, actually. I saw solo travelers, couples, families with kids, business people in suits... It's not a "party central" kind of place, which is a plus if you value sleep. It's a good all-rounder, really. The kind of place where you can eat a croissant in the morning and then be surrounded by conversations in a multitude of languages. A truly International experience in many ways.
Is it easy to get around from the hotel to see the sights?
Absolutely! The train station is literally right there, making it easy to zip all over Belgium and beyond. Plus, there are trams and buses nearby. Brussels itself is pretty walkable, especially if you're up for a little exercise (and burning off those frites!). Getting to Grand Place or the Atomium? Easy-peasy. Just be prepared for a slight uphill walk from the station. (Brussels is not entirely flat, FYI).
Any tips for making the most of my stay? (Besides "eat all the chocolate")
Okay, besides the obvious (eat all the chocolate, obviously), here are a few tips: * **Learn a few basic French phrases.** Even if your pronunciation is atrocious (mine is!), locals appreciate the effort. "Bonjour," "Merci," and "S'il vous plaît" will get you far. * **Embrace the frites.** Seriously. They're everywhere. Find a good *friterie*. Eat them with mayo. Don't judge. * **Download a map app that works offline.** Just in case your phone decides to misbehave. * **Check for events.** Brussels is buzzing with stuff – festivalsAround The World Hotels
