Europe
Hotel Of The Week: La Renardière, Normandy
Enjoy this beautiful landscape in an eco-friendly treehouse, says Rebecca Ford
Inside Europe
The Atomium
Saturday, 6 September 2008
An iconic structure and exhibition space, the Atomium is celebrating its 50th birthday this year with a host of commemorative events.
Where to stay: Crown Plaza 'Le Palace'
Saturday, 6 September 2008
This classic Art Nouveau hotel exudes style. Last year, an extensive three-year renovation was completed, in time for this year's 100th anniversary. Ten special "Century" bedrooms have been beautifully restyled with period furniture.
Break from the norm
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Unique sights, funky bars and great places to stay make Brussels a wonderful getawa
Where to stay: Océade
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Splash into family fun at this action-packed water park on the north-west side of Brussels. You'll find the warmest beach in the country here – and permanent summer too, with the complex heated to 30°C the whole year round.
Where to stay: Radisson SAS Royal Hotel
Saturday, 6 September 2008
The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is a strikingly good looking building with an Art Deco façade by the Belgian architect Michael Jaspers. It is well located right in the heart of Brussels, close to the Grand Place and the Central Station.
Where to stay: IBIS Brussels off Grand Place
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Great value in a great location: here you and your family can stay just moments from the Grand Place at a very pleasing price. The Ibis off Grand Place is right in the heart of historic Brussels, located just behind the most magnificent and ornate square in Europe and only five minutes walk from the metro and Brussels' Central Station.
Where to stay: Bed and Brussels, Hotel Bloom!, Hotel Café Pacific & Silken Berlaymont Hotel
Saturday, 6 September 2008
BED & BRUSSELSGet a sense of local colour – and a warm welcome. For a great perspective on Brussels stay in a B&B. Bed & Brussels has been operating since 1995 and has more than 185 carefully selected guesthouses on it books. In each, you can get right away from traditional tourist haunts and immerse yourself in the real life of the city. Rooms are spread across the city – from the outskirts to the very centre – and are graded according to style and quality, with furnishings ranging from Art Nouveau antiques to cool minimalism. The host families are strictly vetted to ensure that guests get a good introduction to Brussels.
The Brussels Card
Saturday, 6 September 2008
This is a wonderfully convenient way of enjoying Brussels while saving yourself money. Buy a Brussels Card and you get an invaluable passport, giving you entry to 25 of the city's best museums and providing you with free transport on the metro, tram and bus networks.
Where to stay: Hotel Husa President Park
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Set in an impressive and stately five-storey building, the Husa President Park was extensively and stylishly renovated this year. This hotel offers excellent value and is located in the new business and ministries district of Brussels, about three blocks away from the Gare du Nord and a five-minute or so taxi ride from the Grand Place and the nearby shopping opportunities. There are 297 spacious and airy bedrooms, each sleekly fitted with wooden floors and decorated in restful colours that are uplifted by bright cushions and throws. Particular care has been taken in choosing especially comfortable beds. Meanwhile wi-fi is available throughout the hotel.
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Take a trip to the world's most interesting places with Simon Calder