Motel One

A stylish hotel in the heart of Brussels

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS © MOTEL ONE

Offering stylish and affordable accommodation in the heart of the city, this year Motel One Brussels is celebrating its fifth anniversary. As one of the first big international hotels from multi-award-winning German chain Motel One, the hotel has made a name for itself as the perfect place to stay for design-loving tourists and business travellers alike.

Motel One currently has 71 hotels across Europe, with the brand becoming famous for its budget design accommodation encapsulated by the slogan; ‘Like the price. Love the design’. “We’re becoming a well-known brand name in the EU area,” proudly states sales manager Elke Woldt. “More and more people are hearing about our concept, whether they are people working in EU affairs, or those enjoying a city break. We offer them the atmosphere of a modern four- or five-star hotel, but we are much more affordable.”

Fresh and functional

Motel One Brussels is the largest hotel in the city, with a total of 490 rooms. They all exude the fresh and functional design synonymous with Motel One. “We offer travellers everything that they really need, at a competitive price which is fixed for one year,” points out Elke. In terms of essentials, business travellers will appreciate amenities such as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a movable desk in their room. Meanwhile, rooms come with king size mattresses and Egyptian cotton bed linen as standard, to ensure a restful sleep.

Individual style

Days at Motel One Brussels begin with a delicious buffet breakfast where you will find a wide selection of organic products and delicious local specialties. All hotels in the group are distinctively Motel One, yet they always have their own individual style and reflect their location too. This notion is perfectly demonstrated by One Lounge – a living room, café and bar in one. Each One Lounge has its own unique design, although an element of recognition will always be apparent – such as the brand’s trademark turquoise colour. “It’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere, somewhere you can relax after a day of meetings or exploring the city,” explains Elke.

Chocolate and lace

There are nods to Belgium’s famous exports including chocolate and lace in the decor at One Lounge Brussels, while a depiction of Leopold I, first King of the Belgians, and his wife Louise, adds a royal touch to the elegant bar, where guests can enjoy light snacks and a delicious drinks menu including some of the finest Belgian beers.

Super hosts

If you are looking for a recommendation for dinner, just ask a member of the friendly hotel team. “Whatever you are looking for, we can share our favourite addresses in the city with you, such as where you’ll find the best waffles,” smiles general manager Philippe Delissus. Not sure which museum to visit? Just ask the team for their recommendations. “We’ll be your super hosts. We know everything about the city.”

Enviable location

Ideally placed in the centre of Rue Royale, right behind the magnificent Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and only a ten-minute walk from the famous Grand Place, many of the city’s hotspots are on the doorstep of Motel One Brussels. The hotel is also just 200 metres from the Parc metro station, within easy reach of the E.U. institutions.

This enviable location is why the hotel can keep it simple in terms of facilities. After all, who needs a fitness room when there are so many beautiful parks in the surrounding area to go jogging? Not to mention the numerous restaurants and cultural attractions which are close by.

At the heart of city life

Guests hoping to make the most of the city’s many highlights will be pleased to know that Motel One Brussels has partnerships with numerous cultural institutions. For example, hotel guests can enjoy discounts at the recently opened KANAL–Centre Pompidou. As a key location in the city, the hotel gets involved in all major events, and will take part in Brussels Jazz Weekend this May, for example. “We’re very active in local city life,” concludes Philippe.

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