Hilton HHonors - Conrad Brussels Trip Reports and Reviews

Recent short weekend stay at the Conrad Brussels.

Hotel is located on Avenue Louise, away from the road. Location is actually pretty nice, close to the shops yet far enough to avoid any crowds. It’s a short walk to the tube station (Louise, on the Simonis line that goes directly to Gare du Midi). It’s also a 20 minutes walk to Grand Place, walking through a pleasant neighbourhood.

The hotel itself is fine but I found the atmosphere quite staid and the staff, whilst very nice, not very competent.

Check-in took ages, as the manager (no less) spent forever pulling up my reservation details, with a mannerism totally unnecessary. She then asked me why I had requested room 3xx (inquisition-style). When I responded I hadn’t she concluded “Shelly” (or something like that) had blocked it for me (I thus assumed I had been upgraded). Was told that my room was not ready (12.00, so OK) and that I would have free continental breakfast. Now that seemed OK, until later...

Left my bag and went to buy some chocolate – note that one of the best chocolatiers of Brussels, Pierre Marcolini, has a shop right in the main atrium of the hotel (go outside, to the left), with more choice than the main shop.

When I came back, was told that my blocked room had been given away (errrr…) and that they had another one, which was better anyway (question: why not have given the other one right away? Answer….. (blank, worried looks around)).

Room 109, quite large. However, I had the distinct feel that providing the upgrade was a huge stretch. Room was as far as possible, next to the service area, partially overlooking a wall... On a positive note, the room itself was very pleasant, with a very large bathroom and good sitting area.

Two main gripes with the room: double bed had small duvets (single), typical of central/northern Europe, but they were way too small for the large bed and made for a lost battle when it came to sleeping. Second problem was the most infuriating TV system ever. Basically, to get to the normal TV channels one has to select about 5 different options on the Q system, which is very fiddly. This is stupid and very annoying. Gave up on trying anything else but internet access is apparently provided (at a fee). More amusingly, 11 pillows/cushions on the very large double bed (had to count them, absolutely pointless number).

Then discovered that continental b/fast was E21, whilst buffet was E29. Now it’s nice to have the Continental for free (HH Diamond) but surely, asking for an extra E8 is ridiculous. I wouldn’t mind paying if there was a really clear price difference (and thus a difference in the choice) but applying the HH terms to the letter for something so pointless is ridiculous. Especially when it turned out that I was only charged E6 (no idea why, I didn’t say a thing, just came out like that in the bill).

Whilst the room was nice and the hotel well located I found the place quite mediocre in that it appears to be a "luxury" hotel (member of LHW, etc) with the management of a far less sophisticated property. Level of competence is pretty limited and everything seems to be taking ages. First time in a Conrad (I typically opt for FS or independents when I want a luxury stay) and not impressed (but I hear SIN is far better).

The Hilton, located a few minutes from Avenue Louise should be a better choice, if one is looking for a more simple yet efficient approach to running a good hotel.

Canista


PS: Upon departure I asked for the name and email of the hotel GM. Clerk gave me a piece of paper which I only looked at in the car. "Email address" was the website url... She spent literally 10 minutes running around to confirm the "email" address (in doing so interrupted an "important" looking manager who was asking for a table and chairs to be arranged outside of a suite... "for the two bodyguards to sit while they wait"... I did my best to look tough, I don’t need bodyguards me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)

Canista,

Thanks for this.

I'm in Brussels a fair bit on business and for the odd weekend and always stay at the Hilton which I think is excellent.

I had thought that, next time, I would give the Conrad a try though because the Hilton does not have a pool or large fitness centre and the Conrad does. On the basis of your report, however, I think I'll stick with the Hilton.

Strange. Several years ago I had the exact opposite experience. I actually checked out of the Hilton after one miserable night and checked into the Conrad for several more nights. Based on my experience, I will never return to the Brussels Hilton. I am anxious to try the new Hyatt.

------------------
Have passport, will travel...
CLD, LAX, LHR, CDG, et.al.

Quick update... points have now posted for a grand total of $5... (total folio was around 220 Euros).

Didn't realise the exchange rate was so unfavourable...

What a talented crowd!

I am afraid I have to agree with your assessment of the Conrad Brussels. I stayed there two years ago. The room was very nice with a terrace overlooking the courtyard. However, I found the place dead quiet (though it was August when Europeans go on holiday). Service was medicore and sometimes not responsive. Promises from the front desk for a patio chair were never honored. Room service food was very disappointing, considering Brussels is a culinary destination. After one night, I decided I had had enough, checked out and checked in Le Meridien near Gare Centrale. A good move on my part.

Thanks to FT and Found out about HH and Glon. I used my glon for the Conrad in Brussels and I was very impress with the hotel and staff. I was updgraded to a very large room with a jacuzzi tub after the room I was in had no safe and the the next room was filled with smoke. My stay was really great I eeven tried their Sunday brunch little $$ but worth it. I was not charge for phone calls per unit I used a phone card. I would definately stay there again. My other stay in Westin stay is another story see that in the Starwood forum. I Came back from my Concord trip.The Concord flt was ok but my Son had the best time. I enjoyed First on Ba much better. I got airsick in row 20 on the concord.

Jackie

Stayed in the Conrad Brussel, Avenue Louise. Selected this hotel for convenient location and high but barely acceptable room rate.

Final Bill included however:

11€ ( 15$ ! )for a small bottle of still water in the room
35€ ( 49$ ! ) for buffet breakfast ( one egg a la carte was 11 € )

Never again ! BTW, hotel was almost empty.

Stayed there on a 6-nt HH award four years ago. Because of HH Gold status, my wife and I were given the buffet breakfast each day. So our final bill was only for a few incidental expenses. Quite happy with the entire hotel experience. Haven't been back to Brussels since.

Stayed in the Conrad Brussel, Avenue Louise. Selected this hotel for convenient location and high but barely acceptable room rate.Final Bill included however:11€ ( 15$ ! )for a small bottle of still water in the room35€ ( 49$ ! ) for buffet breakfast ( one egg a la carte was 11 € )Never again ! BTW, hotel was almost empty.

Let me ask a stupid question.. Did you not look at the prices before you drank the water or had the buffet?:rolleyes:

So exactly how did you get ripped off?

Suggestion: select your hotels and order with more care.... most of us have seen higher breakfast charges at European hotels and are not to lazy to have a (sometimes cheaper) breakfast at the cafe around the corner.:)

mike
P.S never heard of a breakfast discount because a hotel was empty:D

You should try the excellent €38 breakfast buffet at L'Uliveto in the Waldorf=Collection Cavalieri Roma some time. Of course, I'd tend to read the prices before sitting down and ordering... and ditto the bottle of water in the room. The hotel's prices seem quite in line with other European hotels of that level.

BTW, did you get the 50% off room rates available?

Cheers.

In these austere times, I just go out around the corner to stock up on a couple large bottles or sparkling water and diet coke and some snacks. Usually I can save about 50 euro or so. :D

You should try the excellent breakfast buffet at L'Uliveto in the Waldorf=Collection Cavalieri Roma some time. Of course, I'd tend to read the prices before sitting down and ordering... and ditto the bottle of water in the room. The hotel's prices seem quite in line with other European hotels of that level.

BTW, did you get the 50% off room rates available?

Cheers.

Or the 55 euro buffet breakfast at the Westin Regina Europa, Venice alternately or you could settle for the much cheaper 30 euro continental breakfast which consisted of two small pastries, two slices of toast and small pot of coffee.:)

mike

Or the 55 euro buffet breakfast at the Westin Regina Europa, Venice alternately or you could settle for the much cheaper 30 euro continental breakfast which consisted of two small pastries, two slices of toast and small pot of coffee.:)

mike

And if you want to spend money, 24 hours internet at the President Wilson in GVA is 35 sfr or 55 sfr with unlimited movies. They do have free wireless in the lobby and restaurants, perhaps an incentive to come down for their 50 sfr breakfast :D

In these austere times, I just go out around the corner to stock up on a couple large bottles or sparkling water and diet coke and some snacks. Usually I can save about 50 euro or so. :D

Though I can't really see where the OP was ripped off for sure, sometimes the bottles of water in the room (not in the minibar) don't have any price tag on them. I assume they're offered (because, come on, water!) and I never saw them coming up on the bill. In some places I saw bottles with a price tag, made a mental note that this hotel was really cheap, and didn't drink them.

I am sure distracted people must sometimes mistake paying bottle with free welcome water. But as the OP also had problem with the breakfast pricing, I don't think it was his specific problem...

Though I can't really see where the OP was ripped off for sure, sometimes the bottles of water in the room (not in the minibar) don't have any price tag on them. I assume they're offered (because, come on, water!) and I never saw them coming up on the bill. In some places I saw bottles with a price tag, made a mental note that this hotel was really cheap, and didn't drink them.

I am sure distracted people must sometimes mistake paying bottle with free welcome water. But as the OP also had problem with the breakfast pricing, I don't think it was his specific problem...

i do agree not all hotels are clear on what's comp and what the price is for "amenities for purchase." Starwood seems to do a pretty good job with a ring sign around the neck of bottles which either say complimentary or if outside the mini bar area have the price on them.

on the internet charges they are also pretty clear, although it is also clear that 35 sfr for 24 hours internet is a price gouge in my opinion. however i know hotels are trying to make up revenue lost from gouging guests on phone calls since most people use their cells.

BTW, did you get the 50% off room rates available?


Obviously not........they include breakfast. ;)

Stayed in the Conrad Brussel, Avenue Louise. Selected this hotel for convenient location and high but barely acceptable room rate.

Final Bill included however:

11€ ( 15$ ! )for a small bottle of still water in the room
35€ ( 49$ ! ) for buffet breakfast ( one egg a la carte was 11 € )

Never again ! BTW, hotel was almost empty.

:rolleyes: a) there is worse and b) I presume they clearly stated the prices somewhere ... so it is entirely your fault and absolutely acceptable.

30-50 Euro is about what breakfast goes for in topline hotels in European capitals. You can think it's high compared to Cleveland or Boise, but you can't think you got ripped off.

In these austere times, I just go out around the corner to stock up on a couple large bottles or sparkling water and diet coke and some snacks. Usually I can save about 50 euro or so. :D

I've pretty much always done that. OK, if I arrive very late I tend to drink a bottle of water from the minibar, but these days I might consider a quick bit of shopping land side at the airport or at the railway station. Still expensive, but not minibar expensive.

may i ask, why all this fascination with bottled water, in europe, i presume, and when i have been there i was able to drink water from the faucet, the tap, in a lot of countries in asia, they will give away free water, as the water is not drinkable from the tap, but 50 euros or 50 dollars, sounds like a very expenisve breakfast, for sure. so, i say just drink the water from the tap, and it will cost you or me nothing.

Neither of those are particularly unreasonable or indeed unusual for Northern Europe/Eurozone.

Try being a Brit in the Conrad Tokyo.. £50 ($110 at last year's exchange rate) for breakfast in bed seemed a bit extravagent.

Stayed at the Conrad Brussels last week and, well, was disappointed with the stay. Can't put my finger on any one thing, but in all my previous stays, I've had some combination of the following:

Warm welcome at reception
Offer of assistance with bags
Letter with room key outlining benefits during stay (or letter in room)
Assorted fruit in room
Assorted chocolates in room
Stuffed animal in room
Rubber duck (or equivalent) in bathroom
Room upgrade (executive level or suite)

I don't believe I received any of this in Brussels. The weclome was simply efficient - almost cold (like the weather :p). I asked about a room upgrade and was told I had been upgraded. Got to room (inner room overlooking courtyard :rolleyes:) - and maybe they upgraded me, but if so it was only from a "Classic" to a "Deluxe" room - honestly couldn't tell the difference - which is only 20 eur if paid. The room smelled of smoke (which was odd since it wasn't a smoking floor that I could tell), so I went downstairs and asked if they could switch me to another room. They did, and after I asked, made it one facing Avenue Louise (nice). Room approximately the same size, but a different layout which seemed larger ^.

They did have for sale classic, deluxe, premium, and junior suite rooms after I checked in. In the late afternoon, someone walked in on me and did the turndown service - I swear they didn't knock, but I was half asleep on the couch so maybe missed it. Turndown service included a single bottle of still mineral water (until that time there was no complimentary water in the room).

So what's the deal - is this pretty much standard at the Conrad Brussels or did I get there on an "off" day? I had used points and was hoping for a "wow" experience like I've had at the Conrads in HKG, SIN, and BKK (and to a lesser extent in Tokyo and Chicago). I was most definitely not "wowed".

I'm flying back in a few days and can stay there again or at one of the Hiltons - should I give it another go or steer clear?

Thanks for any feedback and recent experiences!

Sean

I want to see pics of the rubber duck.

UTA

Its been a few years since I've stayed there, but have stayed 8 or 9 times over the years....but basically my experiences match yours.

My recollection is that the rooms are nothing great. That the breakfast buffet is excellent. That the gym is way way overpriced at something like $18 euros per use. And that the help was generally looking down on anyone "normal" that was staying at the hotel.

In the past few years the price has grown substantially and is now always more than the hilton so I stay there - but truth be told I think the Hilton is just ok also.

When in Brussels I try to stay at the Renaissance, which is near the EU and several restaurants. And has a good gym which is free to use.

Check your bill, I was charged 11 (!) € for the bottle of water and 35 € for the breakfast.:mad: Amenities in the bath room were Motel 6 standard. No rubber duck

They also told me that I was upgraded:confused: Seems I was lucky that the room did not have the smokey smell.

Folks,

as a HH Diamond I am pretty much used to the Hilton amenities. These include ALWAYS a complimentary bottle of still water on the night desk. :) And I stay away from the mini-bars, don't want to make Mr. Jacobs richer.

The bottle in the room did NOT have any price indication. When I checked out, I was told that I would have found it on the mini bar sheet:mad:

BTW If you arrive at 11pm, there are no shops open in the vicinity of Ave. Louise!

Folks,

as a HH Diamond I am prettyALWAYS a complimentary bottle of still water on the night desk much used to the Hilton amenities. These include ALWAYS a complimentary bottle of still water on the night desk. :) And I stay away from the mini-bars, don't want to make Mr. Jacobs richer.

The bottle in the room did NOT have any price indication. When I checked out, I was told that I would have found it on the mini bar sheet:mad:

BTW If you arrive at 11pm, there are no shops open in the vicinity of Ave. Louise!

As a Hilton Diamond you might be well advised to familarize yourself with the stated program benefits ...however since it quite possible I might have completely missed it .... can you direct me where in the T & C Diamond amenities include " ALWAYS a complimentary bottle of still water on the night desk"?:)

mike

30-50 Euro is about what breakfast goes for in topline hotels in European capitals. You can think it's high compared to Cleveland or Boise, but you can't think you got ripped off.
How bad can the economy truly be when a property can get $75 for breakfast?

Stayed at the Conrad Brussels last week and, well, was disappointed with the stay. Can't put my finger on any one thing, but in all my previous stays, I've had some combination of the following:

Warm welcome at reception
Offer of assistance with bags
Letter with room key outlining benefits during stay (or letter in room)
Assorted fruit in room
Assorted chocolates in room
Stuffed animal in room
Rubber duck (or equivalent) in bathroom
Room upgrade (executive level or suite)

I don't believe I received any of this in Brussels. The weclome was simply efficient - almost cold (like the weather :p).

I just had a one night stay at the Conrad on the January sale price. My feelings are exactly the same as one of the previous posters.. but a bit more on the dissapointed side.
As a HH Silver, I did not expect anything special or recognition. Which was as expected when I checked in.
Room was ok, but really showing use and tear..I really don't think it is up to the standard of the brand name.. very obvious with chips all over the wooden furnishing and cupboards.
Size of both room and bathroom was acceptable for Brussels standard. However, again, furnishing in the toilets showed the age.. all the "gold" fittings were dull and looks more like scrap metal. The marble washbasin top was obviously worn from all the chemical solutions through the years.. turning white around the sink area compared to the rest.
Sadly, I had an issue with the shower water temperature.. only cold water as possible. Called reception about it, waited for more than 10 mins and no one showed up. So, just proceeded to shower in the bathtub area. Later went down to the reception to complain again and only this time did they manage to send someone up. Poor service in my opinion.

There was no Conrad bear as I expected, when enquired about it, was told that this was only provided for certain rooms and tariff. So I guessed they don't have it as standard to "cheap" guest like me.. :rolleyes: (Is this true? Thought it was always provided in all rooms and tariff)

I thought that turndown service was automatically done, but seems this is not the case. Was informed that this was an on request basis.

No complimentary water bottles provided. Only a small Godiva chocolate pellet in a small tin "tic-tac" container as a gift/welcome gift.

Breakfast spread was ok. Though in my opinion not worth it if you had to pay for it.

What was shocking was that access to the 3rd party Fitness/Spa center was 25 Euro extra per person! This was really unbelievable. I can hardly imagine paying the normal price and on top of that paying for extra do use the facility.

All in all, quite a dissapointing stay. I expected much more from the stay. But unless I get it for half of the 50% Jan. sale price, I won't stay here. I will still stick with the Marriott properties for now when in Brussels.
Unless you want to be seen or be in the place to see the "Rich and famous", this is the place to be.

:)