The area used to be very seedy - the first time, there were window storefront hookers between the Gare du Nord and the hotel - now all gone, much redevelopment, etc. Its a decent walk down an unattractive but safe commercial/shopping street to the Grand Place. All this talk is giving me an urge to make a chocolate run (sorry Rudi, I seem to prefer the Belgian ones ... but I know, I just haven't tasted the right Swiss ones!)