View Poll Results: Interest in Side Trip to Brewery?
I am interested in sharing costs of a car and/or driver for a one day trip
1
20.00%
I am interested in sharing costs of a car and/or driver for a two day, overnight, trip
3
60.00%
I may be interested, depending on the destination
1
20.00%
I am not interested
0
0%
Voters: 5. You may not vote on this poll
Mar 3, 2017, 9:08 am
Last edit by: polkacat
Attending
polkacat
arollins +5
ellyse +3
KMA26
miko2a
CDKing
srletend
iris30
ANC RED-EYE +1
island82
DO Information
Friday 21 April
6:00 pm drinks: Delirium Cafe (Be sure you go to Delirium Cafe, not Little Delirium!)
7:00 pm dinner: Bier Circus (capped at 12 persons)
Dinner Atendees: Polkacat +2, CDKing, krazykanuck, miko2a, miko2a +1, iris30, kma26, ANC RED-EYE, ANC RED-EYE+1, srletend
Saturday 22 April
Noon - 11 pm Zythos Bierfestival
Buy tokens in advance: http://www.zbf.be/en/advance-sales/
The list of beers is here.
For anyone who wants to travel in a group, I suggest IC 509 departing Central/Centraal at 11 am. This train arrives Leuven at 11:24.
For those who have not been before, if you travel on a train other than IC 509: exit the Leuven train station and bear right to get to the bus depot. The free shuttle to the hall is clearly marked and usually on the 3rd or so platform.
We will grab seats at a table toward the back on the right side of the main hall (in which all of the beer booths are located) as you walk in.
Sunday 23 April
Zythos Bierfestival 11 am - 9 pm
Possible alternate outing, TBD.
polkacat
arollins +5
ellyse +3
KMA26
miko2a
CDKing
srletend
iris30
ANC RED-EYE +1
island82
DO Information
Friday 21 April
6:00 pm drinks: Delirium Cafe (Be sure you go to Delirium Cafe, not Little Delirium!)
7:00 pm dinner: Bier Circus (capped at 12 persons)
Dinner Atendees: Polkacat +2, CDKing, krazykanuck, miko2a, miko2a +1, iris30, kma26, ANC RED-EYE, ANC RED-EYE+1, srletend
Saturday 22 April
Noon - 11 pm Zythos Bierfestival
Buy tokens in advance: http://www.zbf.be/en/advance-sales/
The list of beers is here.
For anyone who wants to travel in a group, I suggest IC 509 departing Central/Centraal at 11 am. This train arrives Leuven at 11:24.
For those who have not been before, if you travel on a train other than IC 509: exit the Leuven train station and bear right to get to the bus depot. The free shuttle to the hall is clearly marked and usually on the 3rd or so platform.
We will grab seats at a table toward the back on the right side of the main hall (in which all of the beer booths are located) as you walk in.
Sunday 23 April
Zythos Bierfestival 11 am - 9 pm
Possible alternate outing, TBD.
Belgian Beer Festival DO VII in BRU, April 22-23, 2017
Apr 5, 2017, 2:16 pm
#121
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Suburban Chicago
Programs: United Mileage Plus; American Advantage; Marriott Rewards; Hilton Honors
Posts: 577
For those who might be interested in staying at a Starwood property the weekend of ZBF, I just noticed that both the Four Points by Sheraton Brussels and the Aloft Brussels Schuman are on the latest SPG Hot Escapes list. Prices for that Fri and Sat are very reasonable IMO. As usual, please note that these rates would be Non-Refunable and Non-Changeable and must be booked by this Saturday the 8th.
http://www.spghotescapes.com
http://www.spghotescapes.com
Apr 5, 2017, 4:24 pm
#122
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
Apr 5, 2017, 6:19 pm
#123
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,795
So due to some unfortunate developments in my professional life as of today, I don't think I have the political capital to be able to cash in the PTO for this trip and thinking long term, it will be best if I call my vacation quits when I get home from the Japan DO. 
I got raked over the coals today, professionally speaking, and was able to sell a few days off to "clear my head", but 11 full days PTO in a row would be pushing my luck when I least need to ruffle feathers.
Maybe next year!
I got raked over the coals today, professionally speaking, and was able to sell a few days off to "clear my head", but 11 full days PTO in a row would be pushing my luck when I least need to ruffle feathers.Maybe next year!
Apr 5, 2017, 11:25 pm
#124
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
For those who might be interested in staying at a Starwood property the weekend of ZBF, I just noticed that both the Four Points by Sheraton Brussels and the Aloft Brussels Schuman are on the latest SPG Hot Escapes list. Prices for that Fri and Sat are very reasonable IMO. As usual, please note that these rates would be Non-Refunable and Non-Changeable and must be booked by this Saturday the 8th.
http://www.spghotescapes.com
http://www.spghotescapes.com
Apr 5, 2017, 11:43 pm
#125
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
Any place close to Grand Place (city center) is good, which is also close to the central train station. Numerous metro stops, lots of restaurants, bars, all within walking distance along with several sightseeing areas. Hotels could be pricey, but there are deals, Accor hotels had a 4th night free. Another option is by midi south station, but the area does not have much sightseeing, and is a bit industrial, however, it's close to Cantillon and Moede Lambic (spelling), where some of us will be at. This area tends to be the cheapest one. Another good area is by the EU parliaments, hotels are cheap on weekends, several bars and restaurants in the area as well. We are staying here, the Radisson Red.
Both midi south/zud and EU parliament area are within 20-30 minute walking to city center, or just 1-2 metro stops. Metros are very efficient and punctual, they run every 3-5 minutes, much sporadic at nightime. I think cost was 1.60 EUR one way. Normally I stay at the Radisson Blue by the Grand Place, and it's very convenient. I've also stayed at the Sheraton Aloft by Schuman station, used to get deals at 49EUR, that was a good one as well. This time we are trying the Radisson Red, I'm hearding a group of 3 couples, myself/spouse included, we opted to use metro.
Both midi south/zud and EU parliament area are within 20-30 minute walking to city center, or just 1-2 metro stops. Metros are very efficient and punctual, they run every 3-5 minutes, much sporadic at nightime. I think cost was 1.60 EUR one way. Normally I stay at the Radisson Blue by the Grand Place, and it's very convenient. I've also stayed at the Sheraton Aloft by Schuman station, used to get deals at 49EUR, that was a good one as well. This time we are trying the Radisson Red, I'm hearding a group of 3 couples, myself/spouse included, we opted to use metro.
I concur with the excellent summary by arollins re: the main areas. Have stayed at the Rad Blu and Marriott near Grand Place; good locations, a little pricier. Yes, the Renaissance and Radisson Red are across the street from each other, about a block from the Brussels Luxemburg train station which provides easy access to Leuven for ZBF with only a transfer at Brussels Nord station.
Thanks for the heads up. Can anyone comment on the location of these for a first time visitor to Brussels? I need to go re read the excellent summary previously posted in answer to similar inquiry. To me personally, central location to main sights and activities trumps fancier rooms.
Apr 6, 2017, 6:21 am
#126
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA
Posts: 860
So due to some unfortunate developments in my professional life as of today, I don't think I have the political capital to be able to cash in the PTO for this trip and thinking long term, it will be best if I call my vacation quits when I get home from the Japan DO. I got raked over the coals today, professionally speaking, and was able to sell a few days off to "clear my head", but 11 full days PTO in a row would be pushing my luck when I least need to ruffle feathers.
Maybe next year!
I got raked over the coals today, professionally speaking, and was able to sell a few days off to "clear my head", but 11 full days PTO in a row would be pushing my luck when I least need to ruffle feathers.Maybe next year!
Apr 6, 2017, 8:25 am
#128
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA
Posts: 860
The summary by arollins is a great start. Staying near Midi or Central train station offers easy access to transport, including to and from the airport. I like to be near Midi to be near my favorite brewery and my favorite bar, but the area is a bit dingy and definitely lacking in sights. The EU area and Central station are cleaner, more attractive and frankly more upscale.
The North train station also offers easy transport access if you stay in one of the chain hotels near there, but the area doesn't really have character and staying in a locally owned hotel can put you several transfers away from where you want to be, as I learned the hard way!!!!
Any hotels near the Grand Place will also make your life easy in terms of transportation and being near sights, restaurants and bars. The only downside is it is the heart of the tourist area and can be crowded and noisy.
Hope that is a bit helpful!
The North train station also offers easy transport access if you stay in one of the chain hotels near there, but the area doesn't really have character and staying in a locally owned hotel can put you several transfers away from where you want to be, as I learned the hard way!!!!
Any hotels near the Grand Place will also make your life easy in terms of transportation and being near sights, restaurants and bars. The only downside is it is the heart of the tourist area and can be crowded and noisy.
Hope that is a bit helpful!
Apr 6, 2017, 12:56 pm
#129
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: TPA
Programs: WP
Posts: 372
Apr 6, 2017, 6:36 pm
#130
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
Think I answered my own question with the help of google maps and these previous replies (thanks). The Aloft is likely in the superior location, near the Parliament, but a bit remote from central sites perhaps (looks like 30 min walking, 20 min public transport). Debating if I will go with that area or just find something acceptable closer in to the city center. Thanks again for the advice.
Most of us, at some point or another will go there, I know my group will.
Apr 7, 2017, 11:05 pm
#131
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
I didn't see this mentioned before, and figure I add some extra info.
Brussels has a 10 trip rail pass that cost around 76EUR. This comes in handy for those that are planning day trips to Bruges, Ghent and of course Leuven for the beer festival. You can partner up with another person and split the cost. Its best to use these for the long distance, expensive trips, figure Bruges and Leuven that's 4 trips, if you partner up, that's 8, and you can use the leftover one for the trip to the airport.
Just a suggestion, as unfortunately I do not think Brussels metro does not offer what I consider a multi use rail card for everyday metro rides.
Brussels has a 10 trip rail pass that cost around 76EUR. This comes in handy for those that are planning day trips to Bruges, Ghent and of course Leuven for the beer festival. You can partner up with another person and split the cost. Its best to use these for the long distance, expensive trips, figure Bruges and Leuven that's 4 trips, if you partner up, that's 8, and you can use the leftover one for the trip to the airport.
Just a suggestion, as unfortunately I do not think Brussels metro does not offer what I consider a multi use rail card for everyday metro rides.
Apr 8, 2017, 6:48 am
#132
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA
Posts: 860
Thanks, arollins, great info. I'll also note that for those who are not making multiple train journeys but only going between Brussels and Leuven, you can save a little money by buying your ticket in advance online as there is a Weekend Internet Fare. These tickets are good for a return journey at any time during the weekend. It would also be useful if you are planning a day trip on Sunday.
The app offered by the rail company is nice and useful too for those interested in having info at their fingertips.
The app offered by the rail company is nice and useful too for those interested in having info at their fingertips.
Apr 8, 2017, 7:06 am
#133
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Shanghai (PVG/SHA)
Programs: SQ Gold, AF Platinum, AA Platinum (sadly, expiring soon), QR Silver, EK, MU, HU, PR, HO, OZ, KE
Posts: 685
I didn't see this mentioned before, and figure I add some extra info.
Brussels has a 10 trip rail pass that cost around 76EUR. This comes in handy for those that are planning day trips to Bruges, Ghent and of course Leuven for the beer festival. You can partner up with another person and split the cost. Its best to use these for the long distance, expensive trips, figure Bruges and Leuven that's 4 trips, if you partner up, that's 8, and you can use the leftover one for the trip to the airport.
Just a suggestion, as unfortunately I do not think Brussels metro does not offer what I consider a multi use rail card for everyday metro rides.
Brussels has a 10 trip rail pass that cost around 76EUR. This comes in handy for those that are planning day trips to Bruges, Ghent and of course Leuven for the beer festival. You can partner up with another person and split the cost. Its best to use these for the long distance, expensive trips, figure Bruges and Leuven that's 4 trips, if you partner up, that's 8, and you can use the leftover one for the trip to the airport.
Just a suggestion, as unfortunately I do not think Brussels metro does not offer what I consider a multi use rail card for everyday metro rides.
I'm staying in Leuven 21-23/4 and then moving to Brussels on 23/4 morning, so for the Ghent-Leuven ride on 21/4, I'm planning to buy Ghent-Brussels one-way and a weekend ticket for Brussels-Leuven round-trip. Does it matter if I just stay on the same train for Ghent-Leuven, or should I need to get on a new train at Brussels to use the other ticket?
I'm actually also keeping an eye on BlaBlaCar to see if any drivers would be driving the routes that I plan to take at times that suit me. That would be even cheaper than taking the train.
CDKing, I'm staying with a CouchSurfing host near Brussels Nord station. Actually both my Leuven and Brussels (as well as Bruges) hosts have told me they're happy to host my friends as well, but I don't think any of you would be looking for that option...
Apr 8, 2017, 7:31 am
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
I might be interested. I'm doing Burges as well. I usually do AirBNB.
Apr 8, 2017, 7:38 am
#135
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Shanghai (PVG/SHA)
Programs: SQ Gold, AF Platinum, AA Platinum (sadly, expiring soon), QR Silver, EK, MU, HU, PR, HO, OZ, KE
Posts: 685
I'm CouchSurfing in Bruges 18-20/4, Leuven 21-23/4, and Brussels 23-25/4. I've got a night in Ghent but I can't offer that as I'm actually staying in my ex-surfer's house without her actually being around, so it would be a really douche move to bring in someone she doesn't know. If you're really interested, do write up a good CouchSurfing profile, and I can ask my hosts about it.
If you'd like to see me on CouchSurfing, this is my profile: http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/ellyse
If you'd like to see me on CouchSurfing, this is my profile: http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/ellyse