Brussels Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Brussels has a rare advantage: the train reaches the three main stations in 17-25 minutes, with departures every 15-20 minutes, so sleeping in the city costs very little time. The airport hotel makes sense mainly for those leaving before trains become frequent, or arriving late and wanting just a bed. Those travelling by Eurostar, or continuing on Thalys or TGV, will find a hotel attached to the platforms at Midi. For the Grand Place and museums the best choice is the centre, a few steps from Brussels-Central.

At the airport

The Sheraton is opposite the departures hall, about 40 steps from the terminal entrance according to the airport.

Best for: Dawn departures and arrivals in the dead of night, when you want to walk from check-in to your room.

Pros

From your room to check-in is a few minutes on foot, with no shuttles
There is a single terminal: no doubt about where to go in the morning

Cons

There is nothing around but the terminal: dinner only in the hotel or at the airport
Reviews mention rooms in need of renovation and some noise

Recommended hotels in this area

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel: Opposite the departures hall, about 40 steps from the entrance; soundproofed rooms according to the airport's listing.

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Zaventem and Diegem

Airport area · The Crowne Plaza's free shuttle leaves from the level 0 bus station, bay E; every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 20 at weekends, from 4 (May-September) or from 6 (October-April).

Best for: Those who want a hotel cheaper than the terminal one and don't mind a shuttle in the morning.

Pros

Free, frequent shuttle, with the hotel a few minutes from the terminal
A quieter alternative to the terminal, with a transfer at no extra cost

Cons

The shuttle doesn't run before 4 or 6: for earlier flights you need a taxi
An area of offices and warehouses, little to do in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport: About 2 km from the terminal; free shuttle every 20-30 minutes from bay E on level 0, and a restaurant in the hotel.

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Brussels-Midi station

Near the airport link · From the airport a direct train takes you to Brussels-South/Midi in about 20-25 minutes, with departures every 15-20 minutes.

Best for: Those arriving or leaving by Eurostar, Thalys or TGV who want a room a few metres from the platforms.

Pros

The hotel is in the station: from the train to your room with no transfers
Useful if your train leaves before 8 and you don't want to risk delays

Cons

The area around Midi is a transit zone: for dinner you end up going elsewhere
For the Grand Place you need a short ride: Midi is not in the old town

Recommended hotels in this area

Pullman Brussels Centre Midi: Inside Midi station, with direct access from the Eurostar terminal about 50 metres away; handy for dawn trains.

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Grand Place and the old town

City centre · The direct train reaches Brussels-Central in about 17 minutes, the station closest to the Grand Place; from there you continue on foot.

Best for: Stays of several days, with the landmarks on foot and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Pros

From Brussels-Central you walk into the heart of the old city
Plenty of restaurants and venues open until late in the evening

Cons

Street-facing rooms suffer from night noise
The walk from Central to your room needs some care with luggage

Recommended hotels in this area

Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place: On Rue Auguste Orts, opposite the Stock Exchange and a few steps from the Grand Place; 222 rooms and the Rotisse brasserie.

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