Anyone would choose this Hilton for the location, location, location! Right around the corner from the Grand Place, across the square from the main entrance to the Centraal station, and walking distance to the Museums and Saint Katherine's cathedral etc.
The rooms are spacious, clean and European furnishings give it a clean streamlined appearance. Certainly different to the U.S. Hiltons. Of course the Hilton hallmark free and substantial breakfast is included as is the free wifi etc. my one beef is that there is no plug for the hairdryer in the bathroom, but there is one for the shaver. So I used the plug right outside the bathroom door, which was not ideal, but served the purpose because it faces the mirror.
However there is another FREE and FANTASTIC Bonus for all you regulars and Hilton Honors members, which must be one of the best kept secret surprises amongst Hilton loyalists, it is the Executive Lounge in the hotel!
Located right by the bar on the way to the Elevators, tucked coyly to the right, a modest doorway leads you to a smallish area that holds to its far left a slim rectangular table of BIG taste! Catering to different tastes at different times of day.
Let me begin by their offering of Canapes, a modest description of the lavish spread they put out at dinner time. Words will not do it justice, because despite the full bodied favors of the beers, wines and food, everything is remarkably 'health wise', and this is the real bonus! One feels full but not stuffed. There is something for even the pickiest eater!!
The menu varies from day to day, with a traditional main like Famous Belgian mussels and frites, or rice and chicken, or a fish, etc. and there are always several sides of salads, a cous cous, or quinoa, or barley dish, all with vegetables and meats...coffee, detox water, juices, sodas and still and sparking waters in the fridge, all in glass bottles.. Small touches with big oomph factor. Gently combining grace and comfort.
Oh and desserts! A few choices every single day..
The seating can get tight some evenings and I can see them having to expand this at some stage, or allow it to spill through to the other side, or put to the bar seating area.
If you're done early and head back to the hotel in the afternoon, 2:00 pm onwards, you can find olives, cheeses, meats and nuts and dried fruits laid out for your nibbling pleasure..and 3:00 to 5:00 pm is high tea!! Again.. Substantial spread! Filling and added bonus of fruits!!
My favorite dish? It was a dinner time fennel salad!! Words cannot do justice, and I will not attempt to describe it in words. On most days we were too quick to eat and far too slow to take pictures.
Last but not the least, great service, attentive yet un noticed. Efficient and perfectly Jeeves-esq Roberto and and the lovely, smiling, energetic Catarina, who will cater to your every culinary wish, complete this charming Complementary dining experience, which is easy on your wallet and a pleasing on your palate, with flavored of gourmet foods, very stylishly presented, tastefully paired and throughly enjoyed!!
A convenient and comfortable stay, almost hard to say goodbye to! read more