Can we get some information reguarding staying at the Sofitel near the Parc Leopold. It seems to be a very nice hotel and we can get a great rate but I am afraid that it is to far from the city center (spontantionus wandering) and I have read that it is a somewhat run down neighborhood. We will arrive in Brussels May 3rd (Thrus) depart May 6th (Sun). Thank you for any advise in advance.
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The hotel is quite nice though the area is better located if you have to work in the EU quarter rather than be a tourist.
The good news is that you are close to public transportation and you are not ridiculously far from the main tourist attractions. The neighborhood is undergoing a gentrification and is fine. You are also located at Place Jourdan which has the best French Fries in the world at Maison Antoine.
From your hotel ask the clerk for directions how to walk to the Parc Cinqentenaire. The neighborhoods through there are safe and you will run across an area with many bistros that is not as touristy as the Grand Place area. Also ask for directions to the nearest metro stop and look on the map in the station for metro exits for Toison D%26#39;Or (shopping), the Bourse and De Broucker (near the Grand Place). These exits will put you within walking distance of the major tourist attractions. Buy your ticket for one day and you can use the buses, trams and metro line on that ticket.
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I was thinking of staying there for my trip last Christmas, mainly because of the nice and modern design it boasts. Although, i wouldn%26#39;t say it%26#39;s the cheapest hotel, as we have found similar properties(Sofitel Toison, Sofitel Astoria, Renaissance, Marriott etc) for about the same price. The neighbourhood is ok, especially if you want to be close to the EU institutions.
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I think the reference to %26quot;run-down neighbourhood%26quot; may relate to a block of buildings on rue Belliard/rue Froissart that was demolished about a month ago after having been left to deteriorate for a while. Building work is in progress but you have a clinic and the Commission%26#39;s conference centre between you and the building site so although it may affect which sidewalk you can use on your way to and from the metro station, I don%26#39;t think you should hear it.
The Sofitel is aimed at delegates to EU meetings at the conference centre next door, so hotel prices plummet at weekends. Although it is true that it isn%26#39;t in a prime tourist location, it%26#39;s only 3 blocks downhill from Schuman metro station (line 1) and close to a bus-stop for the no. 80 bus to Porte de Namur. This also stops at Trône, which is not only (like Porte de Namur) on metro line 2 but also a good place to change onto dozens of different bus lines.
On Sunday morning you have a small produce etc. market in the Place Jourdan. The nearby Parc Léopold isn%26#39;t especially interesting (though you can take a path from there that goes via the European Parliament buildings to the Place du Luxembourg) but your spontaneous wandering should take you down rue Archimède - where the airport bus stops by the Berlaymont - at the end of which you will find Square Ambiorix, with some art nouveau houses. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area.
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It%26#39;s not far from the city centre. Just walk 5 minutes to Schuman metro station and you will be in the city centre in no time.
As regards the neighbourhood, it is basically in the heart of the EU district, so it is far from rundown. Although I wouldn%26#39;t wander south of Place Jourdan, where the hotel is situated. It%26#39;s not exactly rundown there, but it wouldn%26#39;t be as safe as the EU area.
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Thank you all for taking the time to post with your help. I appreciate it. We are looking forward to our trip.
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