Apart Hotel Brussels Midi
Staying at Apart Hotel Brussels Midi was a mixed experience, but overall it worked well for our short trip. The check-in was smooth and staff spoke English clearly—no issues there. The apartment came with a full kitchen including a microwave, standard-sized oven, and a washing machine—great for self-catering. However, no detergent was provided, which was surprising since we’d been traveling across Europe for two months and laundry access was a must. Still, the cooking facilities were more than sufficient for a quick breakfast or light meal. The room itself—Room 2, the Sydney Room on the second floor—was bright and cheerful with its fuchsia pink walls, spacious at 50 sqm, and had a small but functional elevator, which was essential with our large suitcases. It’s just a 5–10 minute walk to Brussels Midi Train Station, but the route isn’t ideal—uneven pavement, tram tracks, deep gutters, lots of people loitering around, and general litter made pushing luggage tough. Walking into the city center takes about 15–25 minutes, which is manageable if you’re not in a rush. That said, it’s a decent base for day trips to Bruges, Ghent, Luxembourg, or Amsterdam via train. Hot water temperature and pressure were excellent, lighting was bright and well-placed, and the towels were fresh and replaced once during our five-night stay. A convenient corner store is just 150 meters away, and a Lidl is about 1.2 km—both easy to reach. Wi-Fi was fast and reliable in the room. Overall, the value felt reasonable after considering all factors. On the downside, the area around the hotel has a slightly run-down feel, and I wouldn’t recommend walking around late at night. There are quite a few people experiencing hardship hanging near the station—common near major train hubs in Europe, but still noticeable. Dining options nearby are limited, especially Western-style evening meals. However, the Pullman Hotel’s restaurant and its ground-floor bar are solid choices, as is La Ruche Halal Restaurant—though it gets packed quickly, so arrive early or book ahead. The subway construction project between the station and the hotel seems to be dragging on forever—no clear end date in sight. Noise pollution from locals and car horns was constant, especially if you opened a window. Unfortunately, the ceiling fan didn’t work, and the bathroom towel rail heater wasn’t functioning in mid-March. The advertised queen bed was actually a standard double—slightly misleading. While there’s a coffee pod machine with five pods included, the sign says each pod costs €0.50. Was this a mistake? Were those five free, or will future pods cost extra? It raises questions about transparency. No large drinking mugs were provided, and there’s no in-room safe. Early luggage drop-off isn’t available either—check-in starts at 3 PM. Lastly, hand soap, instant coffee, and tea bags were very low and never replenished during our stay. All in all, this place works best for travelers focused on transit convenience and budget-friendly stays. If you prioritize quiet, privacy, or premium amenities, you might want to look elsewhere.
