http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19460 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19460 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14908
The bedrooms are themed: we got all adventurous in the African-themed Lawrence of Arabia suite (complete with animal print bed linen, spears on the wall and a real vine in the bedroom). Goodness knows what we’d find in the Italian style Farrinelli room.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14731 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14731 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14730
Not only is the Metropole located right in the historic centre of Brussels, literally a five minute walk from the Grand Place and nearby alfresco restaurants, it also offers all the ambience of a luxurious hotel.

The interior decoration is a mix of Rennaissance, Empire and Art Deco styles and the facade and ground floor are under protection by the Local Council of Monuments and Sights.

After a round of sight seeing and a sample of the local speciality of Mussels served with Chips we were able to wind down in Metropole's own sidewalk cafe/bar and watch the world go by knowing our bed was only a lift ride away.

And best of all it was a bargain at £65 for a double room booked last minute through otel.com. If you want a great day and night out I can only recommend staying in the Metropole in Brussels. After all it is only a train ride away from London!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14730 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14716
What a fantastic way to start a truly memorable weekend!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14716 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14702
Full of character hotel with very individual and slightly eccentric decor. Delicious breakfasts, good location and no curfew.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14702 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14588
We stayed in the room on the top floor, which was like an apartment, spread over two floors with skylight to look up into the stars as you went to sleep, which cost €110.

It's about five minutes' walk from both the Grand Place and the beautiful St Catherine's Cathedral, and all the brilliant restaurants around it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14588 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13531
The landlady, Caroline, was a very caring hostess and made our weekend perfect.

The prices are a real bargain.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13531 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11536
Book the hotel from an internet booking site as we got a rate one third of the rack rate. The hotel provides a substantial breakfast and is close to all the sites.

Strongly recommend Chez Leon to eat. It prepares fresh moules in a huge variety of ways. For an after meal beverage you cannot beat Cafe Delirium which is down an alley 25 metres beneath Chez Leon, directly opposite the feminine version of the Manekin Pis. A trip to Brugges is well worth the train journey including a climb up the magnificent Belfort tower.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11486 The manager showed us to a beautiful room and it was at this point that we explained about moving hotels to make our anniversary special.

When we fetched our cases and went up to reception to collect our keys, the receptionists were very welcoming and handed us the keys to a penthouse suite! This was really beautiful and had views right across Brussels.

On our actual anniversary we had champagne and chocolates from the hotel management.

What a brilliant hotel!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11486 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10135 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10135 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3841 If you call the hotel direct and not via the call centre you will get some fabulous deals.
Although a business/diplomat hotel at heart, our three children, aged four, eight and 12, are always welcomed.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3841 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3837 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3837 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1423
One warning, the location map on the website has very strange orientation, which is very confusing when you're trying to find the hotel. But that's a minor problem for a good-value hotel so handy for the city centre.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1423 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/332 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/332 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/330 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/330