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On the banks of the River Maas, the ancient city of Maastricht is home to several universities and venue of numerous international conferences. Just last year, the 13th United World College opened here, so it’s a vibrant city with a large international student population. Maastricht is a popular recreational destination as well, with heaps of great shops and restaurants. Furthermore, this is a very convenient location for exploring not only the Netherlands, but also Belgium and Germany, both only minutes away.

Conveniently located between the railway station and the old city, the Beaumont is a great lodging option and I ususally stay here whenever I’m in Maastricht for a conference. Everything in town is within easy walking distance. For US history buffs, the Beaumont has an American connection as well. During World War II, it was for a while home to the 9th American batallion. This is commemorated with photos around the hotel.

The rooms are affordable, clean and comfortable with rates from EUR 49.50 per person, including an ample and delicious breakfast buffet. Superior rooms are very spacious and have cool rain showers. Some rooms have a little balcony, so you can have a look at life as it passes by. There’s a large suite as well as a family-room with two baths and two TVs!

For other lodging options in the Netherlands, have a look at our reviews here.

Beaumont
Wycker Brugstraat 2
6221 EC Maastricht – The Netherlands
tel + 31 43 325 44 33
info@beaumont.nl

Review by Anne-Sophie Redisch of Sophie’s World
Photos courtesy of mylimburg at flickr’s Creative Commons

Marriott Ghent combines the best of old and new in historic Belgium building.

Historic Ghent

Everyone has heard of Bruges, Belgium, yet there is a lot of history to be found in the nearby city of Ghent. Overlooking  the Korenlei on the banks of the river Lys canal, the three year old Marriott Ghent seamlessly combines the old with the new. The centuries old building is a treasure to the citizens of Ghent and they are proud of their history and historic buildings. The Marriott Ghent has successfully married old brick walls, while featuring a glass-sided lobby to let the sunlight of Ghent stream in.

Belgium's Marriott Ghent lobby combines the old with the new.

Rooms with a View

My room, #306, a quality room, went for 306 Euro during a May 2010 stay. If you are looking for a canal view, Room #331 offers a good view of the canal. Those on an expense account or with plenty of Marriott points may opt for the Junior Suite with a canal view at 425 Euro. Breakfast, served from 6:30 – 11 a.m. in the half-timbered restaurant had a combination of hot and cold offerings. 

The smoke-free Marriott Ghent has two handicapped accessible rooms, a business center and small gym for working out. If you arrive by car, Marriott Ghent offers underground parking for 19 Euro daily. Social media guests will find the Marriott Ghent on Twitter. You may also follow VisitFlanders on Twitter and become a Facebook Fan of Visit Gent for more information on the area.

Quality Room #306 at the Ghent Marriott in Belgium

Marriott Ghent – Great Location

The Marriott Ghent is located steps from the Grand Meat Hall, a place where meat was stored and traded back in the middle ages. It’s also close to charming shops such as the famous mustard shop. When in Ghent, make sure to sample the Gentse Waterzooi soup, Belgium chocolates and stop at the St. Bavo Cathedral to view the Adoration of the Mystical Lamb.

Marriott Ghent +32 (0) 92 339393

Drabsraat

Ghent, 9000 Belgium

Related Posts:

Things to See and Do in Ghent, Belgium

Conrad Brussels offers luxury in Belgium

Centrally located B & B in Brussels, Belgium

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip  I was a guest of Marriott Ghent.

Conrad Hotel, located on 71 Avenue Louise in Brussels, Belgium,

Conrad Brussels, Luxury on Avenue Louise

Located on the famous Avenue Louise, the Conrad Brussels is one of  Belgium’s top luxury hotels and is THE place to stay in Brussels. Easily accessible to the Palais Royal and Grand Place, the Conrad Brussels is an ideal location for visitors looking to stroll this elegant capital.

Opened in 1993, the hotel has preserved its 19th century facade, while offering 20th century accommodations. The Conrad Brussels features large marble bathrooms with bath and separate shower, digital TV (although you won’t need TV with all of the museums nearby) high speed internet, (for an extra fee) mini-bar, a large work table and luxury toiletries.

Conrad Brussels Deluxe Room 623, located in Belgium on the famous Avenue Louise

 

Handicapped Accessible, Family and Pet-Friendly

Offering 269 luxury guest rooms, including 39 suites, and two rooms for the disabled, the Conrad Brussels is family and pet friendly. The hotel offers connecting family rooms and all rooms are pet-friendly for an extra fee. While 99% of the hotel is smoke-free, smoking is permitted in first floor rooms. The Conrad also features Cafe Wiltcher’s for guests wanting to dine in-house. For those needing to check e-mail, The Conrad Brussels has complimentary computers available at the business center. Personally, I like the Conrad for its goose down feather duvets and the free shoe shine service.

My deluxe room, number 623, was on the top floor and looked over Avenue Louise. The rack rate for this room was 550 Euro, however, check the website for the best available room rates.

Aspria Avenue Louis e Spa

Guests may enjoy the spa facilities, fitness room and swimming pool. If you have time, book a one hour Aroma Massage (90 Euro) followed with a dip in the hot tub. The aromatherapy massage was just the ticket to help combat my jet lag after an 11 hour flight from San Francisco.

If You Go:

Conrad Brussels 00 32 2 542 48 03

71 Avenue Louise

1050 Brussels, Belgium

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of  Conrad Brussels.

Related Post: Things to do in Belgium