Hotels

Hotels in the upper price range, including deluxe hotels of just about every international chain that wants to be represented in the "capital of Europe," have a wealth of facilities and efficient, though invariably impersonal, service. At every level, hotels fill up during the week and empty out on weekends and during July and August. In off-peak periods, rates can drop as much as 50% from those quoted in the listings; be sure to ask for lower rates and confirm that you're quoted the correct rates, which include 6% value-added tax (TVA) and a 16% service charge.

Brussels International Tourism makes reservations for the same day if you go to their offices in person and pay a small fee (which is deducted by the hotel from their room rate).