Hotel Review: Le Dixsèptieme, Brussels

You're on a quiet side street but the hotel is less than a five-minute walk from the Grand-Place, the central showpiece of Brussels with its elaborate town hall and guild-houses.

By plane: there are direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Birmingham. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the airport. Book flights to Brussels.

By train: the Eurostar goes direct from London St Pancras to Brussels (2 hours). The terminal is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Book trains to Brussels.

The neo-classical main part of the hotel, with the public rooms and grander bedrooms, dates from the 17th century (hence the name) and are traditionally furnished; the newer wings behind blend seamlessly but have a lighter, more contemporary touch.

The staff, who are used to demanding business clients, are quietly efficient, endlessly helpful and on hand 24 hours.

• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Breakfast
• Room service
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are either fairly grand, with antiques, parquet floors and oak beams, or more contemporary - but still classical.

Room types: Patio Budget, Patio Standard, Garden Standard, Garden Junior Suite, Garden Superior Suite, Classic Junior Suite, Classic Suite, Classic Superior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bath and shower, double bed, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

It's breakfast-only, but what a beautiful start to the day: freshly squeezed juice, fresh fruit salad, yoghurts, pastries, cold meats, cheeses and smoked salmon, plus a small range of hot dishes.

Breakfast: high-end continental breakfast, served to your table in the lounge.