Craves

Craves, Brussels: A Michelin Key Selected Gem in the Heart of the City

Craves, a Michelin Key Selected property in Brussels, consistently earns high praise for its exceptional central location, distinctive design, and highly accommodating staff. Guests frequently describe their stays as delightful and highly recommend the hotel.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Craves generally receives a "very good" to "excellent" rating from guests, with an overall score often around 8.4 out of 10. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests expressing a desire to return. Reviewers frequently highlight a "superb grand hotel with a beautiful vintage decor and style" and an "exceptional location."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Craves for several key aspects:

• Location: The most frequently praised feature, with a location score often reaching 9.6 out of 10. It's described as "more than perfect," "fantastic," and "unmatched," being within walking distance of major landmarks, public transportation, shopping, and dining.
• Service & Staff: The staff is consistently described as "extremely kind and friendly," "helpful," and "wonderful." Many guests appreciate the warm welcome and personalized assistance.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel boasts a unique "Deco-inspired" and "burlesque" style, with "magnetic colors" and "lovingly furnished" details. Guests appreciate the "super cool boutique hotel" vibe and its "stylish" interiors. The design combines glamorous retro ornamentation with modern simplicity.
• Cleanliness: The hotel and rooms are frequently noted as being "very clean" and "spotlessly clean."

3. Room Quality

Craves offers 75 rooms and suites, designed with a "boudoir style" that blends French chic and Art Deco. Guest feedback on room quality is largely positive:

• Comfort: Rooms are described as "spacious and so comfortable," with "comfy beds" and "perfect bedding and towels." Air conditioning is available in the rooms.
• Design: Guests love the "gorgeous rooms" with "beautiful decor" and "amazing interior," often singling out the floral wallpapers.
• Amenities: Rooms are fully equipped, often including a work desk, TV, and wardrobe. Some rooms also offer a coffee bar. Bathrooms typically feature a shower, though a limited number of rooms have bathtubs.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features a restaurant called Le Conteur, which serves Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine for dinner.

• Breakfast: The breakfast at Craves is highly rated (8.9 score) and described as "amazing," "delicious," and "well priced." Options include Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, American, and Buffet.
• Bar: Craves also offers a bar next to the reception and an exclusive speakeasy bar called Scène, which is praised for its "good vibe" and "crafted cocktails."

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Craves consistently receives excellent feedback, with a high rating for staff performance. Guests highlight the team's friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. From check-in to departure, the service is often described as "great" and "exceptional."

6. Location & Accessibility

Craves boasts an "exceptional" and "prime" location in the heart of Brussels, specifically near the Grand Place.

• Attractions: It's within a short walking distance of major attractions like the Grand Place (250-300 meters), Manneken Pis, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, and Place Sainte-Catherine.
• Transport: The hotel is conveniently located near public transportation, including De Brouckere underground station (300 meters away) and Brussels Central Train Station, making it easy to explore the city. The hotel is located on a pedestrian street, so there is no car access directly to the entrance. Brussels Airport is approximately 20-21 km away.
• Neighborhood: The surrounding area is rich with cultural institutions, bustling streets, and a wide array of shops and restaurants.

7. Value & Pricing

Craves is generally considered to offer "excellent value for money," with a value rating of 8.2 out of 10. The average price per room is around $196, which is competitive with the city's average of $184, suggesting that the quality and amenities provided justify the cost. Rates can start from approximately EUR 126.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor issues are occasionally mentioned:

• Noise: Some guests have reported noise, particularly from the restaurant's music choice or, on weekends, the restaurant turning into a disco on the first floor. However, some rooms are noted as being quiet despite the central location.
• Room Size/View: A few guests found rooms to be "super small" or had disappointing views.
• Drainage Issues: One guest experienced drainage issues in their bathroom, leading to a room change.
• Hallway Lighting: A comment mentioned that the hallway lighting could be improved.
• No Car Access: The hotel's location on a pedestrian street means no direct car access, which can be an inconvenience for luggage.
• Lack of disabled access: The hotel's guest rooms are not equipped with facilities for guests with disabilities.

Sources

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6. craves-hotel.com
7. craves-hotel.com
8. michelin.com
9. allbrusselshotels.com
10. craves-hotel.com
11. agoda.com
12. brussels-hotel.org
13. h-rez.com