The Dominican, Brussels

You're bang in the centre of town - a few minutes' walk from the Grand-Place - yet the hotel is on a pedestrianised street, so you're not amongst the tourist crowds. The cathedral and fine art museum are both close by, and the mainline and Metro stations are a ten minute walk.

By plane: there are direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Birmingham. The hotel is a 30-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 15-minute drive from the hotel. Book trains to Brussels.

As you'd expect from a hotel belonging to the Design Hotels group, this is a swish and stylish place. Airy, double-height public rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and glass partitions, sleek velvet and leather fabrics and colours of black, aubergine and tangerine.

Whilst it's a large hotel - with 150 rooms - there's always a quiet corner to relax in; the courtyard is the perfect spot for a tranquil moment after a busy day's sight-seeing.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Courtyard
• Fitness centre
• Room service
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are large with clean-lined furniture and large headboards. Colours are sober shades of bitter chocolate and cream with flashes of blue and red in lampshades and shiny tables. Bathrooms are sleek and modern.

Room types: Deluxe, Courtyard, Executive, Loft, Concept Rooms and Suites, Studio Apartments

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, king or twin beds, climate control, high speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities

Breakfast is a substantial buffet, from charcuterie and terrines to waffles and a cooked English. The bar does a handsome line in cocktails, too. There's an all-day menu with light bites and full meals - try the Caesar salad, lobster pasta or navarin of lamb.

Grand Lounge: relaxed, modern cuisine, classic European dishes. Open daily until midnight.

Lounge Bar: sophisticated atmosphere, extensive menu of wines, digestifs and cocktails.