Odette en Ville, Brussels

The hotel is on the corner of a quiet street in desirable Ixelles, in the south of the city. The city centre is one-and-a-half miles away - catch a bus from a nearby stop or walk 20 minutes to the nearest Metro/Tram station, which connects directly to Gare du Midi.

Visit nearby Musée Victor Horta which celebrates the work of the Belgian architect and Art Nouveau genius

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 10-minute drive from the hotel. Book trains to Brussels.

The feel is that of a members' club: classy black-on-grey colours, dimly lit walls, lacquered doors, thick carpets, velvet-upholstered chairs and a shiny-topped bar. Rows of silver-framed black-and-white photographs - fashion shoots and iconic film and music stars - line every conceivable wall while even lampshades are black.

There's a small library, with black and grey sofas, as well as the lounge-bar in which to relax, plus, on warmer days, a street-side terrace set with tables and chairs.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Terrace
• Library
• Free Wi-Fi

Blacks and greys continue in the bedrooms, although here they contrast with bedheads and crsip linen. Mirror-panelled wardrobe doors cleverly add light while decoration is restrained - think chrome lamps, Bakelite telephones and more black-and-white photographs. Bathrooms are sleek with marble fittings.

Room types: Classic Room +, Deluxe Room, Odette Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with 'Odette en ville' toiletries, TV, high-speed Wi-Fi

Continental breakfast is waiter-served and includes fresh juice, cheeses and charcuterie as well as eggs cooked how you want. The French menu is full of classic dishes, some with an Asian twist; do leave room for dessert.

The restaurant: classic French cooking with an Asian twist. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri and lunch Sat-Sun.

The lounge & bar: classic, classy, extensive menu. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-1am.