stay for the scenic countryside.
Although Belgium is a relatively wealthy country, it is also one of the most politically complex countries in the world. Differences in language and culture between Flanders (the Dutch speaking portion) and Wallonia (the French speaking portion) have lead to several far-reaching reforms, and this continuing antagonism makes Belgian politics so complex that even ordinary Belgians aren’t able to make sense of what’s truly going on. Despite this all, the two halves form a country that contains some of Europe’s most attractive and historical cities, and is a true ‘must-see’ for any visitor to the continent.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 90 days. Standard Schengen rules apply on multiple reentries.
Part of the EU & ► Schengen Agreement.
► US Department of State Belgium Information
Grand Place – Brussels
Size: 173 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Year Opened as a hotel: 1950s
Major Renovation: 2000
Once a jail, later a rather uninspired hotel, today’s refurbished Hotel Amigo (courtesy of Rocco Forte) is one of the best hotels in Brussels, for business or pleasure. The location is central, steps from the scenic Grand Place, in a pedestrian-only historic district, near enough to any number of shops, restaurants, the financial district, and even the Town Hall. And the hotel itself is sublime—a Spanish Renaissance building decorated with ancient Brussels flagstones, Magritte and Broodthaers prints, and even illustrations by Tintin creator Hergé.
Modern and traditional meet with Belgian accents in the guest rooms as well; Brussels linens and Flemish antique furnishings sit alongside sleek modern pieces, leather headboards, creative lighting and creature comforts like pie-plate showerheads and luxe Rocco Forte bath products. Room sizes and layouts vary by price but all are luxurious and a bit subdued, even the suites—however sprawling and well-appointed the Blaton Suite may be, the only thing ostentatious about it is the commanding view of the city’s rooftops from the private terrace.
I AM A ROCCO FORTE PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
central Antwerp
Size: 108 rooms and suites
Style: Traditional Elegance & Lively
Year Opened: 2021
City-center boutique hotels don’t get much greener than the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, set within the walls of the city’s botanical gardens. Here a monastery complex, some of whose buildings date back as far as the 12th century, has been transformed into a 21st-century luxury hotel, alongside a spectacular modern spa. The rooms and suites are delightfully varied and uniformly luxe, the spa is nothing short of sublime, and the hotel’s four restaurants are impressive as well, featuring outposts of the Bruges-based Hertog Jan and and Bar Bulot (with four Michelin stars between them).
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
► SimOptions – Orange Holiday Europe
Orange Holiday Europe eSim is one of the best options for European travellers with coverage in 30 EU countries.
► VIRTUOSO: Belgium Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Belgium Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Belgium.
► VISIT BELGIUM
The official visitor information for Belgium.
Antwerp and the Flanders Region
General Information Page
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page updated: April 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Belgium Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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