Brussels: Hôtel La Madeleine (2 Star Hotel)

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Address: Rue de la montagne 20-22, 1000 brussels , Brussels 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Lonely Planet review

A rabbit warren of twisting corners, corridors and hidden staircases behind its heritage-listed facade, this quaintly traditional hotel is far from fancy, but its sensational location and friendly service fills it with city breakers on a budget taking advantage of the rock-bottom rates.

A heart-stopping, shoebox-size lift with no internal doors (the lift well's walls slide by as you ride up the floors) shuttles you up to the maze of rooms. Depending on which room you're in, you might think you've shrunk Alice in Wonderland-style or, conversely, grown: the cheaper single rooms equate to walk-in wardrobes and have a washbasin only in a corner next to the bed, but are fine for seeing Brussels on a shoestring. Infinitely more spacious are the Executive rooms, with separate bathrooms and a writing desk near the window. Decorated with faded fleur-de-lys wallpaper and nondescript carpet, rooms at the front have the bonus of a view over a small, busy square, Place Agora, but they're also noisier. Rates include breakfast, and kids are welcome. Don't be confused: this place isn't actually on nearby Rue de la Madeleine, but on the opposite side of the square.