USP The Renaissance is a stone’s throw from the European Parliament,
which makes it popular with business travellers and MEPs in the week. At the
weekend though it’s a good spot for tourists – the rates come down a few
Euros and although you’re a 30-minute walk from central Brussels, you’re a
world away from the tacky souvenir shops and crowds of the Grand Place.
Swap umbrella-wielding tour groups for serenity and places to hang out like
Place Jourdan. It’s a five-minute walk away and home to the city’s best
frites hut, cafes inhabited by real Belgians, a world-beating ice cream
parlour and the verdure of Leopold Park.
AMBIENCE To call this a spa is to exaggerate – it’s a hotel with
treatment rooms. Forget ladies wandering around in bathrobes and a
relaxation room with herbal teas – the treatments here are efficient,
functional and without fuss. The room was the same – sparse, practical and
with little decoration.
While I may have spoken in the past of dreary, dark treatment rooms in hotel
basements, to be faced with a huge window overlooking a small park and only
a net curtain between it and my massage table was a little odd. It wasn’t
the only thing about the room that was strange – there was a huge bath in
the corner – presumably for spa baths, a shower and bright lights – no soft
glow and spa music here.
EXPERIENCE Lack of frivolities aside, the hour-long full body massage
was good. This being the Continent I was given a male therapist without
first requesting whether I’d mind. I didn’t – in fact most of the really
good massages I’ve had have been given by male therapists.
He used a light massage oil that had no noticeable scent and was discreet
about covering my body with towels so I felt comfortable – the only
distraction was the bright sunlight coming through the window. Thankfully we
weren’t at ground level, otherwise the thought of people peering in would
have concerned me – that said, I’ll never complain about a windowless
treatment room again.
The massage was good - firm without being agonising. Afterwards my muscles
were loose and I felt a little spaced out from the pummeling. I also slept
better then usual that night
FOOD I’d recommend the restaurants and cafes of Place Jourdan over the
hotel restaurant. Although the food was fine, the surroundings were
uninspiring – it’s much nicer to eat in a bustling café, particularly if the
weather allows you to eat outside.
IN CROWD The gym was busy with European and American businessmen and
women and a few fit-looking locals.
WALLET WATCH It costs €75 (£60) for a one-hour massage
NEED TO KNOW Renaissance Brussels Hotel, Rue du Parnasse 19, Brussels,
1050; (32 2 2 551 5990; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/brubr-renaissance-brussels-hotel/)
Ginny McGrath travelled to Brussels with Eurostar
from St Pancras
