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.

BACKGROUND

• Aspria Avenue Louise, Brussels

• Thermes de Spa, Belgium

• George V Spa, Paris

• Guerlain Institut de Beaute, Paris

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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

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