Sofitel Brussels Europe, Place Jourdan, Brussels

Modern, understated hotel in Brussels' European district with young, fashionable staff and spacious, cool, mostly white rooms, tastefully decorated with restrained prints of City scenes. The large soft beds are exceptionally comfortable and the windows and walls well sound-proofed so guests returning from sampling Brussels' limited nightlife don't disturb each other. A coffee-maker, a large flat-screen television, a cordless phone and very quiet air-conditioning are among the mod-cons designed to justify the pricey 245 Euros room-rate. The buffet breakfast in the light, but surprisingly ostentatious, restaurant costs an additional 25 Euros. But the hot food, in particular, is disappointing - the scrambled eggs watery and the sausages undercooked. 6/10