Conrad Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

The Conrad Brussels is an oasis in the rather depressing desert of Brussels luxury hotels. It’s on the Avenue Louise, not a good location for weekenders who wish to be near the Grande-Place, but perfect for visiting businessmen. Taxis sweep up to a grand entrance, where top-hatted doormen solicitously hold umbrellas. The lobby is a hymn to marble, high ceilings and grand chandeliers. Serried ranks of reception staff work efficiently and courteously. Fat cats and Eurocrats will have every whim attended to; more modest travellers will be delighted by the five-star treatment and superlative service.

The facilities

The Conrad has every variety of high-tech meeting room, and the gym features everything from a full-length pool to a dance studio. Restaurants range from chic fine dining in Maison de Maitre to a classic lobby lounge.

The luxury hotel is built around a central courtyard, so has less of the monolithic lightlessness that attends many similar buildings. Terrace dining in the summer is very popular.

The rooms

The luxury hotel's 269 rooms are all extremely spacious and are not without elegance. Most of the rooms have now been updated and renovated, in a programme that started in 2004. Rooms come in two styles, classic high-end traditional and more contemporary, urban chic; the latter are more appealing. All have king-sized beds; suites have two queen-sized beds. Again, facilities are excellent. Bathrooms, which range from big enough to huge, are stuffed with amenities; workspaces include large desks and free access to wifi in all rooms. A full range of office services is available for hire.