THE BIG SLEEP

TOP HOTELS

Amigo

1-3 rue de l'Amigo, B-1000 Tel 511 59 10 Has boasted a variety of star names on its guest list, including Princess Stéphanie of Monaco and Peter Ustinov.

Brussels Hilton

8 boulevard de Waterloo, B-1000 Tel 504 11 11 Near Brussels' most expensive shopping centre, the avenue Louise and Toisson d'Or area.

Metropole de Brouckèreplein

31, B-1000 Tel 217 23 00 Well-known, stylish, fin-de-siècle hotel.

Hotel Conrad

71 avenue Louise, B-1050 Tel 542 42 42

Top-class hotel where all sorts of officials - from the EU, the EC, NATO and the US - meet each other. Nice cuisine, posh service

Pullman Astoria

103 rue Royale, B-1210 Tel 217 62 90 A classic, ritzy hotel that has featured in a couple of films, including Harry Kümel's Eline Vere.

Royal Windsor

5 rue Duquesnoy, B-1000 Tel 511 42 15 Typically British near the old town centre.

SAS Royal Hotel

Wolvengracht 47, B-1000 Tel 219 28 28 The Royal has become a favourite place to stay for filmmakers and pop stars

Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Rogierplein 3, B-1210 Tel 224 31 11 Near the less attractive North Station area, but within walking distance of the Rue Neuve shopping area and the City 2 mall.

ALSO RECOMMENDED

Hotel Albert

I Rogierplein 20, B-1210 Tel 217 21 25 Classy, offers special weekend rates.

Brussels Hotel

avenue Louise 315, B-1050 Tel (32) 2 640 24 15 A highly-regarded hotel from the same group as the Hotel Président.

Forum Hotel

2 avenue du Haut Pont, B-1060 Tel (32) 2. 343 01 00 Family atmosphere and reasonable rates, plus a good restaurant and meeting room facilities.

New Hotel Siru

1 place Rogier, B-1210 Tel 217 75 80 Charming hotel near the run-down North Railway Station with original works of contemporary Belgian artists in each room.

Hotel Président

World Trade Centre, boulevard Emile Jacqmain 180, B-1210 Tel (32) 2. 217. 20 20 Although its location could be better, this five-star hotel offers 310 luxurious rooms.