Brussels B&B

We were looking for a quiet, smoke-free apartment for our stay in Brussels, Sept. 23-29, 2009, and B&B Maritiem (rue de Ribaucourtstraat 135, 1080 Brussels, Belgium; phone +32 0 498 33 97 32) was perfect.

Our hosts, Lies and Danny, answered all our questions prior to our booking online and provided travel advice later.

The B&B is located just across the canal from Lower Town and just two blocks from public transit. To the south, at the metro station Ribaucourt, the number 2 and 6 lines loop around the town center down to Gare du Midi/Zuid. And to the north, the No. 14 bus runs directly to Gare du Nord in five minutes giving quick access to trains for day trips.

This B&B is actually a self-contained studio apartment on the top floor (there is a lift) of a nicely renovated building in what was once the canal mill area of Brussels. It is a multicultural residential area, the kind where Turkish grandmothers sit on doorsteps watching their grandchildren and the local shop owners know everyone. Small groceries, bakeries and take-away places are nearby. It is very quiet.

We paid €430 ($626) for six nights. The studio has a bathroom with shower. The alcove bedroom has a large bed, two small wardrobes and a large dresser; you just have to watch your head with the sloping ceiling. The kitchen has a refrigerator and stovetop but no oven or microwave. There is satellite TV and free WiFi.

The windows look down on a garden area. The studio does not have A/C; it might be uncomfortable in summer.

The breakfasts delivered to our door each morning were amazing, with breads, pastries, yogurt, juice, cheese, meats and fruit. In the cabinets were condiments, coffee, tea and cocoa as well as cooking oil, spices, etc., and the refrigerator held bottled water, beer, milk and jam.

We would certainly stay there again on any return trip.

TAMARA COMPTON

Bellingham, WA