the eccentricity and romance of Jules Verne
This is a brilliant B & B set is within easy walking distance to the Royal District, Old Centre and EU area, but away from the touristic hoards. (Is there anything more absurd then camera wielding hordes jostling for position around the city’s unlikely icon ‘Manneken Pis’? This sight alone should fast-track you into the Belgian sense of humour. But we digress…) Walking the streets of a new city it’s hard not to peek into living room windows and wonder how your life could be if only… Set in an 1883 townhouse crammed with original details this B&B gives you a look behind closed doors in a truly inspiring way.
the romantic blue room
Each room has a theme and is decorated with eclectic but skilfully chosen bric-a-brac – including personal treasures gleaned from host Karin’s own extensive travels. Our pick of the bunch is the blue room with private terrace and Japanese style bathroom. The Mezzanine and Office room (with shared facilities) are also charming. We’d steer clear of the Brown room and its somewhat unusual bathroom arrangements.
Phileas Fogg: your open sesame in Brussels
This place is the ultimate antidote to the characterless and sterile hotel. As Karin says on her website: “We might not be the best, nor the most strictly organised, but certainly the warmest welcome of Brussels, and the quirkiest designs, is what you will find here.”
We couldn’t agree more, yes, there’s a certain level of family chaos and you get the impression that dusting is sometimes rushed over in favour of more enthralling activities, such as importing tango shoes from Argentina…(yes, Karin has many interests!). But ultimately, we find it difficult to fault these priorities…This is the most atmospheric address in Brussels.
mandarine room @ phileas fogg
Pluses: Karin speaks seven languages fluently (English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian). Rooms and mini-flats are available for longer-term rental.
Our Tips: early morning evacuees should avoid the school run rush by settling their accounts the evening before. Be aware there are two friendly but large dogs on site. Late night arrivals can kickstart their Brussels experience at the nearby Le Perroquet (31 Rue Watteeu, Sablon) an art nouveau beer hall/bistro with a glass of the local ‘half and half’ and a serve of moules frites.
Nightly Rates: €130/150 (single/double) 10% discount during low-season Info & Bookings: Please tell Karin we sent you! 
Our suggested Lullaby: Si Tu Disais, a little animated dreamscape by chanteuse and Brussels local, Françoiz Breut from her album Vingt a Trent Mille Jours:
Other Hotels We Love in Brussels: sleep with a hipster at Tenbosch House or dream of paint swatches at Hotel Pantone.
