Within a city as big as Brussels, Belgium, you are sure to find many different options for accommodation. As a budget traveler, you want to get the best deal for the money you pay. Jacques Brel Youth Hostel is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable, quiet stay a bit outside of the city center.
The Good
→ With a 10-15 minute walk from the city center of Brussels, Jacques Brel Youth Hostel sports a quiet atmosphere. This makes it a great for getting a good night’s rest without being awoken by the sounds of city life.
→ Jacques Brel Youth Hostel offers lots of freebies to its guests. A free breakfast is offered everyday from 7:30-10:00am. The hostel also offers a fun game room with a ping-pong table, an air hockey table and more! This is a great place to escape the inevitable Brussels rain. The hostel also offers complimentary computers in the lobby.
→ If cleanliness is important to you, then the hostel is a great choice. Not only was my room and private bathroom super clean, but all the shared spaces were very clean and tidy as well.
The Bad
→ While the location of this hostel is quiet, it is probably not the best for a first time visit to Brussels. After a long day walking around and exploring the city, you’ll have to walk the 10-15 minutes back to the hostel, most of which will be uphill. There also didn’t seem to be much in the way of budget eats around the hostel, so fill up before you walk back.
→ The wifi, while free of charge, works best in the lobby. I got some connection in my room on the second floor, but it was spotty and went out every so often.
→ The hostel does have an onsite bar, which claims to have a small food selection. However, when I visited, the first two items I wanted were out of stock and it was a 20 minute wait to have a frozen pizza heated up for me. Maybe find food elsewhere.
The Best Part
→ The best part of staying with Jacques Brel Youth Hostel was the option of having a private room. I stayed the night before heading to the airport, and it was amazing to have my own quiet space to reorganize my bag and get good rest. My room also had lovely, large windows and access to the terrace. It was great to just chill out and enjoy my space.
Overall
If you are just arriving to Brussels for the first time, I might consider looking for accommodations closer to the city. But if you don’t mind a walk or if you’re looking for a budget friendly place to get some good rest, Jacques Brel Youth Hostel may be the right place for you!
→ Book Jacques Brel Youth Hostel
*Note: Thanks to Les Auberges de Jeunesse for hosting me at Jacques Brel Youth Hostel. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. This page contains affiliate links.
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11 Comments
I’ve stayed in a very neat boutique hotel in Brussels the last time I visited – it was also 15 mins from the closest metro station. The walking itself didn’t bother me, but walking up a hill after a long day exploring the city and looking forward to some good food (and getting a pizza) will not work for me.
How funny that it was named after Jacques Brel – lord knows he didn’t have to stay in hostels after his success! Ha! Glad it was clean – shame about the location. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Sarah Stierch recently posted…Four reasons to love Kendall-Jackson’s farm-to-table dinners
I’m always on the hunt for cheap accommodation that’s still got everything you need; I wouldn’t mind the walk up the hill or eating in town, but having spotty wifi is always a little annoying. I always go for private rooms as well because I just prefer to have my own space. It looks like a pleasant place!
Great review of the Jacques Brel. It looks like its a member of Hostel International which I loved using in Iceland, Thailand, & Peru.
What was the price difference between the solo room and the doubles?
Also, it says its a youth hostel? is there an max age limit?
Sounds like a cute hostel I wouldn’t mind staying at. I don’t care about the hill! 😛
Castaway with Crystal recently posted…Travel Guide: Mexico Road Trip
I never think a 10-15 minute walk is far until I am travelling. At the end of a long day, my feet just can’t handle anymore:) I love when hostels have private rooms now that I’m older and looking for more quiet.
Jennifer recently posted…My First Time Abroad: Hard Lessons Learned
Great and honest review- I love private hostel rooms more and more the older I get (just turned 30 so maybe I’m too “old” for hostels anyways?), and that balcony looks very appealing!
Michelle W recently posted…ITINERARY IDEAS: 2 WEEKS IN TANZANIA
What a great tip. It’s so hard to find the right place to stay in a new city. Thanks!
It sounds like a good hostel in the grand scheme of things (I’ve stayed in some shockers!) – I don’t think I’d even mind the walk back up the hill to get home!
I’ve never been to Brussels but seems like a cute place, will have to keep it in mind!
Awesome review! I will keep on reading your posts as I find them very educative and informative!