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Philippe Guilmin, the proprietor of the B & B Guilmin (also known as "Chambres en Ville") has been opening the doors of his spacious four-story home for more than a decade. Thankfully, he's managed to keep rates down.
Guilmin himself is a painter and lavishes just as much attention on the rooms in his beautifully restored 19th Century house, just off the lovely Place du Luxembourg in Ixelles, as he does on his own canvases. As such, everywhere you go in the B & B, elegant paintings, vases, and tapestries greet you.
Rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto either a picturesque street or a quiet, nondescript back alley. All are exquisitely decorated. Navajo-inspired rugs, flowing curtains made of chiffon, and silk lanterns accent one impressive double, titled "The Life of an Artist." Another room, called "Return to Africa" highlights art from the Continent. A twin room flaunts a wall mosaic that looks like it's been plucked straight from the Kunst Gallery's antiquities department. Still another room offers guests a distressed-wood writing desk topped with a vase of colorful pansies. Bathrooms are among the most beautiful we've seen, with unique details like colorful canvas paintings, double sinks, and ceramic tubs.
Philippe is a reserved, sweet man, who doesn't speak much English, but jumps at the opportunity to help. He's quick to dole out tourism brochures and highlighted maps and serves an exquisite full breakfast daily in his country-style dining room (which at the time of our visit was filled with vases of freshly cut roses).
Note: The top-floor studio apartment is available to rent for two week periods. With just five rooms, you'll want to book ahead.
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