Residence Marie-Therese

The Residence Marie Therese is a five-room bed and breakfast occupying the second and third floor of a bourgeois townhouse built in 1880. Located in residential Ixelles, this homey place provides homespun hospitality in a quiet space away from the bustle of the city.

The five rooms—which consist of two regular rooms, one deluxe room and two studios—do not quite live up to the promises of the elegant building. Their furniture, while new, is rather ordinary. Think ‘90s-style light wooden pieces. The deluxe room is spacious, and boasts a small Jacuzzi tub and a comfy bed, but it still feels more like an aunt’s master bedroom than a luxury suite worthy of a splurge. The well-appointed studios with kitchenettes are great for longer stays. All room options are equipped with satellite television (and DVD players) plus free Wi-Fi.

Downstairs is an altogether different story. The lavish salon is decorated with furniture from the estate of Albert II. With plush sofas and a large screen television, the salon feels more like the living room of a well-to-do relative than a hotel lounge.

Gracious host Céline is a newcomer to the hotel business. She began this bed and breakfast in 2009 because she was “enthusiastic about meeting people.” No wonder staying here is in fact a bit like visiting family. There’s no doubt this property will continue to improve as Céline gains more experience. The rooftop terrace, which provides a serene sanctuary with seating and plenty of sun, is a step in the right direction.