The Max Hotel, situated on a busy shopping street in central Brussels, is a cool, modern and unapologetically basic budget hotel. Though technically a one-star hotel (quote the Web site: “who cares?”), its uncluttered design easily exceeds those of most two- and three-star establishments. It’s also super-clean and comfortable—not to mention conveniently located.

Situated close to tram and subway lines, the clean, comfortable 46-room Jacques Brel Hostel is a good base for budget-conscious travelers.

The Hotel Les Ecrins is a cozy one-star budget hotel situated in a 19th-Century townhouse in the heart of Ste. Catherine.

The 14-room Hotel Saint Michel, situated directly on the Grand Place, screams, "Location!"

Located right behind the City2 Mall, just one block away from a popular shopping street, Sleep Well is a 92-room hostel not far from the hip Sainte Catherine quarter. With in-house concerts and exhibitions, the Sleep Well is a fun place to stay.

The three-star Queen Anne is a 60-room budget alternative to design hotels, located close to Sainte Catherine and Gare du Nord. The staff comes across as courteous and professional without trying too hard, and the airy lobby has cozy seating, free Internet stations and a small bar. Best of all, it’s very reasonably priced.

The three-star Les Bluets Hotel is more of a friendly guesthouse than it is a hotel. With its rustic charm, amiable proprietor and floral prints, Les Bluets is an ideal hotel for vacationers looking for a piece of old European charm. (It’s kind of like staying with the Belgian aunt you never had.)

With 262 rooms, the four-star Renaissance Hotel, an outlet of the Marriott Hotel chain, is a mammoth establishment spanning an entire block. Located just around the corner from the European Parliament, the impeccably equipped Renaissance caters mostly to business travelers, but can offer a great value to tourists on weekends.

The three-star Pantone Hotel is the only hotel in the world built according to the Pantone color categorization system. Situated on a lovely square just a few tram stops from the city center, this colorful establishment provides an affordable base for the stylish.

The one-star Rembrandt Hotel is a tastefully understated masterpiece. Located just steps from Avenue Louise, this quiet bed and breakfast offers 12 immaculate rooms full of both character and comfort.

Instead of poolside celebrities, you might see a middle-aged German couple in the basement sauna at the three-star Hotel Beverly Hills. The place is unpretentious and comfortable.

Located smack in the heart of the up-and-coming district of Marolles, the Galia Hotel is a compact two-star property that’s made for the urban hipster.

The three-star Bloom! Hotel, newly opened in 2008, offers 300 stylishly decorated rooms and upscale service at a fraction of the rate found at luxury establishments.

Close to both the Grand Place and the business district, the St. Nicolas Hotel is a two-star property that provides a good value for the buck.

Austin Powers would feel right at home in the groovy time capsule that is the three-star Hotel Vintage. Located a mere block from the major thoroughfare of Avenue Louise, the Vintage is an intimate boutique hotel that strikes the right balance between comfort and quirk.

One block south of the Grand Place—and facing Mannekin Pis, La Vielle Lanterne is a small, family-run budget hotel offering six rooms in a pretty four-story brick building.

The Cristea family has run the two-star Hotel A La Grand Cloche Hotel, smack in the center of Brussels, since 1966. This 36-room property is a good value.

Philippe Guilmin, the proprietor of the Chambres en Ville, has been opening the doors of his spacious four-story home for more than a decade.

The four-star NH Stephanie Hotel promises that you will “experience the way you deserve to be treated.” If that holds true, you deserve efficiency and cleanliness, as well as professional, if not cool, reception. Located just around the corner from the Louise Metro stop, the Saint Gilles branch of the NH chain is a competent business hotel.