As we would be leaving on an early flight from Brussels to Malta we either had the option of travelling on the first train in the morning from Antwerp to Brussels Airport or stay at an airport hotel.

We chose for the safe option and a night at the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport hotel. It’s located near a business park at the side of the ring road of Brussels and a free shuttle operates between the hotel and the airport terminal 3 times an hour taking approximately 5 minutes travel time.

Do note that on weekends the shuttle only operates in the morning and evening and it never operates during the night. The first shuttle only leaves the hotel at 6:00, which might be a bit late for a number of really early flights. We had to be at the airport around 6:00 for our flight at 8:00, so we took the first shuttle of the day, which only came through at around 6:10, giving extra stress which you do not need when catching a flight.

On the evening of our arrival we were checked in by a friendly lady behind the desk, but somehow the perks of an elite member where not honoured. While in the app I received an upgrade to bigger room at the park side of the hotel, at check-in they just checked me in for the basic room I booked and paid for.

Normally as a Platinum IHG Rewards Club member I should have been given a complimentary upgrade (if available) so I was quite disappointed seeing it go through in the app, but cancelled again at check-in. I also selected the option for a complimentary welcome drink, receiving drink vouchers for a gold status instead of a platinum status. While they might be small things, they did give a feeling like they did not care about their elite guests.

 

The hotel itself is a building of the early 2000’s, with a nice big central atrium giving a light and airy feel to it. The elevators are made of glass, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the atrium while travelling up and down towards your room. The rooms and the decoration of the hotel has been stuck in the early 2000’s as well, while it might not be completely worn out and tired a refurbishment might be due in the coming years.

The room

The room was a pretty standard Crowne Plaza Queen bed room, having a queen bed, a sofa, a desk, a TV, some tea and coffee making facilities (with a Nespresso machine, as it was located on the Elite floor). The bed and pillows where comfortable, and the usual sleep inducing pillow spray was available in the room.

Remarkable however was that, just like in the Crowne plaza Belgrade, there was only 1 bathrobe and slippers and 1 night-time chocolate available in the room. Is it a customary thing for Crowne Plaza hotels to only cater for 1 guest in a 2 guest room?

 

The bathroom was probably the best part of the room providing a nice bathtub and a separate shower cabin. The shower was still built with a proper shower tub so you do not have as much risk of flooding the bathroom. Toiletries where the standard Crown Plaza ones and luckily there were plenty of towels in the room.

 

All in all the stay in the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport provided us with what we needed, a bed before an early morning flight. It’s just sad to see that they still do not seem to care much about their elite members, for a next time I might opt for a night at the Sheraton opposite the terminal if I need a night before an early flight even though I would not earn any points on that stay at least the location would make up for it.

What are your thoughts on airport hotels and would you stay the night before an early morning flight? Let us know in the comments below!