Thursday 22 November 2012

VISIT ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GUDULA CATHEDRAL , BRUSSELS


The St. Michael and the St. Gudula Cathedral is an impressive cathedral that we think you must visit during your stay at our hotel near by Avenue Louise. Located at twenty minute walk from the Pantone hotel, this cathedral will not only offer you a great visit to this important Belgian monument but also a welcome excuse to get some fresh air in the city center of Brussels which, is already glowing because of the numerous Christmas markets and the Christmas decorations throughout Brussels city center.

The St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church at the Treurenberg Hill in Brussels. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese of Malines-Brussels, the national church of Belgium and it is here that royal weddings and funerals take place. In French, it is called Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule and in Dutch Sint-Michiels- en Sint-Goedelekathedraal, usually shortened to "Sint-Goedele". Click here to see how to get there from our hotel.

Victor Hugo described this gothic marvel as the “purest flowering of the Gothic style". Upon entering the church, you’ll understand why. The interior of the Cathedral is not as decorated as you might expect of a Gothic Cathedral. The simplicity of the decoration, however, allows you to appreciate the beauty of Gothic architecture. Your attention will immediately be drawn to the building’s stunning columns and arches.

The origin of the name of this church dates back to 1047, when Lambert II, Count of Leuven founded a chapter in this church and organized the transportation of the relics of Saint Gudula. Originally the relics housed in Saint Gaugericus Church on Saint-Géry Island. In the thirteenth century, the cathedral was renovated and received its Gothic style. The choir was constructed between 1226 and 1276. The façade was completed in the mid-fifteenth century. A thorough restoration of the cathedral was carried out between 1983 and November 1999. Remains of a Romanesque church were discovered, as well as a Romanesque crypt under the choir.

The patron saints of the church, Archangel St. Michael and the martyr St. Gudula, are also the patron saints of the city of Brussels.

We also shortly would like to virtually walk you through the church. Right above the West Front you’ll find the impressive judgment window, donated by Empire Charles V in the fifteenth century. The brightness of the colors of these glasses will amaze you. Moving to the end of the cathedral you’ll find the beautiful 18th century Baroque Pulpit, sculptured in wood by Henri-Francois Verbruggen.



This obviously is only a brief description of this incredible cathedral. Below you’ll find all the information need to visit.

Cathedral

Opening times:

Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm only)
Sunday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 2 pm only)
Entrance fee: free

Romanesque remains

Opening times:

Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee: 1 euro (groups: 0,75 euro per person)


Romanesque crypt

Opening times:

Open on request only via A.C.T./C.D.T.B. Tel & fax: 02/219.68.34
Visits in small groups (max 10 pers.)
Entrance fee: 2,50 euros

The Cathedral Treasure

Opening times:

Monday to Friday: 10 am - 12.30 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am -> 3.00 pm
Sunday: 2 pm - 5 pm
Entrance fee:

Adults: 1 euro (children: free)
Schools: 5 euros
Groups: 10 euros (min 10 pers.)

For free guided tours: please contact A.C.T./C.D.T.B, tel& fax: 02/219.68.34
Secretary: Rue du Bois Sauvage 15 - 1000 Brussels - Tél.: 02/217.83.45 - Fax: 02/219.96.55

Thursday 18 October 2012

Pantone Hotel Review on QuirkyAccom.com

The Pantone Hotel invites you to experience the city of Brussels through a lens of color and a spectrum of comforts. From the moment you arrive, our 'hotel of colors' will awaken your senses to an array of delights and playful surprises. Impeccably designed by Michel Penneman and Olivier Hannaert, The Pantone Hotel showcases the color of emotion with a distinctive hue on each colorous guest floor. From vivid to subdued, for business or leisure, our unique boutique hotel perfectly suits your savvy palette and colorful imagination. From a design perspective, The Pantone Hotel, Brussels, is built on an exceptional use of contrast; a white canvas provides clean space for saturated colors to pop. Guest rooms feature unique photography by esteemed Belgian photographer Victor Levy. Guests enjoy state-of-the-art accommodations, distinctively chosen at reception to compliment their mood. Luxurious beds, inviting pillows, LCD TVs, free WiFi and central A/C with individual controls are standard. Many rooms are illuminated with unparalleled views of Brussels. While here shop and 'test drive' stylish products showcasing the innovative use of color and emotion of Pantone. From mugs to bicycles, browse the largest selection of Pantone products worldwide. A room for 2 is priced around €129 a night. Ask about last minute promotions. Room Types: Family Rooms (2 Adults / 2 Kids) Double Ensuite Triple Quad Budget: Medium €100-€250 Nearest Airport: Brussels Facilities: Family friendly

Friday 17 February 2012

Pantone Hotel Trip Advisor Review

We had been really excited to stay at the Pantone Hotel on our trip to Brussels after reading a lot about it in on design blogs. Although a little disappointed with the sophistication and furnishings of the hotel (dirty marks on the walls, felt chairs that were marked and wearing) it was still a lovely stay and great value for money. The rooms are quite large, with a king bed, table, chairs and desk, as well as a spacious bathroom.

Although the location of the hotel is not right in the centre of the city, it is in a nice neighbourhood and a 10 minute walk from the train station. The walk into town is around 2km, and a nice easy stroll, with lots of beautiful buildings, stores and restaurants to see along the way.

The staff seemed a little unfriendly, but that could also be a slight language barrier as they spoke mainly French. We were charged with a cable-tv bill on checking out, but after explaining that it was a mistake and we hadn't bought any movies it was removed from our bill without too much fuss.

Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple

Monday 30 January 2012

Central Brussels Hotel Reviewed

This hotel is situated in a quiet corner of Brussels, yet within walking distance of the city centre (less than 2 km). Subway and tramlines are nearby, getting you downtown within minutes. Also within short range are nice restaurants and bars, so no need to go downtown all the time for food and drinks. The hotel rooms are small, yet comfortable. Beds are perfect, bathroom is clean. It was hot in the room when I got in, but fortunately you can turn off the heating and open the window. You can even sleep with the window open.

There is hardly any noise outside the hotel. Wireless internet is included for free in your room charge giving you great value for the money you pay. Not included is breakfast. That will cost you an additional € 15 each person, which in my opinion is too much for what the hotel offers. Although you do get a fine Nespresso coffee. Pay attention that the hotel doesn't offer parking facilities, although we could park our car just in front of the hotel both nights we were there. Parking is free from 18:30 till 9:00.

There is a parking garage nearby which charges € 15 per day. Also pay attention of your luggage when visiting Brussels. As in most European cities, you can be robbed. I don't blame the hotel for this, but one of our laptops was stolen in the breakfast area while we had breakfast... So keep your personal belongings with you, all the time!

Stayed January 2012, travelled on business