The charming capital of Belgium, Brussels is famously the birthplace of the Belgium Waffle and the French fry. However, it also packs a big punch one of Europe’s fiercely progressive capitals. Brussels is historic yet hip, by-the-book and yet unorthodox, and Brussels is multicultural to its roots. To that end, it’s this forward-thinking attitude that has propelled its fame as one of the world’s most LGBTQ friendly cities. You’ll be endeared by not only the city’s welcoming atmosphere but also the many gay friendly hotels in Brussels. With snazzy, contemporary digs, modern hostels, and heritage hotels, you have no dearth of choices for gay friendly hotels in Brussels.
With Belgium being only the second country worldwide to legalize gay marriage, there’s no doubt that LGBTQ travelers not just accepted but warmly welcomed across the city. Thus, it’s no surprise that Brussels has a sprawling Gay Village in the heart of the city, Saint Jacques. It’s bursting with gay bars and is home to some of Europe’s biggest and wildest gay dance parties. In fact, there’s even the Rainbow House, which is your event organizer, LGBT information center, and bar rolled into one. What’s more, Brussels also hosts the Belgian Pride and the Brussels LGBT Film Festival. That said, Brussels is more than the diverse gay nightlife, especially if you’re one for exploring. Firstly, it’s home to the Grand Place, one of the 15 Most Beautiful Squares in Europe. Moreover, it’s brimming with palaces, parks, museums, and iconic sculptures.
Plus, if you’re one for road trips, then there are as many as 12 Charming Town In Belgium Worth Visiting which are day trips from Brussels. So, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Brussels for your next trip to the city famous as the ‘Crossroads of Europe!’
NH Brussels Bloom
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The NH Brussels Bloom is one of the most offbeat and unique gay hotels in Brussels. Armed with the motto ‘Stay away from the ordinary,’ the hotel shakes up the tired hotel formula. It features design and service touches that are sure to leave discerning gays smiling from ear to ear. The gay friendly hotel’s location is equally amazing, as both Grand Place and Brussels Gay Village are a 20-minute walk. In fact, the Grand Sablon Branch of the NH Brand is also one of the 11 Best Hotels in Brussels!
Don’t be fooled by the nondescript exterior, for on the inside, the hotel is fun and dynamic to boot. This is evident the minute you step into the spacious foyer, complete with stylish seating and street art. In fact, the hotel’s theme is “contemporary art,” with a resident artist in the Penthouse Art Space. Besides a young and efficient staff, the place even has a fitness center with stunning views of the city. Moreover, it has parking too, which is a blessing if you have your own vehicle. Breakfast in the OO! room is a grand affair, as are lunches and dinners eclectic bar-restaurant. Rounding up the amenities is the range of ‘Grab & Go’ snacks at the reception.
Although rooms differ in the category, they’re all very spacious, airy, and light with ‘bloom’ as the inspiration. The rooms all feature standard mod-cons, including basic self-catering facilities. The highlight is the sleek grey-and-white bathrooms, all with bathtubs.
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The Dominican
10
If you want to explore the Brussels by day and its wild gay nightlife later on, then stay at The Dominican. The hotel is built on the site of a Dominican Abbey on a quiet pedestrian street in the historic city center. Not only is the hotel swanky and stylish, but it’s also within walking distance to all shopping, museums, and sights in Brussels. Staying centrally doesn’t get any better than this.
The Dominican has swagger, a tone only emboldened by the courtyard setting and the flaming torches at the entrance. In fact, the site didn’t hold just a Dominican Abbey, but also the home of Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon’s painter in the early-19th century. The hotel’s design pays homage to this legacy with the courtyard’s high arches and the Dominican symbol woven into the carpets. Overall, the hotel’s amenities and polish exceed its four-star rating. Whether it’s the cardio gym or the hammam and sauna, you’ll love everything about this place. The highlight is the sumptuous buffet breakfast with English-style fare, French and Belgian charcuterie, waffles, pastries, pancakes, and more. It’s served in the sun-kissed courtyard in the summer and the Grand Lounge at the other times.
Although rooms vary in sizes, they’re all richly decked-out with plush fabrics and white, red, and brown hues. The furnishings are both modern and of the Napolean era, couple with modern renditions of Jacques-Louis David paintings. besides all the usual four-star amenities, the black-marble bathrooms are sexy with huge rain showers and bathtubs in some.
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Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brussels
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The celebrated institution that is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Brussels has everything. Think eye-popping mini-versions of Hanging Gardens of Babylon in its atrium, an envious location, and one of the best restaurants in town. It’s no surprise that this stylish hotel is one of the best gay hotels in Brussels. With some of Brussels best bay bars like La Reserve in the next block, you know you’re going to have a rollicking gaycation staying here!
The 1990s-built Ancient Mesopotamia and Art Deco structure is innately contemporary on the inside. Unsurprisingly, the atrium with tiered greenery, water features, and indoor gardens is the showstopper here. Despite being a modern hotel, it brings in a rare chunk of history – the early 12th-century old city walls next to the carp pond. The chain hotel is famed for its professional and polished service, with facilities and amenities to match. Three glass-walled lifts, a 24-hour gym, sauna, concierge, and room services are just some of them. The highlight is the extra-late check-out time of 6 p.m. So, you can sleep in till late after a night of Brussels revelry. Besides an excellent restaurant, the hotel serves a “Super Breakfast Buffet” featuring just about every breakfast item under the sun.
Three categories of rooms in four different styles (At Home, Maritime, NYC Mansion, and Urban Style) give you lots of room choices. Although all have the usual set of mod-cons, including minibars, we’d recommend the suites with bathtubs for some intimate time.
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Aloft Brussels Schuman
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The Aloft brand is known for its gay friendliness, and it’s no surprise that Aloft Brussels Schuman is one of the most gay friendly hotels in Brussels. A buzzing bar, spacious rooms, and design panache are what sets this outpost of the Starwood chain apart. Moreover, it sits in a lovely neighborhood right at Schuman roundabout and subway station in the Leopold Quarter. So, the historic center and the Gay Village are a merely 10-minute ride.
The hotel might be a budget one with an “Easy Breezy” motto, but it’s one efficiently-run place. The entire hotel has a bright, zing to it. The hotel oozes a club-like vibe with its snazzy, well-equipped gym, paid parking, and knowledgeable staff. The huge, open-plan lounge with a large bar is the beating heart of the hotel and a great place to meet and vibe with people. Since it’s a budget establishment, food is in the form of a snack-attack menu, where you use your swipe-card and buy items.
The rooms are fashioned after lofts, and are spacious, comfy, and quiet, given the location. Oversized spa showers, ultra-comfy beds, and mod-cons make staying here a breeze.
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9Hotel Central
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The 9Hotel Central is one of the best design-centric gay hotels in Brussels. The first Belgian outpost of the Paris-based 9Hotel chain, the hotel is unfussy and distinctive with polished service. The fact that it’s close to the glittering Grand Place and the Gay Village is only a bonus in its favor. If you’re looking for an offbeat place to stay in town, then this would be it.
The design hotel blends antique and vintage with modern, with a dash of industrial-chic and exotic design. The 19th-century brick walls and simple wooden Rajasthani furniture from India are mainstays everywhere. The hotel radiates casual, loft-style elegance, right from the breakfast room to the low-lit lobby lounge. Besides serving a hearty breakfast, the hotel even provides an “Express Breakfast” in a bag. This includes orange juice, a hot drink, and small pastries, which is ideal if you’re leaving the hotel early. The lounge also serves complimentary coffee and tea, apart from drinks in the evening.
Maroon hall landings open onto contrasting, crisp-white rooms, which range from single ones to junior suites. The place is all about repurposed furniture – think open hangings rails as cupboards and bare-wood, rustic Indian buffet tables as desks. The cloud-like beds are particularly soft, while the bathrooms either walk-in showers large enough for two or bathtubs. What’s more, some rooms even have patios or balconies with alfresco seating.
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Train Hostel
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Not every day do you see a railway carriage sticking out of the rooftop of a building, but that’s what makes the gay friendly Train Hostel so different. The idea of the place is to fuse hostel traditions and contemporary hotel standards. So, it’s no surprise that it sits right next to the Train World railway museum. It’s a short ride to the city center, 20 minutes to be precise. Moreover, the lodgings are in the form of restored train cars! If you’re game for innovation, then you’re in for one enthralling ride – pun intended.
The 19th-century facade holds a modern, industrial-chic courtyard. The decor throughout the hostel is train-themed and is peppered with authentic railway memorabilia. The staff comprises a bunch of enthu-cutlets who possess superb knowledge of the city and will help you with travel tips around the city. The beating heart is the relaxed lounge, which also has a dream of a “take one, leave one” library. A computer corner allows you to check emails and catch up on work. Right next to the shared kitchen is a large dining room where the hostel serves an excellent, complimentary hot and cold breakfast. Later on, this transforms into the Train Bistro and bar. Rounding up the amenities is free Wi-Fi and a lovely courtyard with seating.
Two-and-a-half historic railway carriages comprise 15 low-cost ‘cabines.’ They feature single beds, double beds, and even six-bed bunks, as well as communal bathroom facilities. But, you do need to bring your own towel and sleeping bag here or rent them. The third-floor, half-carriage is an exclusive, retro-style suite, with its own rooftop terrace and bathroom.
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Hotel des Galeries
5
History and style come together at the Hotel des Galeries, one of the best boutique gay hotels in Brussels. It occupies an enviable location right in the historic heart of the city. In fact, all the Top 12 Things To Do In Brussels are within walking distance. What’s more, Brussels Gay Village is a hop, skip, and jump from this gay friendly hotel.
The contemporary hotel retains original, antique touches of the heritage structure, notably the massive medal-press in the restaurant that dates back to 1845. Even then, there’s a personable feel to the place, making it more of a home-away-from-home. Besides the 24-hour reception, the place has a lovely courtyard garden where you can relax on hot Belgian afternoons. The restaurant serves, among other lip-smacking meals, a hearty breakfast that includes cooked-to-order eggs, smoked salmon, cheese, and charcuterie. All-in-all, it’s a great way to begin a day of exploring the city.
With just 20 rooms, staying here is one intimate affair. High ceilings and retro-contemporary furniture lend an interesting style to the rooms, all of which are spacious. The best part? All bathrooms feature double freestanding bathtubs, which is perfect if you’re traveling with your partner. Enjoy some cozy moments in the bathtubs, complete with bespoke products, while enjoying views of the historic center.
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Be Manos
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If you want to delve into the glittering gay nightlife of Brussels, then there’s no place better to stay than Hotel Be Manos. It’s one of the most glamorous gay friendly hotels in Brussels, with psychedelic black-and-silver color schemes and striking black-and-white photography. If you don’t feel like a fabulous gay celebrity like Janelle Monae or Billy Porter, then you’ll feel like one here. The cherry on top is that some of the city’s best gay bars and saunas are less than a 10-minute stroll away. So, the gay friendly hotel is the perfect base for letting your hair down on a wild night in Brussels and crashing into a blissful sleep.
A striking 1920s Art Deco exterior is a prelude to all the razzle-dazzle inside. Think post-modern furniture and all silver, white, and black glass and mirrors, sprinkled with vibrant spots of color. Even though it’s a 60-room hotel, the ambiance is more intimate, thanks to the warm and inviting staff. Besides the 24-hour reception and superb concierge and room service, the highlight is the “Wellness Room” has a massage room, steam bath, and sauna. Begin your day with a superb and hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, cheese, croissants, and more in the breakfast room. The atmospheric Black Lounge, complete with a rooftop terrace, is the perfect place for a cocktail before heading into the hedonistic gay nightlife of Brussels.
If the hotel is dazzle, then the rooms are sensuous to boot. Think glamorous and sexy black-and-white photography, metallic drapes, and stainless-steel fittings. Even though rooms are spread across four categories, they all feature a slew of mod-cons. Black-stone bathrooms come with bathtubs and peekaboo glass doors for sexy times.
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Le Berger Hotel
3
There’s only one way to describe the history of Le Berge – it’s a “hot-sheets hotel!” The zenith of sexy gay hotels in Brussels, Le Berger Hotel was a discreet “Maison de rendezvous,” a place where lovers used to meet illicitly. Today, it’s a romantic boutique hotel that continues to believe the hotel’s original idea – to make love and enjoy life. For a sexy gaycation in Brussels, there cannot be a better hotel than this.
There’s just a large sign that makes this Art-Deco hotel stand out from the rest. A little lift takes you to your room after you’ve collected your large brass key. The narrow, dark corridors remind you of the hotel’s sexy, sexy past. There’s even a delightful Italian restaurant-bar off the lobby that serves excellent antipasti and Italian wines. Breakfast is absolutely top drawer and a sumptuous spread of eggs, ham, jam, bread, omelets, pancakes, and freshly-made coffee.
Make no mistake, the rooms are the highlight here, for this hotel was designed for seduction. So, the bedrooms are all about lots and lots of velvet, rich hues, arched doorways, and silky sensuous wallpaper. Wonderful touches like sculptures of sinuous dancers and marbled columns add to the hedonistic ambiance. The marbled bathrooms are the standout, with just drapes separating them from the bedroom.
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Maison Flagey
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If you’re looking for some tranquility and romantic time away from the bustle, then Maison Flagey is your gay getaway. It’s one of the most intimate gay friendly hotels in Brussels and lies in the charming suburb of Ixelles which is a 10-minute drive to the city center. This Art-Nouveau b&b is a rare gem sitting in an authentic mansion overlooking the ponds of Ixelles. If that isn’t romantic, then what is?
Every inch of the 1904-built mansion breathes elegance and history. The showstopper of the spacious interiors is the mesmerizing spiral staircase. But, the first-floor breakfast room is also a real beauty. It has a terrace and overlooks the ponds or rather the lakes of Ixelles. Dg into an organic breakfast with yogurt, homemade croissants, cheese, ham, and more as you take in the morning sunshine. During the day it’s a reading room, where you can enjoy a drink or a cuppa. If you’re one for talking, then you’ll love the stories that the attentive host has to share. Right from the mansion’s heritage to restaurant recommendations to travel tips on Brussels, he has them all.
All five rooms are different, but the detailing is the same – stained-glass, wallpaper, fireplaces, and Art Nouveau furniture. For instance, the boudoir-style Cambre Verte has wooden screens, while the sprawling Suite Royale has a huge shower room with a freestanding period bathtub. We’d recommend the latter if you’re looking to get cozy with your significant other. Besides, all rooms have modern comforts, and most even have seating areas and terraces or balconies.
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Marivaux Hotel
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The Marivaux Hotel is one of the most popular gay hotels in Brussels. The hotel lies right in Burssels’city center, a little north of Grand Place and the Gay Village. If you’re a gay traveler looking for a place that blends character, good location and amenities, and value, then the Marivaux Hotel is perfect.
Marivaux lived a former life as a movie theater, which is evident as you walk through the revolving glass doors into the lobby. Dark leather sofas, white walls, and a polished tiled floor all hark back to a glorious era of Brussels. The vibe continues to the on-site brasserie, which features intimate library-style bookcases and photographs from famous movie scenes. The sleek, minimalist breakfast room boasts a frosted glass atrium-style ceiling and serves a superb continental breakfast. There are even an on-site gym and paid parking available on-site. Before you head out in the evening, a cocktail at the atmospheric bar is a great idea.
You have the choice of both traditional and modern rooms here. The former is all about wooden furniture and floral flourishes, while the latter is sleek and minimalist. Nevertheless, they’re all spacious and pay homage to the buildings’ history with framed photos of movie stars. Plush beds, a slew of modern creature comforts, and even bathrobes are mainstays in all of them. If you want to sleep fitfully at night, then go for a room at the back.
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Just So You Know:
- Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize gay marriage after Denmark.
Get Some Culture in Brussels:
- Gaily Tour in Brussels: Explore the spectacular landmarks and sights of Brussels with a gay/lesbian-friendly driver and/or tour guide.
- Belgian Pride: This vibrant festival is the biggest LGBT event in Belgium. It has everything from cultural events to parties and a humongous Pride parade.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Brussels:
- La Reserve – One of Brussels’ oldest establishments and a true gay pub. It’s perfect to have a few beers before bar hopping.
- Le Bélgica – Live DJs, dance floor, drinks, and cute bartenders – this gay bar has it all. One of the most popular gay bars in town, it’s been an institution since the 1980s.
- Le Baroque – This popular Brussels Gay Village bar has plenty of bears, a friendly atmosphere, and often overflows onto the street outside.
Best Gay Saunas in Brussels:
- Macho Sauna – This is Brussels’ most popular and biggest gay sauna. It’s legendary for 8 a.m. after-parties to keep the night’s revelry going. It has a mystery room, video area, a sauna, a pool, and a jacuzzi and bar, and lots of beautiful young men.
- Stamm Bar – This popular cruise bar has everything from cruising spaces to a labyrinth to dark rooms. It’s very popular with otters, bears, and their admirers.
