Finding cheap affordable accommodation in Brussels can be difficult, especially if you want to be close to the main attractions. After investigating you will find that hotels in and around the city can be hundreds of Euros/dollars per night. This can mean that to get a decent place to stay you either have to fork out the money or find a place miles away from the city centre. Alternatively, there is another option that you may not have thought of before.
Our recent stay in Brussels was surprising good and we were able to do it on a budget. To do this we booked a double room with a private bathroom in a hostel. Yes, that’s right, a hostel! Forget about what you think you know about hostels and consider staying in one for your next vacation. In our experience hostels can offer the same city experience that a hotel can, at a cheaper price.
Just four kilometres from the city centre and located near the intercity train line we got a comfortable, clean and quiet room at the Train Hostel in Schaarbeek. Considerably cheaper than other hotels this themed hostel fits the bill nicely.
Like many of you, we know and understand the reputation of hostels. The first image you think of, is sleeping on bunks surrounded by strangers. There’s also that non-stop party atmosphere that is for the twenty something’s. Yet, what you don’t know is that there are plenty of hostels that cater for families and older travellers too, that haven’t got that party atmosphere.
After arriving at Brussels airport it is an easy trip by train to Schaarbeek and buying tickets from the ticket machines is simple. To get there you do have to catch two trains. One going to Brussels Nord and then one to Schaarbeek. Just follow the train screens or don’t be afraid to ask someone because English is regularly spoken in Brussels.
Staying at the Train Hostel
When arriving to Schaarbeek it’s a quick five minute walk to the Train Hostel. You shouldn’t miss it due to the train carriage positioned on the roof.
Entry to the reception is to the left with check in being seamless. Once check in was finalised we headed through the pleasant looking common room into the courtyard and up to our room.
Room entry is via a swipe key card, so security isn’t a problem with other guests unable to enter your room. The room itself has a rail carriage theme, with two wall bunks that can fold against the wall and a double lower bed which was very comfortable. Our room has a small desk and storage lockers to store valuables. These rooms are multi purpose so can be turned into a single, double, family rooms or bunk rooms if required.
The bathroom area is quite spacious with a large bench area, towel racks, and separate toilet. The water pressure and hot water facilities were also hotel room quality. Towels, liquid soap and bedding is all include for your stay and extra quilts and pillows can be found in the storage lockers.
We found the atmosphere in the hostel to be very quiet with the common room containing computers for guest use a large library of books which you can swap. Additonally, there is a coffee machine in the corner which costs 1.50 EUR, to get your caffeine fix.
The train hostel bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at an additional cost ranging from 8 EUR per person for breakfast and 20 EUR per person for dinner. We opted to eat out for our meals but there is plenty of room in the restaurant and courtyard which seemed popular with the other guests.
We found a small convenience store and a fruit and vegetable shop just down the road which was able to accommodate our needs.
The staff pretty much stay out of your way and do a quick room clean each day to empty bins etc. They will also help you with things to do in Brussels and answer any questions that you may have.
The Verdict
Overall the Train Hostel is a cheaper accommodation option and well worth trying out. The rooms can suit your needs and we did notice family groups staying there. Rooms are either small self contained units or train carriages. So, if you do desire that bunk experience you can stay in the rail carriages. That way you can feel like you’re doing an overnight rail journey. So next time you want a cheaper option consider staying at the Train Hostel and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Additional Information for the Train Hostel
Address: Avenue Georges Rodenbach 6, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium
Ph: +32 2 808 61 76
Website: https://www.trainhostel.be/en/
Book your stay at the Train Hostel now with Booking.com
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Prices of accommodation per night at the Train Hostel, Brussels
Ranging from AUD$28 (USD$20) – AUD$291 (AUD$206)
Check in: 1500hrs Check Out: 1100hrs
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