Galia

Editor's Note: Galia is temporarily closed.

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 Galia’s 33 rooms are small. Some are barely big enough for the queen-sized beds, while others are classic, Belgian-style split-level suites. The hotel is in the midst of a gradual renovation, and the quality of the rooms ranges accordingly. Newer rooms, while still cramped, feature fresh wallpaper, wainscoting and fashionably rustic furniture, perhaps rescued from the flea market in front. Older ones, on the other hand, are mediocre at best, though their modular plastic bathrooms are clean. Many rooms have fun details in the spirit of Brussels' favorite art form, "les bandes desinees" (comic strips), and all are outfitted with television and free Wi-Fi (on the ground floor).

The lobby is on the dingy side, but just past reception is the breakfast room, a retro curiosity shop and a diner rolled into one. In this eccentric and cluttered room, you’ll see a sumptuous breakfast buffet (extra charge) competing for countertop space with comic books and plastic Smurfs from the ‘80s.

Situated in a pretty four-story building off the vibrant "Place Jeu de Balle" square, the Galia enjoys a location directly in front of the famous Brussels Flea Market (open every morning), which attracts bargain hunters and celebrities alike. (A vendor told us that Catherine Deneuve is an early riser.)

Marolles is brimming with young designers’ boutiques and lies very close to the tourist attractions in the old city. Walking down to the main train station is easy. However, keep in mind that it is still a gentrifying neighborhood, and petty crimes sometimes happen.