Pentahotel Liège: Belgium's BEST Hotel? You WON'T Believe This!
Pentahotel Liège: Belgium's BEST Hotel? You Won't Believe This! (My Chaotic, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe some spilled coffee) on the Pentahotel Liège. They’re billing it as, well, you read the title. And after my recent stay? Deep breath. Let's just say it was… an experience. Prepare yourselves for a review that’s more "real talk" than a glossy travel magazine!
First Impressions & Getting There (The Accessibility Angle - and My Struggles!)
Finding the darn place felt like a treasure hunt. GPS, you disappoint me! But honestly, the location? Pretty darn good. Central, easy to walk to some cool spots. And from a practical standpoint, accessibility is a HUGE deal for me, and here's where I started to feel cautiously optimistic. They advertise wheelchair accessibility, which is a BIG plus. The lobby? Wide open, blessedly so. The elevator (thank GOD!) was clearly marked and surprisingly quick. Now, I don't need a wheelchair, but I appreciate a hotel that thinks about it. Makes me feel, well, seen.
I will say though: navigating luggage when you're tired from your trip is always a struggle. No matter how well-designed a place is.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Or Not?)
My room? Okay, let's get REAL. The non-smoking room was a lifesaver (I'm super sensitive) the soundproofing made me forget about the street noise. The bed was comfortable. Yes, the extra-long bed was nice for my 6’2 frame, but I can't remember if it was firm or fluffy. The blackout curtains? Crucial! I'm a light sleeper. You can’t beat great sleep.
Now the bathroom. Ugh. It was functional, but a little… blah. Okay, let's hit the specifics. The toiletries were decent; I like the little details. The shower, good pressure (a MUST!). Did I use the bathrobe and slippers? Absolutely. Comfort is key, people! The separate shower/bathtub was kinda pointless, I wish I had used the bath. I mean, what's better than a long hot soak after a day of travelling?
The little things add up. Having a desk to work at was essential, now that I work from home. The coffee/tea maker was a godsend. I even noticed the mirror had great lighting!
Oh! I almost forgot! The Wi-Fi was free, a HUGE plus. No ridiculous hidden fees! I was in contact with everybody at home on the regular.
But then there's the BUT. Where was the plug? Where was I going to charge my phone? I was so mad. This minor inconvenience felt like the world was ending. I got it sorted eventually, but it took longer than it should have.
And another But. The room decorations were… minimalist. I mean it was clean, but lacked a soul. It made me think of a doctor's office, not exactly inspiring.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Alright, let’s talk food. The breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was an absolute highlight. Some of the best food I've had in Liège! The Western breakfast was standard. But I can't fault the service. This is all about convenience! The coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent.
The [a la carte] restaurant was a pleasant surprise! I recommend the steak. The international cuisine was well-executed. The Desserts? To die for!
Seriously, the snack bar was a lifesaver for a quick bite. And the poolside bar (more on that later) was essential in the afternoon heat.
I didn't try the soup in the restaurant, but the salad, now that was good.
The room service (24-hour) was another win, especially for a midnight craving.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Fails!)
Okay, real talk. I’m not the biggest "spa person." I'm more of a "collapse on the bed and binge-watch Netflix" kind of traveler. But the spa and sauna were inviting. I definitely spent some time in the steam room. And the pool with a view? AMAZING! So refreshing on a hot afternoon. I didn't see the pool [outdoor], I'm guessing it's separate.
I intended to go to the fitness center, but… well, let's just say my motivation wasn't up to par. 🏋️♀️ I'll blame the gelato!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitize EVERYTHING! (And Are They REALLY?)
This is where the Pentahotel really shines, especially in these post-pandemic times. They take cleanliness and safety seriously. This is a big positive. The frequent daily disinfection in common areas put my mind at ease. There's hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff were constantly cleaning!
The food was served in a safe dining setup. Rooms sanitized between stays is a must. They use anti-viral cleaning products (a win for peace of mind). The staff is well-trained in safety protocols. It was good to see. They're doing the best they can. I saw the first aid kit. The smoke alarms were visible. The fire extinguisher was available. All the stuff you want!
Services & Conveniences: Little Things, Big Impact.
They had a 24-hour front desk. It was really useful. The elevator (again, a lifesaver!). The daily housekeeping made me feel like a king. The luggage storage was useful . There was an ironing service (for the serious travelers). The facility for disabled guests was a plus.
I was able to get contactless check-in/out (smart!). The cashless payment service was convenient. They even provided invoice provided.
Getting Around & Other Bits:
The car park [free of charge] was a HUGE benefit. I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t free.
I noticed some safety/security features, including CCTV in common areas and security [24-hour]. It all adds to the feeling of safety.
For the Kids…
I didn't travel with kids, but I saw the family/child friendly atmosphere.
The Verdict: Is Pentahotel Liège Worth it?
Okay, final thoughts. Pentahotel Liège? Is it the BEST hotel in Belgium? Nah, not the best. But for the price, the location, and the overall experience? It's damn good. It's clean, convenient, and genuinely trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Pros:
- Excellent location.
- Great value for money.
- Excellent cleanliness and safety standards.
- Modern and stylish rooms (for the most part).
- Free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!).
- Delicious food and drinks.
Cons:
- Rooms could be a little more "soulful".
- Some minor design flaws.
- The lack of plugs was an issue.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
So, should YOU book the Pentahotel Liège?
Here's the DEAL: If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and safe base from which to explore Liège, then YES. If you want a hotel that goes above and beyond with cleanliness and caters to different needs, absolutely. If you're on a budget and want great value, DEFINITELY.
My Special Offer (Just Kidding…or am I?!)
Okay, I'm not actually affiliated with the hotel, but here's my "personal" offer: If you book Pentahotel Liège, and you see me there, the first round of drinks is on ME. (Subject to availability and my rapidly dwindling bank account, of course!). Happy travels!
San Antonio Getaway: Homewood Suites Near Lackland & SeaWorld!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this itinerary for the pentahotel Liège? Let’s just say, I’m not exactly sure how it's going to go. This is gonna be less “polished travel guide” and more “slightly frantic, coffee-fueled diary of a disaster-in-waiting.” I’m calling it: “Liège, Lies, and Probably Regrets: A Pentahotel Pandemonium.”
Day 1: Arrival and the Illusion of Control (aka, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Or, more accurately, think I’m awake. Body is on Eastern Standard Time, brain is still in a foggy, "Is this real life?" haze. Coffee machine in the home? I hope it isn't a scam.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Liège. The train station is a glorious, chaotic mess of French-speaking locals and bewildered tourists, which immediately makes me feel better about my own discombobulated state.
- 8:30 - 9:00 AM: Find a cab! Or, at least, attempt to find a cab. This is the point where my French basically implodes. "Bonjour… uh… pentahotel? S'il vous plaît?" The driver just stares, then shrugs. Great start.
- 9:30 AM: Check into the pentahotel Liège. Finally. The lobby is… modern. Too modern? It feels like someone tried to make a hipster spaceship, and I'm not sure I'm entirely on board. But hey, clean sheets sound good.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Collapse onto bed. Promise myself I'll unpack. End up staring at the ceiling. Wonder if I packed enough snacks. The battle against jet lag begins. Currently losing badly.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: Force myself to leave hotel. Find a friterie (fry shop) nearby. OMG. The fries! The mayo! I’m already in love with Belgium, even though I’ve only been here for a few hours and am about to fall asleep standing up. I get lost in the taste of the fries. Absolutely ecstatic!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Try to go for a walk to the nearby market. My brain is mush, so I get lost within 2 blocks. I find a pretty church. I find some more fries.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel in a sleepy daze. Take a nap.
- 5:00 PM: Wake up. Feel guilty about nap. Have a second coffee. Try to do something. Realize I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Panic sets in.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner plans? Uh… I guess I'll wander around and see what catches my eye. Maybe another plate of Belgian fries?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! Eat a lovely meal and feel invigorated to explore.
- 8:00 PM: Head back to Hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Or try to. My brain, because of the coffee, has other ideas.
Day 2: Into the City (and the Murky Depths of Historical Significance)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, actually get up this time. Promise to be productive. Fail. Have coffee. Lots of coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the historical center. This should be the highlight of the trip, but this is turning into a game of "Will I get lost?"
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Liège Cathedral. I'm not even religious, but wow. The architecture is stunning and the mood is very interesting.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch! Another friterie. This time, I'm determined to go on a diet in a month.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Head to the Musée Curtius. Supposed to be all about the history of Liège. I wander the corridors, slightly overwhelmed by the volume of artifacts, and begin to lose interest in historical objects. I quickly lose interest and instead, focus on the beautiful building.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I get lost again.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: I find a chocolate shop. Seriously, the chocolate in Belgium is to die for. I buy way too much.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Find a cute little bistro!
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks in the hotel bar. Pretend to be sophisticated. Fail.
- 9:00 PM: Crash.
Day 3: The Escape (and the Unresolved Feelings About Belgium)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. More coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Feeling surprisingly sad to leave. Maybe I'm actually starting to like Liège.
- 10:30 AM: Head back to the train.
- 11:00 AM: I look back at the hotel. A wave of sadness washes over me, which confuses me. I liked Liège.
- 12:00 AM: Head home.
Final Thoughts:
Liège? It’s weird. It's a mix of gritty and gorgeous, chaotic and charming. The fries are divine. I'm not sure if I "got" it, but I certainly felt it. And the pentahotel? Well, it was… a hotel. Clean, convenient, and maybe a little bit… soul-less? But hey, the bed was comfy. Would I go back? Probably, just to eat more fries. And maybe, just maybe, learn some French. Or at least how to say "fries with mayonnaise, please."
Escape to Oldaus Little Nest: Your Unforgettable Hambuhren Getaway!
So, is Pentahotel Liège ACTUALLY "Belgium's BEST Hotel?" Come *on*, spill the tea!
Right, okay, deep breath. BEST? Hmm. That's a big ask, isn't it? I'm going to say... no. But! (And it's a big but, folks) it's certainly a *contender*. Look, let's be real, I've stayed in places that reeked of stale cigarettes and places that felt like they were carved from solid gold. The Pentahotel? It's… *cool*. Like, genuinely, effortlessly cool. Think urban chic meets slightly confused art student (in a good way!). It's got a certain *vibe*. Maybe not best, but definitely… worth a look.
What's the first thing you noticed, walking through those fancy lobby doors? (Assuming there *are* fancy lobby doors…)
Okay, okay, dramatic pause for effect! Yes, there are doors. Not particularly fancy, mind you. More like… sturdy, welcoming doors that lead to a *massive* open space. And that space? It's designed to make you feel immediately relaxed. Less "hotel," more "hip, oversized living room." The first thing I noticed? The *smell*. Okay, maybe not the *first* thing, because I was probably too busy looking around like a crazy person. But the *second* thing? The smell. In a good way! Something fresh, clean, and… vaguely… expensive. Like, if a fancy candle and a freshly-washed linen shirt had a baby. Seriously, they need to bottle that stuff. I'd buy it by the gallon. Wait… where was I? Oh yeah, the doors. Sturdy. Welcoming. And then BAM! *Vibe*.
Let's talk rooms. Were they… good? (Be honest, please.)
Okay, rooms. Right. My room… *sigh*. It was… *good*. But, let me tell you… I had a near-death experience with the television remote. Seriously. Tech problems. It was a dark moment. But, aside from that minor hiccup (and, let's be honest, my own technological incompetence), the room was pretty great. Big, airy, all that natural light, especially with those windows. The bed? Oh, the bed. I almost didn't make it to breakfast because I was glued to that bed. So comfortable! The bathroom? Modern, clean, powerful shower... *chef's kiss*. Though… I did have to hunt around for the light switch. Seriously, it took me a solid five minutes. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anybody, right? Except my slightly-less-patient-than-me travel buddy. Let's just say, the light switch incident was a *moment*.
The bar. Tell me everything. Because, you know, it's important. (And don’t say “it was fine,” because I won't believe you.)
Okay, the bar. This is where Pentahotel Liège truly shines, people. It's not just a bar; it's an *experience*. Low lighting, comfy seating, a seriously impressive cocktail menu (I may or may not have sampled *several*). The bartenders? Actual artists. Seriously, watching them mix drinks is like watching a performance. Smooth, efficient, and they make it look effortless, even when the place is jam-packed. One of them managed to make me a drink based on me just rambling about what I *felt* like, and it was PERFECT. This is what I’m talking about. The bar. It’s the beating heart of the hotel. It's where you meet people, where you unwind, where, yes, you probably have one too many (but who's judging?). This is where the magic happens. Or at least, where *my* magic happened. Good times. Good, strong times.
The food! Don't leave out the food! Was it good enough to, like, write home about?
Alright, food. Let's be honest, I'm a simple creature. I love food. And the breakfast situation at Pentahotel? Surprisingly good. I'm talking fresh croissants, decent coffee, and an impressive spread of… well, everything. I may have gone back for seconds (and thirds, and maybe a fourth). I could have easily stayed there all morning. Maybe it made me want to write home. No, but seriously! I wouldn't say it was *write-home-about* amazing, but it was reliably delicious. The dinner menu… well, I can't tell you a thing, because I got *distracted*. (See: The Bar.)
And the location? Easy to get around? Close to the *good stuff*?
Location, location, location! Thankfully, the Pentahotel Liège gets this right. It's in a fairly central spot. Easy to get to on foot, or using public transport. It's kind of a perfect jumping-off point to explore Liège. Within walking distance of historic locations. Plus, it's got a certain… *buzz*. Okay, you could walk to a lot of things, but seriously, get yourself a taxi. It's Liège. Get around! I will always suggest you to wander around the area and find little cafes, and get the atmosphere and the feeling of the place. So to sum it up - yes, it is in a great location.
Anything that *really* bothered you? Any major negatives? Spill the beans!
Okay, honesty time. The TV remote incident (I'm still mildly traumatized, honestly). And, um… the elevator. It's a bit… slow. And, on one occasion, a bit… temperamental? (I may or may not have pressed the button approximately a hundred times before it finally arrived.) But, you know, first-world problems, right? I genuinely don’t think this hotel has any huge negatives. I guess, if I were *really* nitpicking, the reception desk staff could be… friendlier? Not *bad*, just… not the warmest. But maybe they'd had a long day. Look, every place has its quirks. Just… maybe take the stairs if you’re in a hurry.
Would you go back? Give me a straight answer!
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally yes. Despite the elevator, the slightly-less-than-thrilling remote, and the occasional need to hunt for the light switch, I would totally go back. The bar alone is worth the trip. Plus, that bed! Honestly, I'm already planning my return. Maybe I'll take some extra batteries for the remote, just in case… But yeah. Go. Check it out. Drink a cocktailHotelish
