Brussels

All Aboard for Paris and Brussels by Train

Filed under: Journeys

Even though train travel in Europe isn't quite as romantic in reality as it is in fantasy, there's stil something so wonderfully retro about traveling between storied cities via rail. (A first-class Eurail pass will get you to more than 20 countries, in a surprising amount of comfort and style, depending on the train.)

If you're looking for a reason to squeeze in a trip to Europe this summer (and maybe grab some frites), the Brussels Marriott Hotel and the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris are offering a summer package from now until the end of 2009. Stay two nights at each property at 139 € per night for a double room with breakfast. (From Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Monday.) This summer, the Eurostar is also offering a special between the two cities on its Leisure Select class starting at $119 one way, which includes a 3-course meal and wine.

Tags: brussels, europe, paris, train

Magritte Museum Package at Belgian Luxury Hotel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Journeys, Art

The Rocco Forte Collection of boutique European luxury hotels is celebrating Belgium's new René Magritte Museum with a special package at their five-star Hotel Amigo (above) in Brussels. The museum, opening in June, will contain 170 works by the Belgian Surrealist master. The Amigo features copies of Magritte paintings and design elements throughout. Its Magritte Suite is an elegant series of rooms with amazing city views. In addition to tickets to the new museum, a Magritte book, and other perks, the Magritte Museum package includes a special dinner at the hotel's excellent Ristorante Bocconi.

Meanwhile the Rocco Forte Collection just opened their 12th and newest property in Prague, The Augustine. Located in Prague's Mal Strana district in the heart of the city's rich cultural center, a short walk from the majestic Prague Castle, the Wallenstein Gardens and the famous Charles Bridge, the 101-bedroom hotel was created from a set of seven buildings. Many of of them are historically significant, including the 13th-century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery for which the hotel is named.

Tags: Belgium, Brussels, Europe, Hotel Amigo, HotelAmigo, hotels, Magritte, museums, Prague, Rene Magritte, ReneMagritte, Rocco Forte, Rocco Forte Collection, RoccoForte, RoccoForteCollection

800-Yr.-Old Belgian Castle Will Go to Highest Bidder

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Auctions

On Monday, a famous 800-year-old Belgian castle will be auctioned off by court order to the highest bidder, and it looks as if someone could snag a real bargain. The 13th century Corroy-le-Château located just south of Brussels and surrounded by a moat, was built by nobleman William of Brabant and remains one of Europe's most perfectly-preserved medieval strongholds. The current owners, descendants of Brabant's, have been fighting over the property for years and have now been ordered to sell it with a Monday deadline. The highest bid so far is for a measly $3 million, the International Herald Tribune reports, though it is probably worth ten times that much. However, if no other bidders come forward in time, the 16,000-sq.ft. fortress on 50+ acres will be sold for that amount.

Tags: Belgium, Brussels, Castle, Medieval

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