You’re exhausted. Your flight landed at Brussels Airport (BRU) three hours late, the Belgian rain is doing that annoying misty thing, and all you want is a bed that doesn't feel like a gym mat. Most travelers instinctively look for the closest possible hotel, usually something connected to the terminal, assuming proximity equals peace of mind. But honestly? That’s often a rookie mistake.
The Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport occupies a weirdly specific niche in the Zaventem hotel landscape. It isn't the fanciest place in town, nor is it literally inside the terminal. It’s located in Diegem, a business-heavy suburb that basically exists to serve the airport and the NATO headquarters nearby. If you’re looking for a luxury spa or a Michelin-starred dining experience, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you need a reliable, predictable base that won't charge you €300 for the "privilege" of being at the gate, this is usually the smart play.
I’ve seen people get genuinely stressed about the "Express" branding, thinking it means "budget and basic." While it's not a five-star resort, the reality of the Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport is that it actually handles the logistics of international travel better than some of its more expensive neighbors.
The Shuttle Situation and Why It Matters
Location is everything. Or is it?
The hotel sits about 4 or 5 kilometers from the main terminal. You can't walk it. Don't even try. The walk involves navigating highway interchanges and industrial zones that aren't designed for humans with rolling suitcases. You’ve got a few options: the hotel shuttle, a taxi, or the train.
The shuttle is the big talking point here. Unlike some airport hotels that run a 24/7 loop every ten minutes, the Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport typically operates its shuttle on a specific schedule. Usually, this means every 30 minutes during peak morning and evening hours. If you land at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, you might find yourself waiting longer than you’d like. It’s a point of friction for a lot of people.
Public transport is actually a decent backup. The Diegem train station is about a 5-to-10-minute walk from the lobby. From there, you can hop a train and be at the airport or in the center of Brussels in no time. It's often faster than waiting for a bus if your timing is right.
What the Rooms Are Actually Like
Don’t expect velvet curtains.
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport follow the global "Generation 4" design standard for the brand. It’s clean. It’s blue. It’s functional. You get a decent desk, plenty of USB ports for charging your dying phone, and—most importantly—windows that actually block out the sound of jet engines.
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One thing that surprises people is the "Pillow Menu." It sounds fancy, but it’s basically just a choice between soft and firm. Still, in a world where many European hotels give you a single pancake-thin pillow, having a choice is a win. The beds are generally firm, which is great for your back but might feel stiff if you’re used to sinking into a cloud.
Space is tight. If you’re traveling with three large suitcases and a stroller, you’re going to be playing Tetris to get around the bed. That’s the trade-off for the price point. It’s designed for the "one-night stand" of travel—you arrive late, sleep, shower, and vanish.
That "Free" Breakfast: A Reality Check
Everyone loves free food until they see the buffet line at 7:00 AM on a Monday.
The Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport includes breakfast in the room rate. In Belgium, this usually means a spread of croissants (which are actually pretty good), sliced meats, cheeses, yogurt, and some hard-boiled eggs. If you’re looking for a full English breakfast with greasy sausages and fried bread, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s a "Continental-plus" situation.
The coffee machine is the MVP here. It’s one of those bean-to-cup units that pumps out a respectable espresso or latte. Is it artisan? No. Does it provide the necessary caffeine to survive a 10-hour flight to JFK? Absolutely.
One tip: the breakfast area gets crowded. Fast. Between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, the room is packed with business travelers in suits frantically checking their watches. If you want a peaceful meal, get down there by 6:30 AM or wait until the final call around 9:30 AM.
The Diegem Neighborhood: Is There Anything to Do?
Short answer: Not really.
Longer answer: Diegem is a business park. If you walk out of the hotel, you’ll see glass office buildings belonging to companies like ExxonMobil and various tech firms. It’s not "charming Belgium." You won't find cobblestone streets or ancient cathedrals right outside the door.
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However, there are a couple of local spots if you're willing to wander. There’s a decent Italian place nearby and a few local bars that serve world-class Belgian beer—because, well, it's Belgium. Even the most boring suburb in this country usually has a bar with 20 varieties of Trappist ale on tap.
If you have a long layover and want to see the "real" Brussels, take the train from Diegem station. In 15-20 minutes, you’ll be at Brussels Central, a five-minute walk from the Grand Place. It’s much better than sitting in the hotel lobby staring at the flight departure board.
Common Misconceptions About the Price
People often look at the Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport and wonder why the price fluctuates so wildly. One week it’s €90, the next it’s €210.
Brussels is a "mid-week" city. Because of the European Parliament, NATO, and the massive corporate presence in Diegem, hotel prices skyrocket on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. If you’re a leisure traveler looking for a deal, try to book your stay on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. You’ll often find the rates are half of what the "suits" are paying during the week.
Also, be aware of the city tax. It’s a separate charge that catches people off guard at checkout. It’s not the hotel trying to scam you; it’s a standard Brussels thing.
Comparison: Holiday Inn vs. The Neighbors
Why pick this one over the Crowne Plaza or the Sheraton?
- Sheraton: It’s literally across from the terminal entrance. You pay a massive premium for those 50 steps. If you have a 5:00 AM flight and zero patience, it’s worth it. Otherwise, it’s overpriced.
- Crowne Plaza: Usually located in the same general area as the Holiday Inn Express but more "upscale." Better bar, better gym, higher price.
- NH Hotel: Solid competitor, often similar in price. The NH sometimes has slightly larger rooms, but the Holiday Inn Express usually wins on the breakfast inclusion.
The Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport is the middle child. It’s not the cheapest (you can find some truly grim hostels or budget motels further out), and it’s not the fanciest. It’s the safe, "I know what I’m getting" choice.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, here is the "insider" way to handle the logistics so you don't end up annoyed.
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1. Check the Shuttle Schedule Immediately
Don't just assume a van is waiting for you. Call the hotel or check their website the day before you land. If the shuttle isn't running when you arrive, take a taxi/Uber (expect to pay €15-€20) or use the train to Diegem.
2. Request a High Floor Away from the Elevator
The walls are decent, but the "ding" of the elevator and the chatter of early-morning travelers in the hallway can be a wake-up call you didn't ask for. High floors tend to be quieter.
3. Use the Diegem Train Station for Sightseeing
Don't bother with expensive taxis to the city center. The train is reliable, cheap, and puts you right in the heart of the tourist district. Just remember to check the return times, as trains to Diegem get sparse late at night.
4. Join IHG One Rewards
Even if you never stay at a Holiday Inn again, joining the free loyalty program usually gets you a slightly better Wi-Fi speed and occasionally a later checkout. In an airport hotel, that extra hour of sleep is gold.
5. Manage Your Dinner Expectations
The hotel has a "snack" menu and a bar, but it's limited. If you're arriving late and you're starving, eat at the airport or grab something at the terminal before heading to the hotel. The options in Diegem after 9:00 PM are slim.
The Holiday Inn Express Brussels Airport is exactly what it claims to be. It’s a clean, efficient, well-oiled machine designed to process travelers. It won't be the highlight of your trip to Belgium, but it won't be the reason your trip is ruined, either. And in the world of airport hotels, that’s a massive win.
Plan your transit ahead of time, grab a Belgian beer at the bar, and set your alarm for the early breakfast. You'll be at the gate while everyone else is still wrestling with their GPS.
Next Steps for the Traveler:
Check your flight departure time against the current Brussels Airport security wait times (available on the official BRU website). This hotel is close, but Zaventem security can be notoriously unpredictable during peak morning rushes. If you have a flight before 8:00 AM, aim to be on the 5:30 or 6:00 AM shuttle to account for any logistical hiccups.