Brussels' BEST Hostel? 2GO4's SHOCKING Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the rabbit hole that is 2GO4 Brussels, a hostel that claims to be the… ahem… "best." And lemme tell ya, after my recent stay? Well, let's just say the "shocking secret" isn't necessarily a treasure map, but it's definitely something.
First things first, Accessibility. This is where things get… mixed. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. Excellent, right? But remember, this is Brussels. Cobblestones, narrow streets, and an almost pathological aversion to ramps seem to be part of the city's charm. (Charm, my foot when you're wrestling a suitcase.) I didn't personally need full accessibility, but I did notice the elevator, which is a HUGE plus for Brussels, where every other building seems to be a medieval fortress. So, good potential but verify specifics before booking if you genuinely require it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where 2GO4 really shines. This hostel, especially post-pandemic, understands the game. They’ve got all the buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options. (Though, honestly, I prefer a good ol' open croissant. But I digress!). Room sanitization opt-out? Nope, not an option folks, and I was relieved to see that. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yup, they definitely seemed on it; I watched one guy meticulously wipe down a table three times before letting someone sit down. First aid kit? Visible and accessible. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Guaranteed peace of mind. They've got the whole shebang! I felt seriously safe, even if I did see someone sneeze dramatically into their elbow in the lobby. (Hey, people are people, even in sanitized environments.)
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty – the stuff. Breakfast… well, let's say I'm not a morning person, and the promised Breakfast Buffet didn’t quite live up to the hype. More like a "semi-organized spread of things." There was bread, though. Plenty of bread. And some questionable looking pastries. I filled up on coffee (thank GOD for Coffee/tea in restaurant), and called it a win. They did offer Breakfast takeaway service, which seemed like a better option. I saw people with those takeaway breakfasts looking relatively cheerful, so points for that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, so maybe the breakfast wasn’t Michelin star quality, but the Bar was a definite winner. They had a great selection of Belgian beers (duh!), and the atmosphere was lively but not… overwhelming. The Poolside bar? Nonexistent, because, well, Brussels isn't exactly known for its tropical climate. (Snack bar? Yes, the snacks were okay, though the selection felt a little… sparse.) I didn’t try any Asian cuisine, though the Asian cuisine in restaurant was a possibility. There was, thankfully, a Coffee shop, which I frequented. And room service [24-hour]? Bless.
Services and Conveniences: This is a strong area for 2GO4. Concierge? Always helpful, even when my navigational skills failed me miserably. Cash withdrawal? Easy peasy. Laundry service? Yes, and that was a lifesaver! (Don't judge my travel wardrobe.) Luggage storage? Absolutely. My luggage, despite my best efforts, was a hot mess. Daily housekeeping? Yep, and they did a great job. Elevator? We already established, Brussels blessing. Wi-Fi for special events? They host events, but I didn’t get to attend any. Xerox/fax in business center? Not my jam but they got you.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (sort of): Fitness center? Nope, not in this hostel. Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Gym/fitness… you get the idea. This isn't a spa resort. But hey, you're in Brussels! Walk, get lost, eat chocolate. Relaxing is overrated.
For the Kids: Babysitting service? Nope. Family/child friendly? It seemed okay, but I didn’t see a ton of kids. Kids meal? Not sure. This probably isn't the best family-traveling.
Available in all rooms: This is where you find out whether the room is any good. Additional toilet -- no. Air conditioning -- Yes, thankfully. Alarm clock -- Yes, probably not too loud either. Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone -- nope, this is a hostel, not a luxury hotel. Blackout curtains -- Yes and appreciated. Carpeting -- no! Thank GOD. Closet -- yes, small. Coffee/tea maker -- no, but there's one in the cafe. Complimentary tea -- no. Daily housekeeping -- yes. Desk -- yes, small. Extra long bed -- I didn’t have any issues. Free bottled water -- nope. Hair dryer -- yes. High floor -- no. In-room safe box -- yes. Interconnecting room(s) available -- I'm unsure. Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless -- yes and yes. Ironing facilities -- yes. Laptop workspace -- yes, but small desk. Linens -- yes. Mini bar -- nope. Mirror -- yes. Non-smoking -- yes, thank the heavens. On-demand movies -- yes. Private bathroom -- yes. Reading light -- yes. Refrigerator -- nope. Safety/security feature -- yes. Satellite/cable channels -- yes. Scale -- no. Seating area -- small. Separate shower/bathtub -- yes. Shower -- yes. Slippers -- nope. Smoke detector -- yes, duh. Socket near the bed -- yes, and bless you for it. Sofa -- yes. Soundproofing -- I found it pretty quiet. Telephone -- yes. Toiletries -- basic. Towels -- yes. Umbrella -- not in the room. Visual alarm -- good point. Wake-up service -- yes. Wi-Fi [free] -- yes. Window that opens -- yes.
Getting Around: This is good. Airport transfer? Yes, and convenient. Bicycle parking? Yes. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking? Nope.
And The "Shocking Secret"? Okay, so the "secret" isn't on the level of a hidden speakeasy or a secret underground pool. Honestly? The "shocking secret" is that 2GO4 is a solid, well-run hostel in a city that can be a bit… rough around the edges. It prioritizes cleanliness and safety, while providing all the basics. It isn't the Ritz, but it is a genuinely good option for budget travelers.
The Imperfect Perfection: Here's the thing: it's not perfect. The vibe can be a bit… functional. It’s not overflowing with character, nor is it a place you'll necessarily find a life-long friend. But it's clean, safe, and gets the job done. The staff is friendly and helpful, and that counts for something in a city where even ordering a coffee can feel like a Herculean task.
My Recommendation (and an Offer):
Would I stay at 2GO4 Brussels again? Absolutely.
Why?
- Safety and Cleanliness: Unmatched peace of mind.
- Location: Relatively central, easy access to public transport.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, especially compared to other Brussels options.
- The Bar: Seriously, the beer selection is worth it alone.
My (Messy) Offer for YOU:
Book your stay at 2GO4 Brussels through this review (okay, I can't actually arrange that, I’m just being dramatic – but you SHOULD book it!) and get ready for a travel experience that's clean, safe, and will leave you craving more… or at least, more fries!
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Escape to Paradise: OYO 89537 Fairy Garden Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this travel itinerary is about to get REAL. We’re talking a Brussels trip, 2GO4 hostel, and enough caffeine to fuel a small rocket. Prepare for the beautiful, the messy, the downright bonkers. And remember, this ain't some perfectly polished brochure. This is life, Brussels-edition.
Brussels: A Chaotic Symphony (and Me)
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and Waffles of Redemption
- 10:00 AM (CET): Landed at Brussels Airport. Already regretting the extra shot of espresso at the gate. My brain is doing the jitterbug, and my luggage is doing the limbo. Always a fun start.
- 11:00 AM: Train to Brussels-Midi. Pretty sure the guy next to me has a pet ferret in his bag. The things you see…
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at 2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels City Center. Okay, first impressions: it's… cozy. Let's go with cozy. The receptionist, a heavily pierced individual with a surprisingly kind smile, tells me my dorm room is… well, it's a dorm room. My stomach drops, because I'm already missing the privacy of my own apartment.
- 1:00 PM: Unpack, attempt to make the bunk bed my own, fail miserably. The sheets look suspiciously clean, so that's a win.
- 1:30 PM: Discover the nearest waffle stand. Salvation. Seriously, these things are pure, unadulterated joy. Crispy edges, fluffy insides, mountains of whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Forget the Louvre, THIS is art. I eat two. Possibly three.
- 2:30 PM: Wander aimlessly around the Grand Place. It's beautiful, I guess. But honestly, I'm still thinking about those waffles. The gilded buildings are impressive, but can they compete with a crispy pastry? (Spoiler: no.)
- 4:00 PM: Chocolate shop overload. So much chocolate. So many decisions. I buy a box of assorted pralines, reasoning that this is "research." (It’s definitely not. It’s just chocolate.)
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to navigate the Metro. Get hopelessly lost. End up emerging into a park. Decide to sit on a bench and eat my chocolate.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a "traditional" Belgian restaurant. Ordered mussels and frites (because, cliché, I know). The portion is enormous. The mussels taste amazing. I'm questioning my life choices. The frites came with mayonnaise, which I happily doused them in.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hostel, contemplating the sheer number of people I'm sharing a room with. My stomach is a little uneasy after the mussels. Try to find a communal area. It's like a rave. Except everyone is sitting by themselves on their phones. Decide to read a book.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to sleep. The snoring symphony begins. Realize earplugs are a lifesaver. Question my sanity. Still thankful for those waffles.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. (Eventually.)
Day 2: Delving Deep (and Definitely Falling)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast at the hostel. Free toast. Slightly stale toast. But free toast. Acceptable.
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Manneken Pis. Seriously, I expected more fanfare. It's a tiny little statue, and the crowds are huge. I end up feeling… slightly underwhelmed. But hey, at least I saw it.
- 10:00 AM: Comic Strip Centre. Actually, really enjoyed this. The artistry is amazing. Tintin is a childhood hero. The history is fascinating. It's a pleasant surprise. I also buy way too many Tintin keychains.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Another waffle (duh). Today's flavor profile: strawberries and Nutella. Possibly the best decision I’ve made in years.
- 1:00 PM: Attempt to visit the Atomium. Get sidetracked by an amazing park. Lie on the grass. Watch people. Feel content.
- 2:00 PM: Walk into the Atomium. Get slightly lost trying to get in.
- 2:30 PM: Finally get to the Atomium. The elevator ride is a little terrifying, but the views are AMAZING. Brussels sprawled out before me. It's stunning.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Inside the Atomium. The exhibitions inside are… meh. But the views are worth it. I snap a million photos.
- 5:00 PM: Leave Atomium. On the way down I stumble. I fall. Right in front of a group of teens. Mortified. I get up, pretending nothing happened.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. French fries for dinner. I don't feel bad about it.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Attempt to explore the night life. Bar hopping. Very awkward interactions. Decide to go back to the hostel.
- 9:00 PM: Collided with my roommate. Apologized profusely and went back to bed.
Day 3: Farewell (and more waffles, obviously)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: More toast. This time, a bit of the jams.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. More chocolate. And, of course, another waffle.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of 2GO4. Feeling a strange mixture of relief and sadness. It was rough, but it was an experience.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the train station. One last look at those waffle stands. A tear rolls down my cheek.
- 12:00 PM: Train to the airport. Looking back on Brussels. It’s a mess. It's chaotic. It's probably not going to be my favorite city. But I'll definitely remember Brussels.
- 1:00 PM: Plane takes off. Dreaming of waffles.
- 2:00 PM: Land back home with many chocolates and my heart full of memories.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- Brussels is a city of contradictions. Beautiful architecture mixed with questionable smells. Expensive shops next to bargain bins. It's a delightful mess.
- The people are friendly, in that slightly reserved European way. Don’t expect overly exuberant greetings. Expect a polite smile and directions if you manage to ask clearly.
- I think I could survive solely on waffles for the rest of my life. Maybe.
- The communal hostel life is… interesting. Let's leave it at that.
- I learned that I am not a morning person.
- Also, I'm convinced that my luggage has a mind of its own.
- I’m not sure whether I liked it or not, but I’d do it again.
Final Thoughts:
Brussels, you weird, wonderful, waffle-filled enigma. You challenged me, frustrated me, and occasionally made me question my life choices. But you also gave me some amazing memories, some incredible food, and a whole lot of stories to tell. Would I go back? Maybe. Would I bring my own waffle iron if I did? Absolutely.
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2GO4 Brussels: The Hostel That Nearly Broke Me (But Also Kinda Saved Me) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, spill the tea. Is 2GO4 really the BEST hostel in Brussels? I see all these glowing reviews...
Look, is it *technically* the best? Maybe. Depends on your definition of "best." If "best" means a hostel that's clean, organized, and has 24/7 hot water... then, uh, sometimes. Okay, fine, usually. But if "best" means an unforgettable experience, a chaotic whirlwind of friendships, questionable decisions, and the distinct smell of stale beer mingled with pure adrenaline? Then, yeah. 2GO4 is definitely up there. Honestly, the glowing reviews? They're not *all* lies. Mostly! I mean, I went in expecting a perfectly polished experience, you know? Like a travel brochure. Boy, was I wrong. So, so wrong.
So, what's this "shocking secret" you're hinting at? Is it a cult? A hidden speakeasy? Spill!
Alright, alright! "Shocking secret" is a bit dramatic. (Okay, *I* was being dramatic.) But the secret... well, it's the people, isn't it? And the sheer, unadulterated *energy*. It's a magnetic vortex of backpackers, artists, students, and lost souls just *looking* for a good time (and probably a cheap place to crash). The "secret" is that everyone's in the same boat – trying to find their way, making questionable life choices, and collectively forgetting how to sleep. It's a beautiful, messy, glorious free-for-all. And the staff? They're either incredibly efficient enablers, or equally lost souls who got sucked into the 2GO4 black hole. The line is blurred.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel? Quiet and chill? Somewhere in between?
Oh, the vibe. It's... multifaceted. Picture this: one moment, you're nursing a hangover in the kitchen, reading a book, feeling all introspective. The next moment, you're being dragged into a spontaneous beer-drinking competition fueled by questionable karaoke and the questionable life decisions of your fellow guests. It's a rollercoaster. I'm not a huge "party animal", and I was still swept up in the chaos. There are designated quiet hours, yes. Did those get followed? Sometimes. Did a philosophical debate over Belgian waffles and the meaning of life erupt at 3 AM? Absolutely. In short: Get ready for anything.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Comfortable? Or should I pack a hazmat suit and earplugs?
The rooms... ah, the rooms. They're… functional. Let's leave it at that. Look, it’s not the Ritz. Expect bunk beds, shared bathrooms (which, surprisingly, were usually *okay* clean – a small miracle, really), and the distinct, ever-present hum of shared humanity. The earplugs are a good idea. Especially if you get roommates who snore like chainsaws (true story). Cleanliness is a relative term, influenced by how hungover the cleaning staff - and you - are. Bring some flip-flops for the showers. That’s my official advice to you.
What's the location like? Easy to get around? Safe?
The location is pretty great! Right in the heart of the city. Walkable to most of the major sights – Grand Place, Manneken Pis (yes, it's a tiny, underwhelming statue, but you *gotta* see it). Public transport is easy to access. Safety? Brussels is generally pretty safe, but as with any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. I personally didn't have any problems. I was too busy navigating my own questionable judgment to worry about petty crime.
Do they have a kitchen? I'm on a budget!
Yes! A kitchen! And *this*, my friends, is where the real magic happens. The communal kitchen at 2GO4 is the heart of the hostel. It's where alliances are formed, travel stories are swapped, and questionable culinary creations are born (mostly involving instant noodles and questionable leftovers). It's chaotic, it's messy, but it's the perfect place to bond with fellow travelers. I remember one time, I tried to cook pasta carbonara. I *failed*. Utterly. It was a disaster. But three other people, including a guy named Marco who claimed to be a world-class chef (he wasn't) helped me. We laughed so hard we cried. It was wonderful. And the beer, of course, was flowing.
What about activities and events? Anything to do besides... existing?
Oh, yeah. They do a good job with activities. Walking tours, pub crawls (naturally), and the occasional themed night. I was there for Halloween, and the staff went ALL OUT. Costumes, decorations, the whole shebang. It was ridiculously fun. The best part? The *unplanned* activities. Late-night chats, spontaneous trips to the chocolate shops (which, by the way, will ruin your life in the best way possible), and impromptu jam sessions in the common room. The scheduled events were good, but the unexpected stuff? That's where the memories are made.
Okay, let's get specific. What was the *worst* thing about 2GO4? Be brutally honest.
Okay, here's the truth. The noise. Sometimes, there's *a lot* of noise. People coming and going at all hours, loud conversations in the hallways, the aforementioned chainsaw... I mean, snoring. Seriously, earplugs. But honestly? Even the noise became part of the experience. It was a constant, chaotic hum of life. And sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll wake up at 4am, wander into the kitchen and find a couple of kindred spirits, all staring blurry-eyed at the fridge, deciding what kind of questionable breakfast they can pull together. And that, my friend, is the magic of 2GO4.
Did you make friends? Like, *real* friends?
Absolutely. I still talk to people I met there. People from everywhere – Australia, Japan, Colombia, even a guy from my hometown who I'Coastal Inns
