There is a great deal of information about hotels, facilities and prices on the internet. Most hotels have their own websites, with links for enquiries and bookings.

You can book by fax, internet or telephone (almost all reception staff speak English). Many hotels require security for a booking, such as a credit card number. The city tourist office can also help you to find a room.

The official star system for rating hotels is based more on facilities than on things that really make a difference, such as decor, tranquillity and quality of service. Two-star hotels may actually be more rewarding and agreeable than five-star ones. Le Dixseptième in Brussels must rank among the most delightful hotels in the world, but it only has four stars, not five.

Many hotels offer weekend rates (Fri–Sun and public holidays), which are far cheaper that the standard “rack rate”. In Brussels, the cheap rate may cover July and August, and through much of December to mid-January. Many hotels also offer discounted rates if you stay several nights. Prices quoted may not include city tax, which is usually €2 extra.

Hotels prices reflect the predicted ebb and flow of business and holiday trade. Summer is busy in Bruges, but less so in Brussels, Antwerp or the university city of Ghent.

For small hotels that are very comfortable and full of character, Bruges and Ghent are way ahead of the other cities. In Antwerp, such hotels are scarce; an exception is Matelote. Brussels has more to offer (For further details see Brussels: Hotels of Character).

The hotel industry in Belgium is run with professionalism at all levels. In the business sector, pricing is highly competitive; the more you pay, the more you get – in terms of the facilities, at least.

Check whether breakfast is included in the price quoted – it can cost €15 a head or more if you pay separately. A hotel breakfast usually consists of a buffet, with cereals, croissants, cold meats and cheese, fruit, yogurts and juices, and sometimes bacon and eggs.

Private citizens in the cities are, in increasing numbers, opening their homes for bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Some of these are delightful historic houses, right in the centre. They are good value for money – around €55–€95 for a double room, per night – and the best tend to be booked up months in advance. You can find many of the properties on the Internet. Tourist offices can also provide listings and contacts.

A cheap option, at under €20 per family per night, is to stay at one of Belgium’s efficiently run camping and caravanning sites. Needless to say, they are not near the city centres. Tourist offices will have details.