THE FACTS ABOUT BE MANOS

Belgium Brussels

The Be Manos is a blast from the 1960s past, with vast, chain-mail curtains in the lobby bar and sleek fittings and furniture, including Verner Panton's iconic S chairs. Splashes of vermilion, orange and lime are mixed with bronze and chrome details and black stone floors. The sexy, urbane design is a complete departure from the competition in this still-up-and-coming area near the Gare du Midi Eurostar terminus. The restaurant, Be Lella, serves beautifully prepared Belgian staples in a glamorous, white setting and the maître d' is knowledgeable and witty in four languages. The 60 bedrooms are organised around a calm courtyard with water features and evergreen shrubs. The rooms are dark and masculine, with Opaline glass tables and plenty of patent leather and smoked glass offset by suede and velvet. Photographs of owner/designer Constantin Poulgouras's friends and family, an attractive bunch it must be said, feature throughout. They encapsulate the spirit of this family-run but entirely professional operation. WHEN TO GO Any weekend, when hotel rates in Brussels are most attractive; or book early for Design Month in September. ROOM TO BOOK Either of two rear-facing junior suites with terraces. Square de l'Aviation 2327, Brussels (00 322 520 6565; www.bemanos.com). Doubles from 375 Euros; junior suites from 475 Euros Find out more about Brussels in our city guide