The “design” component of Hotel Bloom hit me over the head before I'd even walked in. The front windows are glammed up like department store displays, bringing funk to an otherwise unlovely exterior. Crossing the threshold and then the lobby, I found it difficult to decide where to look. On my left, two moddish egg chairs were dangling from chains.
Overhead, the intricately moulded ceiling competed with a wooden chandelier for my attention. The front desk featured a flatscreen with fashion week coverage, a bowl shiny green apples, and a receptionist named Pomme. She wished me a good stay and I rushed off to discover my digs.

Each room at Hotel Bloom bears its own stylish imprint. Young and talented (but not-yet-established) designers are selected to dress up a series of rooms. Far from "Pimp my Room" excess, however, the results are fairly low-key.
My room had a tastefully stenciled wall and an accompanying text from the artist about its meaning. The room was flooded with natural light and had a view over the nearby botanical gardens.

To get the travel kinks out, I took advantage right away of the fitness center down the hall. Alone in the room, I had my pick of about twenty brand-new cardio machines, and there was a gleaming weights set-up around the corner. Distraction came in two forms - looking out over the city skyline and watching the flatscreen TV.

Returning to my room, I stopped in the 8th floor lounge just to see what it was about. I found the traveling parents' dream: a spacious annex where brooding teens could be sent to watch movies (a DVD library), play video games (a Wii console) or goof around on the internet (several computer stations).
There was also a full kitchen and a dining room table. I made a mental note to remember this place if and when I ever reproduce.

Back in the room and after a shower in the nothing-special bathroom, I was ready for a little work. The extra-long desk let me to spread out my papers, fire up the laptop with free wifi, and get down the serious business of figuring out where to eat.
The in-room espresso maker kept me juiced, and a special speaker port
for my iPod meant that I could sing along while selecting my targets.

The hotel restaurant S'Moods was definitely not on my to-try list. I love design in my hotel room but am suspicious of it in restaurants. At S'Moods, there are seven different "mood islands," each with a different style.
Diners can choose between "flower power" and "passions," among others (I'm not sure where the rustic wood cabin arrangement fits in). It looked like a fun place to drink, but I couldn't imagine eating there.

Of course I hadn't come to Bloom for the restaurant. I had come for the promise of stylish digs at an insanely low price. And bottom line, I wasn't disappointed. The rack rate for a double room is 290€, but the nearly perpetual internet specials keep the real price (at weekend) around 100€ per night. Even without the design flourish, this would be a great price for a very comfortable stay with plenty of little perks.
On the downside, the over-branding can be a little annoying (Hotel Bloom music CD, anyone?) and the 22€ breakfast supplement is more costly than you'd find in a 5-star hotel. I skipped it and instead took my coffee on the sprawling terrace at the neighboring botanic gardens.
Despite these drawbacks, I found Hotel Bloom to be an exciting place to stay. The design concept was well-executed, and not at the expense of comfort. And the services - free wifi, iPod port, fitness center and lounge - were spectacular for the 100€ price.
Hotel Bloom; 250 rue Royale, 1210 Brussels (St-Josse)