1) The IAD/BRU non-stop isn’t that bad – even in old C – as it’s only an 8ish hour flight. Take an ambien. The alternative is a connection through FRA/MUC (as you know). There are plenty of new config planes on those routes from IAD now, but by the time the flight lands in DE you will have missed the early departures to BRU and will be sitting in lounges for about 4 hours. Not enough time to leave the airport, but too much time to enjoy even a glimmering SEN lounge.

2) Brussels is a great city, though the amount of stuff you can really do there to keep busy is relativley small. 2 days is enough. If you’re there over the weekend the Le Meridian is usually (relatively) well priced for Saturday nights, and is situated within 100 meters of Grand Place and 100 meters of the main train station.

3) On a weekend evening visit one of the restraunts that ring Grand Place, get a table outside, order a Chimay, and watch the public spectacle that is Grand Place. Last weekend I saw a guy in a bunny suit, a troupe of college aged “nurses”, a marachi band, and a guy who would let you hurl a cup of tapioca pudding at him for a euro.

4) If you want some more specific advice on hotels or food, give me an email (I assume you can somehow see the email address that I am required to add here, if not just comment back or PM me on Flyertalk (same name)).

Brussels… I can take or leave. Normally leave alas. I was there for an afternoon and a bit… and wasn’t particularly enamoured with the city (probably because it was throwing it down)

Kevincm’s big travel hint: Avoid the Mankin Pis. Seriously. You’ll be disappointed….

I was in Brussels a couple years ago. I found that 2 days was a perfect amount of time to see the city itself, and a 3rd day allowed a day trip to Bruges, an easy train ride away, and worth seeing if you have the time.