Hey all, My wife and I are heading to SPA this year for the F1 race and we are trying to book our trip early.. I wanted to see if anyone could give me some advice on where to stay? We are planning on visiting Brussels, Amsterdam, and Antwerp. How far is SPA from Brussels? Any hotel recomendations near the track? Small towns worth visiting in the SPA area? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Hi - Hopefully you will find accomodations in Brussels for the event. We've been to Spa for the F1 race six times and always book our room before we checkout on Sunday or very soon thereafter. You might try seeing if there's anything available in Maastrict (NL), Namur (Belgium), Aachen (Germany - although doubtful), Liege or Luxembourg City. We've stayed in Maastrict but mostly in Bastagone at the Best Western Melba (a fantastic French restaurant and pizza restaurant a short walk from the hotel in the city centre). From the airport in Brussels to the circuit is about 1.5 hours - E40 - E42 - N62 (exit 11) to Stavelot (we prefer this route over the northern way). The circuit had a great ticket discount available if purchased by 31 December and another discount if purchased by 31 January. Here's a link to the circuit: http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en07/home/index.php We usually only go for a long weekend which centers on the race so sorry but I can't offer much sightseeing suggestions on small towns to visit. If you like sports car racing and really want to enjoy the circuit to the fullest, I would highly suggest the Spa 24 Hour, an FIA-GT race 2 & 3 August this year. There's nothing like seeing the lights in darkness and hearing the MC12's, Astons, Ferraris, Corvettes as the go out of Eau Rouge up Raidillon at dawn/fireworks display at midnight/cheap tickets (60 Euro for the weekend)/full track and paddock access (Vitaphone allowed you into their garages during the race and pit stops)/close accomodations. Good luck and enjoy - it's our most favorite track. Carol
All, Thanks for the great info.. I will be working on the trip this weekend and I'll let you know how it all works out... Sonny.....
I drove by it last time I was in Belgium, didn't have time to stop, which I regret: http://foundation.ecuriefrancorchamps.com/en/ Great Ferrari history there. Brussels is a great cosmopolitan city these days, lots to do at night, great restaurants, Much Better than 25 years ago : ) I stayed here ast time I was there: Great place right on the Grand Place: http://www.hotelamigo.com/?source=1004 part of the great small luxury hotels of the world group or some such. Great service, nice place. I walked in and they negotiated a good rate on the spot. disclosure: my mother is Belgian so I am a bit of a partisan : ) PB
Hi Steve, Glad to share info with you guys. I understand heading to Spa in lieu of Barcelona. We're headed to Cataluyna the first weekend of April for the LMS race. No McLarens, so no problems! Carol
the swaters fundation is closed now... Burssels may be a little too far from Spa ...it'll be easier to stay near Liège.
