Bruges or Brussels, Where should I stay?

There's arguments for both. Bruges is said to be much more atmospheric early and late when the day-trippers aren't there. On the other hand, Brussels is much more enjoyable if you stay in the city, as the interesting sites are very spread around and if you do day trips you'll spend too much time travelling.

I'd say Brugge is the more enjoyable of the two to have your accommodation.

Bruges! We stayed at vrbo#27982. Wonderful host, great location & accomodations.

Another vote for Bruges. Brussels is the dullest city in Europe IMO.

Bruges! We LOVED Bruges. It's magical and so much fun. I recommend the Duc de Bourgogne, Bruges hotel. Can be found on hotels.com and it's super affordable. They have a really fancy breakfast buffet and the accommodations are clean, pleasant and some overlooking the canal.

I'd say Bruges. Here is a wonderful Airbnb, if you don't mind three (or was it four?) flights of stairs:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/590470

Bruges fan here too.

Another vote for Brugges!

I will add my vote for Bruges.

Most posters will say Bruges, but if you are looking for a good deal, then you'll get a better price in Brussels. The city has had a huge drop in tourism since the terrorist attacks. I'm sure there are some killer discounts on airbnb. Also, the museums and restaurants are not very crowded right now. Bruges is a wonderful town but it's main business is tourism. So it depends on what you are looking for.

You can't go wrong with either. I stayed in both for 4 nights each. I actually liked Brussels more, but I know I'm in the minority on this.

Bruges is where you go after you die. Fairy tale pretty, french fries, chocolate and beer. Nothing need more said.

an overblown, silly Disney-style medieval theme park

UNESCO evidently doesn't think so:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/996

Brussels has my vote, I stayed there last April and enjoyed my time there. I had private tour with local people and learned a lot history about Brussels.