In short… The most elegant hotel in the city, which reopened in December 2024 after a very thoughtful and lengthy renovation.
The backstory… When the Grand Hotel Astoria opened in 1910, it was the finest hotel in the country, and remained so for many decades until it finally closed its doors around 20 years ago. It lay dormant for 17 of those, before the Corinthia brought it back to life with a painstaking historical renovation that took four years, overseen by a Belgian architect.
The vibe… It’s hard to imagine when you’re sitting inside the lovely Belle Epoque Palm Court that just several years earlier it was completely abandoned. It succeeds in feeling youthful and unstuffy, with a lightness and air that is so hard to achieve in a building that is a protected monument. Even though I was a very early guest (we stayed within a month of its opening), the hotel felt great—the staff was very much in sync: enthusiastic, warm and informed. Just off the lobby of Corinthia Brussels, but also accessible from the street, is Coutume, which is part flower shop, presided over by the best florist in the city, Daniel Ost (I could have watched them building out arrangements all day), and part multi-brand concept store featuring Belgian artisans. It’s also a place where locals and guests can take part in workshops.
The rooms… Our room was very comfortable—huge closet area, a separate living area with a table for eating/working, and a giant tub. The design is more modern comfort—not corporate, not too styled out, but just right. They also had a comfortable bed and dog bowls for Prune.
Food & Drink… We were invited to experience their gastronomic restaurant, Palais Royal, and I was nervous about it, as I don’t ever like tweezer-y, fussy food. I was wrong. We did the wine pairings and opted for the smaller of the two courses—6 vs 8/9. We knew we were going to like it when the somm came around with Champagne and a Belgian sparkling wine, and suggested we try both, and we shockingly both preferred the Belgian. Not only was every course not heavy, but the wine pairings were great. The most impressive part was the plating, which was so creative—beautiful glass bowls enhanced the dish and were part of the whole presentation, way beyond the Bernardaud dishes we’re so used to seeing. Super colorful and creative. I had breakfast one morning—a delicious poached egg on avocado toast. Unfortunately, the Under the Stairs bar with the well known mixologist Hanna Van Ongevalle wasn’t open yet (forecasted to open in May), and their other restaurant, Le Petit Bon Bon, was closed on the days we were there. But I am quite sure I’ll be impressed when I return.
The spa/gym… The gym is incredible—it has all the Technogym equipment you can imagine, plus a line called Blk Box. I wasn’t able to experience their spa or pool as it was still under construction.
Be sure to… Walk to beautiful Brussels Park—it’s just 10 minutes on foot, and it’s the largest in the city and just across the street from the Royal Palace. Try to time your visit to be there on the weekend for the flea market.
Date of Stay: January 23-26, 2025
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