Looking inside Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, the former Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria is more than just a hotel. Corinthia Hotels saw that too when they bought the listed building along Brussels' Koningstraat in 2016. It is a place with stories, memories, experiences and a community. Major renovation works have entered the final straight. With 126 rooms, the hotel will soon reopen its doors under the name
Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. 

After more than 18 years of closure, Hotel Astoria in Brussels is reopening its doors this year. Until 2007, the hotel was owned by the same family. Then followed a long period of vacancy, until in 2016 the Maltese group Corinthia Hotels saw the potential of this unique, monumental building full of stories and heritage. They are now working hard there to create what Corinthia Brussels should become: a true lifestyle hub, for both guests and residents of our capital city. "We want to invite people to come here," says Edward Leenders, general manager of Corinthia Brussels. "This location has been hosting guests since the end of the nineteenth century. At that time, you couldn't yet speak of a hotel. That original building was demolished and Hotel Astoria opened in 1910. Tradition has it that Leopold II wanted to bring the opulent palace feel he experienced in hotels around the world to Brussels on the occasion of the World's Fair. We are working with three historians to bring out all the facts and stories in book form."

Corinthia Hotels is doing everything possible today to bring back the grandeur of the past. The renovation and restoration of the building are done with great attention and respect for the historical details. Those works can be called quite impressive. "At one point, we had a construction pit over seven metres deep for renewing the foundations and excavating the spa. The monumental heritage pieces were floating on a sort of plinth, so to speak," Edward says. "It was structurally very complicated and at the same time very clever to see. Next to the classical facade, we put another extension and on top of the building there is now an extra floor for the penthouses."

To the right of the historic entrance on Koningstraat will be the Members Club. There, weekly lectures and events will be organised. The aim is to network there, but also to add value. This will be accessible by invitation only. To the left of the entrance will be a luxury concept store with a changing range of regular partners in fashion, art, flowers, jewellery, ... This will be open to everyone, not just guests. "Actually, we offer products along with the rooms, suites, restaurants, private dining, spa and bar. Each part will have its own story to appeal to different audiences. We want to get rid of sameness, because the differences reinforce each other, give energy and make this a beautiful story."

Corinthia Brussels will employ some 250 people to ensure a sophisticated guest experience. The hotel comprises 126 rooms, including 31 suites and five signature suites such as the royal suite and penthouses. The areas start around 30 square metres and go up to more than 300 square metres for the penthouses. In the 1,200-square-metre spa, guests will find an ice fountain, sauna, pool, hammam, wellness areas and a tearoom. There will also be a gym, where a personal trainer will be on hand. The ballroom will serve as a breakfast venue in the morning. There will also be a bar, restaurant, brasserie and a courtyard garden with 40 seats. All these facilities are also accessible to non-guests and increase the attractiveness for long stays. Brussels is a political hub, not far from Paris or Amsterdam. Corinthia Brussels thus forms a central hub for those who often travel between the three cities.

The absolute showpiece is the Palm Court, a kind of lounge with an 11-metre-high glass dome that has been restored to its former glory. "This is what it looked like in 1910," says Edward proudly. "Over the years it started raining inside and after World War II the dome was reduced to a flat glass roof. We very deliberately chose the design of the time, combined with modern techniques. For example, ventilation is built in, but you hardly see it. We reconcile tradition with modern comfort and the latest building standards, thanks to Belgian architect Francis Metzger. His experience and knowledge are of great value for the entire project. Also in the cooperation with Brussels Heritage. "

From Corinthia Hotels, there is a great fondness for historic buildings. That explains why they saw the potential of Hotel Astoria. The group grew into a success story through their London hotel in a rather atypical neighbourhood. "It offered them access to the luxury market and they maintain that position to this day," Edward explains. "Our ambition is to develop a market. So how do we get those clients to Brussels? The clientele is there and the capital has many assets. Heritage and culture on the one hand, modern and antique art on the other. People often laugh when I tell them that Parisian antique dealers buy their objects in Brussels. You also find fashion and creativity here, but also the bon vivant aspect with seventeen Michelin stars in Brussels alone."

Besides international customers, Corinthia Brussels wants to attract as many Belgians as possible. "Many people have great memories here. In addition, we work well with the city and so we can give something back. Although I personally think that you only really reinforce our authentic story by involving as many local people and partners as possible. You don't create a unique hotel like this by working with a corporate manual, but by connecting with the neighbourhood and giving it a soul. Belgium has so much expertise, knowledge and craftsmanship, so why not use it? For the design of the hotel, we worked with Corinthia Hotels' regular partner, G.A. Group. The club and brasserie will be decorated by Belgian designers, though."

The renovations are in the finishing stages. Could the hotel open this summer? "Let's keep it at 2024. Perfection is not a choice when you open a hotel of this calibre. Everything has to be on point. Our team is quietly taking shape. We are bringing all talents together to reach the full potential of this place. This is how we make it a special experience for all who come here. We have been building for 3.5 years. This is not just a hotel or investment, it takes dedication. We are very proud to present this to the Belgian market."

When the works are final and doors open, Hotelvak will be happy to visit Corinthia Brussels again to immerse our readers in the atmosphere and experience there.