New lifestyle brand Cardo Hotels announces opening in Brussels

WITH A CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR, VIBRANT RESTAURANTS AND AN INDOOR ROOFTOP POOL, CARDO BRUSSELS INTRODUCES A NEW LIFESTYLE CONCEPT TO THE BELGIAN CAPITAL. THE HOTEL'S COLOURFUL CHARACTER PAYS HOMAGE TO "BELGITUDE", BRUSSELS' RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE. WHETHER YOU'RE HERE FOR WORK, PLEASURE OR RELAXATION, AT CARDO BRUSSELS EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER.

Cardo Hotels, the new lifestyle hospitality brand, is excited to announce the opening of a second destination, this time in Brussels. Like Cardo's debut in Rome, Cardo Brussels is also part of the Autograph Collection, which falls under the banner of the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme. Marriott Bonvoy is represented globally with 31 unique hotel brands.

Cardo Brussels is located on Place Rogier, strategically located within walking distance of both the business district and the lively city centre. The hotel is housed in an imposing 30-storey building, where guests can enjoy impressive views over the city. With a mix of lifestyle and business facilities, Cardo Brussels is the perfect destination for modern travellers looking for the best of both worlds.

"We are looking forward to the next chapter of Cardo Hotels with the opening of Cardo Brussels. Each Cardo Hotel reflects the aesthetic and cultural core of the city in which it is located, ensuring a unique experience at each destination," said Nicolas Romero Oneto, managing director of Cardo Hotels. "With the introduction of Cardo Hotels, we want to offer guests a place where personal well-being and business ambitions blend seamlessly. We see this synergy as the future for hotel experiences - a sophisticated mix where business and personal needs are balanced."

Cardo's playful 'Belgitude' begins already with its striking exterior, where René Magritte's world-famous self-portrait 'Le fils de l'homme' will soon cover the entire facade of the building. This image is simultaneously an ode to the 100 years of surrealism that the city is celebrating this year.

"Typical of Cardo Hotels, Cardo Brussels usually presents signature experiences with a local twist, such as encounters with caricature artists, sightseeing-jogging sessions, live DJ events as well as fascinating talks and workshops," says Duco Heijbroek, general manager of the hotel.

Upon entering, guests walk past a large screen that turns them into cartoon avatars. This playful approach in design is visible throughout the hotel, including the 532 spacious rooms (from 28 m²) that span 24 floors.

"What happens when you mix Tintin, the Smurfs and Magritte? We wanted to create a contemporary experience, with a nod to Belgian comics and pop culture, where guests can both work and relax," says Saar Zafrir, the recognised interior designer with his agency based in Amsterdam. Especially for Cardo, he created personalised furniture inspired by comics and their speech bubbles, such as the umbrella-shaped coffee tables. The rooms are brightened up with artworks with comic details and a library cabinet decorated with art books, cartoon characters and bowler hats, in addition to the integrated minibar and wine fridge.

The hotel stands out with its versatile suites, each with a unique design element. The ZEN suite offers private spa facilities with a separate bath, sauna and treatment room, the BIG suite has its own modern meeting room and the TOP suite features a fully equipped kitchen with two double bedrooms.

Cardo Brussels promises to be a culinary destination with a wide range of bars and restaurants, where guests can enjoy a mix of local gastronomy and international cuisines, befitting the diversity of this European capital.

Gritto's Restaurant, named after iconic artist René Magritte, pays tribute to Belgian cuisine with a creative twist, where guests can enjoy full breakfast and casual lunch or dinner daily. In the colourful Doodles Bar The lobby has a cosy atmosphere with an all-day menu, coffee from local roaster OR COFFEE and sophisticated cocktails.

With the opening of restaurant & bar Akai at the end of summer, the culinary experience will literally be taken to the next level with its destination at the top of the hotel. This promises to be a lively spot with eclectic design, a combination of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, signature cocktails and panoramic views of Brussels.

Wellness is at the heart of Cardo Hotels' concept, and it is no different in Brussels. The fitness and spa facilities are located high up in the building, where guests are guaranteed impressive views. The 160m² gym, equipped with the latest Technogym equipment for weights and cardio, is accessible 24/7. At the end of summer, the Contour Spa with five treatment rooms, a sauna and a relaxation room, and the indoor rooftop pool. This iconic 70m2 indoor pool will be open all year round and is surrounded by glass windows and with an adjacent outdoor terrace with stunning views.

At Cardo Brussels, guests can immerse themselves in a whole new hotel experience. The new lifestyle hotel offers a breath of fresh air in a city where classic design and mundane business hotels have prevailed until now.