A new gem will open in the bustling centre of Brussels in June. Housed in a former bank building, the elegant boutique hotel Hotel Fleur de Ville reveals itself. A historic spot with cinematic charm and vintage flair, where new stories come to fruition.
With the opening of Hotel Fleur de Ville, a hidden piece of history is unravelling. The 19th-century building that houses the boutique hotel is of neo-classical style and was originally designed by eclectic architect Hendrik Beyaert in 1889. Later, in the early 20th century, the property was extended by Henri van Dievoet, a prominent architect in Brussels, which was then further developed by Alban Chambon, known for his lavish, fairy-tale interiors. This sophisticated establishment served as the headquarters for the General Savings and Retirement Fund (CGER: Caisse Générale d'Epargne et de Retraite) and other leading banking institutions, known for their prestigious meeting rooms adorned with fine decoration. The graceful architecture, symbolic details and rich past make Hotel Fleur de Ville a unique venue for many a meeting and stay.
The hotel's eclectic interior honours the building's heritage while subtly incorporating modern influences, resulting in an elegant, vintage atmosphere. "It feels like stepping into a Hercule Poirot film," says Philippe Delissus, hotel manager, referring to British writer Agatha Christie's fictional Belgian detective. "The ambiance and décor perfectly complement the graciousness, making guests feel like they are in their own film for a moment."
"With Hotel Fleur de Ville, we aim to offer our guests a fascinating experience by combining authentic details with contemporary elements," says interior designer Saar Zafrir. "The hotel invites guests to discover the various layers of its history and the present and experience its heritage in a new way."
The hotel's eclectic style has been implemented with finesse in the 51 rooms and suites. The luxurious Aesop skincare products create an intense sense of relaxation. Large windows overlooking the courtyard garden fill The Bluebell Rooms with natural light. The Iris Rooms overlook the city's lively streets, featuring authentic details such as a fireplace, wooden doors and original mouldings. The six elegant suites offer guests understated luxury with the 100m2 master suite - The Grand Magnolia Suite - being the 'pièce de résistance', located in the property's corner tower with a magnificent dome.
For body and mind relaxation, the Hotel Fleur de Ville will later open a private wellness area with a hot tub, sauna and lounge offering a selection of spa treatments, starting from the autumn season.
Enjoy an intimate setting in The Grand Foyer, a lounge bar where you can sip a refreshing aperitif or a local digestif. On the 1st floor, Hotel Fleur de Ville introduces a new meeting place, where non-hotel guests will soon be able to enjoy refined dishes in an accessible setting. The high ceilings of the former council chamber and retro-chic interior create an intriguing ambience in the restaurant and bar, which will be announced soon. Hotel guests can already enjoy a full breakfast here when the hotel doors open. They will also have a choice of a selection of dishes for lunch and dinner in The Grand Foyer. The new restaurant concept will be introduced from September, promising an innovative twist on French European cuisine. More about this new culinary destination will be revealed soon.
Discover the charm of Brussels, a destination rich in art and cultural heritage. The city is characterised by fine architecture in different styles: art nouveau, art deco, to modern. Its charming streets are surrounded by centuries-old buildings, each with its own story. The city is famous for its exquisite culinary scene with top chocolatiers, gourmet restaurants and atmospheric bars. Shopping enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of boutiques and vintage shops, alongside renowned local and international fashion houses. Highlights this year include the Flower Carpet on Grand Place (15-18 August), Brussels Design September (12-30 September), the international contemporary art fair Art on Paper (3-6 October), the beloved Christmas market Winterpret, and early next year: BRAFA, one of Europe's most prestigious art fairs.