The grandeur and glamour of Brussels’ most iconic hotel, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, are poised to shine once again as it undergoes an ambitious restoration, merging its storied past with modern luxury.
Boasting a magnificent stained-glass ceiling, a neo-classical façade, and rooms dripping in extravagance, the Corinthia Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since it first opened its doors in 1910.
Originally a favorite haunt of aristocrats, artists, and dignitaries such as Winston Churchill, Emperor Hirohito, and Salvador Dalí, the hotel is now preparing to write a new chapter in its illustrious history.
A Storied Past
The history of the Grand Hotel Astoria is steeped in the splendor of the Belle Époque era. Created as a venue for royal guests and international luminaries, the hotel was built for the Brussels International Exposition of 1910 at the behest of King Leopold II.
Situated on Rue Royale, just 500 meters from the Belgian Parliament, the location was as regal as its guests.
Over the course of the 20th century, the hotel became synonymous with high society, hosting chamber music concerts and gala dinners that became fixtures of Brussels’ cultural landscape.
For over a century, the Astoria played host to some of the world’s most prominent figures, from writers like James Joyce to artists like Salvador Dalí, leaving a legacy of refined luxury and grandeur.
However, after years of gradual decline, the hotel closed its doors in 2007, its once-glorious interiors losing their lustre. The hotel was listed as a protected monument in 2000, and after a series of ownership changes, it was finally purchased by Corinthia Hotels in 2016.
Restoration and Renovation
Since its acquisition by Corinthia Hotels, the hotel has been undergoing a meticulous restoration to reclaim its former glory while integrating modern amenities.
Corinthia Hotels, known for its collection of heritage properties around the world, has ensured that the Astoria’s transformation is as much about preserving the past as it is about embracing the future. The €80 million renovation project aims to blend cutting-edge technology with the opulence of a bygone era.
The restoration has not been without its challenges. The building’s original architectural features, including its magnificent stained-glass ceiling, had been altered several times throughout the years.
The ceiling, which had suffered from leaks and damage over the decades, was a particularly daunting restoration task. The original design was lost in the 1940s, and later replacements added to the complexity of the restoration.
However, through innovative research and the use of advanced digital technology, the team has been able to reconstruct the ceiling in its original splendor, preserving the hotel’s historic charm.
Architect Francis Metzger, who spearheaded the restoration project, described the process as a balance between restoring the hotel’s historical essence and incorporating the needs of modern luxury.
“We had to preserve what made the work and at the same time, bring it into the 21st century with a quality that people who can afford these hotels demand today,” Metzger said.
The restoration was not just about aesthetics. Many of the building’s “diseases” or structural faults, such as cracks and leaks, were also addressed.
Through techniques like stratigraphy—removing layers of paint to uncover the building’s original colors—the team was able to faithfully restore the hotel’s grandeur. The result is a seamless fusion of old-world elegance and state-of-the-art comfort.
The New Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria
With the completion of the renovation, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria now offers 126 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 90 standard rooms and 36 lavish suites.
The top-floor penthouses, which range up to 330 square meters, include private gyms, treatment rooms, and expansive terraces with panoramic views of the city.
The hotel’s design reflects both its classical roots and the contemporary comforts expected of a world-class hotel.
The Corinthia’s facilities are nothing short of extraordinary. The hotel boasts two Michelin-starred chefs, including David Martin, renowned for his French-Japanese fusion cuisine, who helms the Palais Royale restaurant.
Le Petit Bon Bon, an upscale Belgian brasserie, is run by Christophe Hardiquest, another Michelin-starred chef with a reputation for innovative Belgian cuisine.
For those seeking more casual options, the hotel offers Under the Stairs, a cocktail bar with inventive drinks, and Palm Court, a stunning courtyard serving coffee, afternoon tea, and aperitifs beneath the breathtaking stained-glass ceiling.
The hotel’s spa and wellness center, complete with a swimming pool and luxury retail spaces, round out its offerings, ensuring that guests have access to a full range of indulgent experiences.
Whether guests are seeking relaxation or recreation, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria aims to provide a sanctuary of unparalleled luxury.
A Fresh Approach to Luxury
Despite its opulence, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria is committed to making luxury accessible and inviting. Edward Leenders, Managing Director of the hotel, explains that the hotel aims to create a more relaxed, human-centered atmosphere.
“Our expectations have changed. We no longer want to be called ‘Sir and Madam’, with somebody running behind us, opening the door of the toilet. We would like to be human again,” Leenders says. This approach is reflected in the hotel’s efforts to foster a welcoming environment, not just for guests but for locals as well.
Sophie Clarke, Director of Sales and Marketing, echoes this sentiment. “We don’t want to be one of those stiff luxury hotels,” she says. “We want everybody to feel welcome.”
The hotel is embracing its local roots by featuring Belgian artisans and artists, from the exclusive scent created for the hotel to the selection of Belgian brands featured in the luxury concept store at the hotel’s entrance. This connection to local talent and culture is a core part of the Corinthia’s identity.
A Venue for Celebrations and Events
In addition to its luxurious accommodations and world-class dining, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria is also positioning itself as a premier venue for events and celebrations.
The Salon Elisabeth, with its capacity to host 80 to 100 guests, will be the setting for elaborate gatherings such as candlelight concerts and gala dinners.
This space, with its classic elegance, evokes the glamour of the past when women in evening gowns would descend the grand staircase, adding to the hotel’s legacy as a place for special occasions.
The Corinthia plans to revive some of the traditions of the Astoria, including its Sunday morning chamber music concerts, which were once a staple at the hotel.
The hotel’s two Steinway pianos, relics of the original Astoria, will be put to use once again for musical performances, adding an element of cultural heritage to the modern luxury experience.
Competition in a High-End Market
The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria enters a competitive landscape in Brussels, where other five-star hotels such as the Juliana, Amigo, and Steigenberger Wiltcher’s offer rooms at more modest prices.
The Corinthia, with its luxurious rooms starting at €700 per night and penthouses costing up to €21,000, is positioning itself as the pinnacle of opulence in the city.
The hotel’s location, on Rue Royale, places it in a slightly quieter part of the city, offering a more exclusive atmosphere compared to the bustling downtown area where most of Brussels’ luxury hotels are located.
However, Leenders is confident that the Corinthia’s unique blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and welcoming atmosphere will set it apart from its competitors.
“We want to attract a new kind of clientele to Brussels, an audience not yet served in Europe’s capital,” he says.
The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria is aiming to redefine luxury in Brussels, blending the grandeur of its past with a contemporary sensibility that caters to the evolving tastes of today’s high-end travelers.
Looking Ahead
With its grand reopening, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria is not just restoring a historic landmark but also creating a new icon of luxury in the heart of Brussels.
The hotel’s combination of opulence, local culture, and modern sensibility promises to make it a destination for travelers from around the world who seek the very best in hospitality.
As Brussels continues to evolve, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to offering guests an experience that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
With its grand restoration now complete, the Corinthia is ready to welcome a new generation of guests to experience the luxury, history, and elegance that has made the hotel a beloved landmark for over a century.
