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Brussels is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, but rather than stay in a boring chain hotel, you should stay in a character-filled luxury boutique hotel. Explore the center of the EU with incredible gourmet dining and bags of history. It is also worth visiting for its historic and stunning Grand Place or Grote Markt, the beautiful square in the center of Brussels.
The Grand Place is hidden up a maze of lively cobbled and pedestrianized streets packed with local restaurants largely serving seafood, paella, and moules frites. Once you find the square, you will be impressed by the ornate, spired 15th-century city hall and several antique guild halls (mostly 1697–1705) with fine baroque gables, gilded statues, and elaborate guild symbols.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, there’s a flower market in the square, and at other times of the year, it hosts Christmas fairs and jazz weekends, as well as the famous’ flower carpet’ once a year. Around the corner from the Grand Place is the Manneken Pis (a famous but small statue of a boy peeing), and it is worth taking a trip to the edge of the city to the site of the Battle Of Waterloo.
My favorite thing to do in Brussels is to drink their excellent beers and to seek out one of their fabulous restaurants, such as Comme Chez Soi, with a Michelin star and an unusually charismatic city bistro atmosphere.
1. The Dominican
Our top boutique hotel choice is nestled just a few steps from the historic Grand Place in Brussels and less than 10-minute walk from Brussels Central Station The Dominican luxury boutique hotel is ideally located for a weekend exploring this fabulous city. The hotel, pictured above, stands on what was a Dominican abbey in the 15th century, and after 1800 the famous neo-classicist painter Jacques-Louis David had his home here. Sitting majestically among the golden gables in the heart of Brussels, it has become a luxurious 21st-century luxury hotel, offering a unique combination of historical elegance and modern design.
The interior is a contemporary interpretation of the old cloister, featuring the designs of the prize-winning Amsterdam agency, FGStijl. The restoration is beautifully finished. There is a trendy lounge bar with high ceilings and impressive windows, an intimate “Grand Lounge” restaurant, and a peaceful courtyard bistro for the summer. The stylish and uplifting decor mixes luxurious fabrics and rich colors, giving a relaxing feel to both the rooms and the communal areas. Take a stroll through the abbey corridor in the late afternoon sun, have a casual drink in the Cosmopolitan Lounge Bar, and experience an ever-changing range of moods in unforgettable surroundings.
All rooms are luxurious and come with nice amenities like a Nespresso machine. The hotel also has a small gym with a sauna and steam room. The Dominican Loft room is a highlight, located at the front side of the hotel and offering a luxurious feeling in a stylishly designed atmosphere with super comfy window seats. This is a true boutique hotel in Brussels’s heart, and we love it!
2. Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel
Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel, is the best luxury hotel right in the heart of the old town in the center of Brussels. Hotel Amigo is the epitome of Belgian luxury. A distinctive mix of old and new, Olga Polizzi has redesigned each of the 173 rooms and suites. Her masterful blend of styles and vintages gives each room its unique charm, as do the countless thoughtful touches.
The Amigo opened in 1958 and is located in the city’s center, right next to the Grand Place, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful square in Europe. The location is perfect, steps from the historic Grand Place and up an atmospheric cobbled side street.
The square houses the city’s Town Hall and acts as a central focal point for the city, its ornate architecture drawing both residents and visitors throughout the year. In addition, many of the city’s traditions and festivals take place in the square, including the famous bi-annual flower carpet festival.
Hotel Amigo offers a variety of bedrooms and suites which are individual in style. The 173 rooms, including 18 suites and 1 Royal Suite, are completely renovated and refurbished in a new, modern, and tasteful style. Some rooms have views through to the Grand Place, while others look out over the churches and spires of the city. Good-sized bathrooms contain mosaic details in red or green to match their marble vanity tops, and figures of Herge’s characters, Tintin, Snowy the Dog, and Captain Haddock, enliven the walls with a touch of humor.
3. Steigenberger Wiltcher’s
This hotel isn’t in the center of the Grand Place. It is instead located on upscale Avenue Louise, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s has stood as a paragon of good taste since 1911. Now she stands ready for the next century with an understated, modern elegance that invites guests to relax and linger. The location isn’t bad. It’s perfect for shopping, and if you want to sightsee, you can take the Metro to the Grand Place, which is minutes away.
With 267 serene guest rooms, which are the most spacious in the city, offer beautiful views over the inner courtyard or Avenue Louise. Plan afternoon adventures over sweet delicacies in the library, then join locals for handcrafted cocktails and a market-fresh meal in the cozy Loui bar and restaurant. You’re just minutes from Brussels’old town.
8. Sofitel Brussels Le Louise
Sofitel Brussels is also situated near upscale Avenue Louise. Nestled among the fashionable streets of Brussels’ prestigious Avenue Louise district is the 169-room Sofitel Brussels Le Louise. This five-star hotel has all the luxurious touches you could imagine.
From Hermès lotions in the bathroom to dinners and peaceful Sunday brunches by award-winning Chef Adwin Fontein, this stylish hotel exudes opulence. Stunning plays on color and light enhance the vibe, which blends Brussels’ historic beauty with French art de Vivre.
Whether you start your day with an espresso on the terrace or end it with a cocktail in the lounge, you’ll be experiencing the good life in the heart of Brussels.
9. Vintage Hotel
Again, this hotel is just moments from the designer stores on Avenue Louise. It is the quirky and colorful Vintage Hotel, which thoroughly embraces the 1970s. Rooms can be small here, but all are perfectly formed and overlook a central courtyard. Decore is retro wallpaper and fluffy pillows. For something different, stay in the Airstream caravan with a nice bed and a shower. This hotel also has a good wine bar stocked by an award-winning sommelier.
10. Odette en Ville
Odette en Ville is a romantic hotel with lots of low lighting so that your wrinkles won’t ever show. This ultra-trendy hotel-restaurant located between the Place du Châtelain and Avenue Louise in Brussels has opened its doors in a beautiful mansion dating back to the 1920s.
The original design of Odette en Ville in Williers offers the glamour of a New York boutique hotel. Book the restaurant ahead for a taste of the excellent fusion dishes, like lobster dumplings, or just enjoy an exquisite cocktail with Brussels’s most sophisticated locals.
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