CORINTHIA.COM

Press release 

LONDON, UK (December 9, 2024) - The highly anticipated Corinthia Brussels, situated on Rue Royale, opens today amidst the celebrated Maltese group’s global expansion. Formerly the Grand Hotel Astoria, this iconic Belle Époque landmark has undergone a complete transformation, now featuring 126 rooms and suites, and a subterranean spa. Following an extraordinary journey of rebirth, the hotel reaffirms its position as a cornerstone of Belgian hospitality, partnering with exceptional local talent to elevate its bar and dining experiences. It promises to be an unparalleled destination for both locals and international travellers.

Originally opened in 1910, the project to restore this Brussels landmark has been reimagined by the Corinthia Group - owners, developers and operators of luxury hotels worldwide - whose operating company, Corinthia Hotels, now take on the management of this beloved palais at the heart of Europe’s capital.

Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, said, “The reopening of Corinthia Brussels marks an exciting chapter for both our brand and the city. This project isn’t just about restoring a hotel—it’s about redefining what luxury hospitality can be. By collaborating with some of Belgium’s most forward-thinking craftspeople and gastronomic minds, we’re challenging conventions and creating something truly special. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience this new era and to discover a space where heritage and innovation meet.”

 Place setting design

Situated in Notre Dame aux Neiges, Corinthia Brussels has long symbolised grandeur and sophistication. Commissioned by royal decree and designed by Henri Van Dievoet, it was originally conceived as a palace to host distinguished guests of the King. With its era-defining architecture and opulent interiors, it became synonymous with elegance, hosting illustrious guests like Winston Churchill and Andy Warhol. Now, after a four-year restoration programme, meticulously preserving the ground floor and façade, undertaken in collaboration with Urban Brussels, Patrimoine Brussels and the Royal Commission, it becomes a beacon of gastronomy, urban relaxation and refined Belgian living.

At its heart is the Palm Court, graced by a magnificent stained-glass skylight restored under the direction of Belgian architect Francis Metzger. Guests will pass through this breathtaking space before ascending the grand staircase to reach the hotel’s 90 bedrooms, 31 suites and five signature suites. Designed by GA Design, the rooms evoke regal opulence with palettes of blue and rust gold, inspired by the building’s rich history.

Beacon of Gastronomy

As Corinthia Brussels has respected the crafts of architecture and design, so too does it honour the artistry of gastronomy. The hotel has partnered with two much-loved, Michelin-starred, Belgian chefs with dining concepts; Le Petit Bon Bon and Palais Royal, while Belgian mixologist sensation Hannah Van Ongevalle opens her first solo bar concept with Under The Stairs.

While their concepts are unique, chefs David Martin and Christophe Hardiquest share a similar work culture; nurturing young talent in a kind, creative and collaborative kitchen, working seamlessly and wholly between kitchen and service staff, and respecting the culinary heritage of Belgium. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday, Christophe Hardiquest’s brasserie concept Le Petit bon bon serves traditional Belgian favourites with a modern twist. With both street and hotel access, this vibrant brasserie has been designed by local interior designer We Want More studio and feels at once exciting and homely thanks to the team’s palpable energy and personable service. Under Hardiquest’s leadership, the kitchen is steered by Venezuelan Andrea Mesa adding a distinct South American and female flair to proceedings.

Palais Royal by David Martin serves a menu of French cuisine inspired by the flavours and philosophy of Japan in a seven, ten or 12-course degustation. For time-pressed or weary travellers, any dish on the menu can be ordered à la carte, reflecting Martin’s commitment to inclusivity and breaking down the barriers of traditional fine dining. The restaurant serves lunch, Tuesday to Friday and dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.

Beneath its magnificent skylight the Palm Court serves coffees, teas, light snacks and drinks throughout the day and leads to Salon Elisabeth which serves breakfast, as well as providing a flexible space for events, hosting anything from intimate dinners to screenings and press conferences.

Hannah Van Ongevalle embarks on her first solo venture with Under The Stairs, serving cocktails and mocktails in a seasonally changing menu. Opening in February 2025 and operating daily from 12noon to 1am, the inaugural menu, From Dust We Rise, is a spin on classic cocktails inspired by those invented in famed hotel bars around the world over the past century.

Refined Belgian Living

Wellness is redefined in this first for Brussels, as Corinthia opens with an elegant underground sanctuary created through the addition of a newly excavated floor beneath the hotel. Over 1200 square metres, the spa features seven private treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, experience showers, tea room and fitness centre with personal training by former British Army physical training instructor Paul Tucker.

The hotel’s concept store Coutume, champions Belgian excellence presenting a curated selection of luxury local brands. From ready-to-wear fashion and fine jewellery to distinctive design pieces, it features celebrated names like Maison La Collection and Daniel Ost, alongside emerging designers.

Located in the heart of Europe, Brussels offers a rich mix of cultural heritage and contemporary flair. Known for its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, the city will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Art Deco in 2025. Guests at Corinthia Brussels are perfectly positioned to explore the city’s museums, vibrant arts scene and culinary delights, all within a short distance from Brussels’ most fabulous address. -Ends-

For more information visit: Corinthia.com/Brussels

@CorinthiaHotels @CorinthiaBrussels

#Corinthia #CorinthiaMoments #CorinthiaHotels #CorinthiaBrussels

 

Notes to editor:

  • The hotel opens on 9 December 2024, with the Palm Court, Le Petit bon bon, Palais Royal by David Martin and Coutume concept store
  • Corinthia Spa by Sisley opens 16 December 2024
  • Under the Stairs opens in early February 2025
  • The full inventory of rooms and suites is expected to be available from 15 March 2025.

 

Address and booking:

Corinthia Brussels
Rue Royale 103, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Tel: +32 2 593 10 00 | Email: brussels@corinthia.com

Website: Corinthia.com/Brussels

 

For further information contact:
Mary-Clare Gribbon | UK PR: GribbonBerry

Tel: +44 7834 234 945 | Email: corinthiabrussels@gribbonberry.com

 

About Corinthia Hotels

Founded in Malta in 1968, Corinthia Hotels is a global hotel company with an expanding luxury portfolio. Corinthia has pioneered the ‘Grand Boutique’ hotel genre, blending the elegance of a grande dame with the energy of a lifestyle boutique hotel. From the original Corinthia Palace in Malta to hotels in London, Lisbon and Budapest, the company is developing landmark properties in New York, Rome, Brussels, Bucharest, Doha and Riyadh, alongside resorts in the Maldives and beyond. Combining Mediterranean soul with world-class culinary and wellness offerings and authentic service, Corinthia remains a leader in the hospitality sector with ambitious plans to further strengthen its position in global luxury. Corinthia.com

 

About Corinthia Group

The Corinthia Group, trading as International Hotel Investments plc, is a publicly listed company founded in Malta in 1962. The Group owns, develops, and invests in real estate and hotel assets across Europe, the USA, Africa and the Middle East. Beyond its investment portfolio, the Group owns Corinthia Hotels, an operating company that manages luxury hotels worldwide in gateway cities such as New York, London and Brussels with a healthy pipeline of locations under development. The Group’s other subsidiaries specialise in project management, design and property development.