Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels

The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, has been meticulously restored to its Belle Époque grandeur, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Reopened in December 2024 after an extensive renovation, it has quickly re-established itself as a premier destination in Brussels.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel frequently described as "exceptional" and offering a "five-star experience." Many highlight the stunning beauty of the hotel and the outstanding service provided by the staff, making it an unforgettable stay. On booking platforms, it boasts an exceptional score of 9.5 out of 10 based on over 150 reviews.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels:

• Service: The attentive, friendly, and professional staff are frequently cited as making the experience exceptional, often going above and beyond to prioritize guest comfort.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel's Belle Époque architecture, meticulously restored interiors with gilded ceilings, Art Deco lights, and a sublime stained-glass skylight, create a grand yet cozy and elegant atmosphere.
• Amenities: The 13,000-square-foot spa, featuring an indoor lap pool, heated vitality pool, sauna, steam room, and seven treatment rooms, is a significant draw, often described as the city's only hotel spa of its kind.
• Dining & Bars: The presence of Michelin-starred chefs and a "showstopping cocktail bar" are highly regarded.
• Location: Its central position, close to major attractions and public transport, is also a key highlight.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 126 rooms and suites, designed with a blend of heritage and modern aesthetics. Rooms, such as the Grand Deluxe Suite, are described as feeling like a private apartment with high ceilings, plush textures, and a calming palette of soft greys, rust golds, and royal blues. They feature bespoke artwork by Belgian artists and marble bathrooms, often equipped with Diptyque toiletries. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfort, and the integration of discreet, up-to-date technology. Interconnecting and hallway connection options cater well to families and groups. Superior Rooms start at 323 square feet.

4. Dining Experience

The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels provides an exceptional culinary experience with multiple outlets:

• Palais Royal: A gastronomic restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred Belgian Chef David Martin, offering impressive tasting menus and exquisite dishes that blend classic Belgian cuisine with contemporary interpretations.
• Le Petit Bon Bon: A Belgian brasserie helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Hardiquest.
• Under The Stairs: A hidden cocktail bar led by mixology superstar Hannah Van Ongevalle, known for inventive drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
• Palm Court: A stunning lobby lounge area under a recreated stained-glass skylight, perfect for afternoon tea or aperitifs. Breakfast is available à la carte and is highly recommended, with some guests enjoying live harp music during their meal.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff receive consistent accolades, being described as "top level," "exceptional," "attentive," and "very friendly." Guests report feeling welcomed from the moment they enter, with staff prioritizing guest comfort and exceeding expectations. The concierge service is also highlighted as excellent and professional. Some guests have noted that the staff even remember their names.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime and attractive location in the center of Brussels, on Rue Royale in Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges. It is conveniently situated near several key attractions:

• Belgian Comics Strip Center (8-minute walk)
• Grand Place (0.7 miles / 1.2 km)
• Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (12-minute walk) It is also close to the Royal Palace and terraced botanical gardens. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Centraal Station metro a 5-minute walk away, and Botanique-Kruidtuin and Madou Stations also nearby. Brussels Airport is approximately 12 miles (19 km) away.

7. Value & Pricing

While the hotel offers a luxurious five-star experience, pricing reflects its high standard. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $492.97, with some Grand Deluxe rooms noted at around €700 per night. Guests generally feel that the exceptional service, stunning design, and comprehensive facilities justify the cost, especially for those seeking an exclusive and high-end experience. Virtuoso travelers may receive perks such as upgrades, daily breakfast, and resort credits, which can enhance the value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Room Issues: One guest reported a non-flushing toilet and a poorly placed light control box that obstructed bedside table space.
• Bed Firmness: A few guests found the beds to be very hard.
• Service Speed: Some experienced long check-in times.
• Pricing of Incidentals: The cost of coffee and light dishes in the lobby was noted as high by one guest.
• Dry Cleaning: One guest mentioned that same-day dry cleaning service was not available.

Sources

1. travelandleisure.com
2. wikipedia.org
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. thehotelguru.com
6. corinthia.com
7. corinthiagroup.com
8. allbrusselshotels.com
9. sophibee.com
10. wheree.com
11. headforpoints.com
12. expedia.com
13. booking.com
14. hotels.com
15. hotelsbrussels.net
16. virtuoso.com
17. booking.com