 The neoclassical façade of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria on Rue Royale - Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, Brussels
Now flying the Corinthia flag, the establishment has preserved its soul while reinventing itself. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how it marries architectural heritage with contemporary hospitality without becoming ostentatious. This restraint – impressing without overdoing it – won me over immediately. But what truly left its mark on me was the authenticity of the service: every staff member genuinely invested in guest wellbeing and attentive to the smallest detail.
An ideal location
The Corinthia's location is a real asset, which I fully appreciated during my stay. Its location at the crossroads of Rue Royale and Rue de la Loi isn't accidental. The hotel occupies a building that has served as a showcase for European aristocracy since 1879, and this proximity to power has always influenced its DNA. Today, the European Parliament and the institutional quarter are accessible within minutes, explaining the regular presence of diplomatic delegations in the lobby. But what really charmed me was the walkability: Parc de Bruxelles extends just steps away, an unexpected green escape in the heart of the capital, perfect for morning strolls.
This location let me explore Brussels on foot. I reached the Grand-Place after a pleasant fifteen-minute walk, whilst the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, that jewel of 19th-century commercial architecture, were practically on my route. The Sablon district, with its antique dealers and chocolatiers, made for an ideal Sunday stroll. This accessibility transformed my stay: I never felt confined to the hotel, returning gladly after wandering the cobbled streets, feeling like a temporary local rather than a rushed tourist. The particularly competent concierge team suggested alternative routes revealing a less obvious Brussels, one of secret passages and art nouveau interior courtyards – invaluable recommendations.
Rooms where classicism rhymes with comfort
Arriving in my Superior Room, a non-alcoholic drink awaited me, presented like a precious bottle. A simple gesture, but revealing for someone who doesn't drink alcohol. Even before appreciating the room's comfort, I was won over by the personalised service.
The Corinthia's interior faithfully respects the building's heritage whilst integrating current comfort standards. The hotel has just completed significant renovations, including the opening, in August 2025, of The Grand Gallery penthouse with its La Brontë suite – in homage to the Brontë sisters who lived in a boarding school not far from there. The 6th floor, the final level completed, rounds off these works. I immediately appreciated this décor, which cleverly avoids the pitfalls of neoclassical pastiche. Neutral tones dominate, beiges and pearl greys, punctuated with touches of teal in the textiles. The solid but not heavy furniture reminded me of a bourgeois Brussels flat rather than a standardised hotel room.
After a busy day exploring Brussels, I slept wonderfully, which isn't always the case during my business trips. The bathroom, clad in white marble veined with grey, adopts a classic but efficient configuration. I particularly appreciated the Corinthia Spa by Sisley products, this signature scent turning my morning shower into a genuine wellbeing ritual. The hotel even had its own perfume created by Laura de Coninck, a subtle signature scent found throughout the common areas. The soundproofing proved excellent, an essential quality in a capital where road traffic barely knows any respite. My room overlooked Rue Royale, giving me an interesting view of the urban bustle without any noise.
The Corinthia also features remarkable spaces: Club Astoria, designed by Joffroy Van Hulle, offers highly eclectic and colourful décor, while the Salon Peony keeps its original olive green according to heritage directives. The Palm Court, the establishment's tearoom, takes its name from the palm trees that once adorned the premises.
Flavourful and varied gastronomy
The Corinthia Brussels has three dining options. I tried several, starting with the Palm Court with its revisited Belle Époque salon atmosphere. The international cuisine features well-mastered classics. The starters and sharing menu has tempting options, and I couldn't resist the house croquette and the lobster roll.
At Palais Royal, the establishment's gastronomic restaurant led by Chef David Martin (responsible for all of Corinthia's restaurants), I had my finest culinary moment. The team immediately put me at ease with a blend of humour and joviality quite rare in this type of establishment – you can tell these professionals love what they do, and it makes all the difference. I had the chance to speak with David Martin, and it's touching to see his pride in Jean Kaczmarek, his head chef. "I'm here so that he becomes somebody!" he confided to me enthusiastically. Jean, Alexandre Mazia's former second-in-command for three years and discovered through a mutual friend from La Paix, leads this seven-person brigade (thirteen including front of house) with endearing humility despite his obvious talent.
The tasting menu features a succession of well-executed dishes. The beetroot and raw cream as an opener surprised me with their freshness, followed by a trio of porcini, orange and hazelnut playing brilliantly with textures. The squid with samphire and chanterelles brought a perfectly judged marine note, whilst the fish cake served with nori really won me over with its boldness.
The tartlet featuring akami, sea lettuce and truffle was the pinnacle for me. The brill with Paimpol coco beans, anchovies and green beans showed excellent cooking, the fish literally melting under the fork. The duck presented with sweetcorn and pomegranate impressed me a bit less – this sweet-savoury combination works well, but lacks originality. I concluded this dinner with the lemon soufflé, whose airy texture was the ideal final note after such a rich meal. Throughout the service, the front-of-house team managed to remain attentive without being intrusive – their subtle humour and relaxed professionalism particularly impressed me.
The Corinthia Spa by Sisley
Going down to the 1,200-square-metre Corinthia Spa by Sisley let me escape Brussels' bustle. The collaboration with Maison Sisley, founded on family values like Corinthia, works well. I opted for the ESPA Iconic Back, Face & Scalp Treatment.
Manon, my therapist, immediately put me at ease with her natural gentleness and evident professionalism. The protocol begins with a back exfoliation preparing the skin, followed by a back massage incorporating hot stones. Trained in ESPA techniques, she adapted the pressure according to my tension points, whilst the scalp massage concluding the treatment, seemingly simple, proved remarkably effective for releasing my last residual tensions.
Leaving, I felt light, almost floating. The relaxation area, with its 15-metre pool, sauna and hammam, invites you to extend this moment of wellbeing.
The Little touches that make the difference
Beyond standard services, the Corinthia Brussels offers those little touches that make the difference. The team, with constant kindness never seeming forced, truly touched me. The lobby bar, without trying to revolutionise mixology, offers a well-thought-out cocktail menu and a lovely relaxed atmosphere.
The hotel attracts a distinguished clientele: Lionel Richie stayed there to prepare his 2025 European tour, whilst Rihanna stayed there during the Belgian premiere of The Smurfs. This discretion about celebrities shows the team's professionalism. Also worth noting: the Coutume boutique, Daniel Ost's floral space, which serves as exhibition space for various designers.
I was delighted to find the library, located in a quiet corner, with a selection of books on Brussels and Belgium, far beyond the usual coffee-table books. The common spaces, never overcrowded, let you work quietly or make calls without being disturbed.
Effortless excellence
The Corinthia Brussels succeeds in satisfying both business travellers and visitors seeking a city break. Its exceptional location, combined with consistently high-quality service, makes it a reliable choice in a sometimes uneven Brussels hotel landscape.
The hotel combines historical grandeur with contemporary hospitality, never forgetting what matters most: the comfort and wellbeing of guests.
With Manon at the spa, the spirited Palais Royal team led by David Martin and Jean Kaczmarek, and the consistently kind staff, I'm leaving with a new address to recommend for those seeking a discreet haven in the heart of the European capital.
 Club Astoria designed by Joffroy Van Hulle offers eclectic and colourful décor - Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, Brussels
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