Corinthia’s new Brussels hotel promises to put the EU capital on the map for luxury visitors

Brussels, a city renowned for its medieval grandeur, political significance, and culinary excellence, has long been a crossroads of culture and commerce. Now, it has a new landmark to add to its illustrious portfolio: the Corinthia Hotel Brussels.

Nestled in the heart of the city, this luxurious addition to the Corinthia collection is more than just a place to stay – it’s a statement of elegance, sustainability, and modernity that promises to redefine hospitality in the Belgian capital.

With the launch of the meticulously restored 126-room luxury hotel in the heart of the EU capital, the Malta-headquartered Corinthia Group is betting big on redefining Brussels as a destination for high-end travellers.

A €150 million investment has transformed this historic landmark by blending contemporary design with timeless sophistication and combining Belgian authenticity with Corinthia’s renowned hospitality.

Speaking to BusinessNow.mt, Corinthia Group CEO Simon Naudi emphasises the importance of creating a hotel that is “quintessentially Belgian.”

He explains that the Corinthia brand “is not about having carbon copies in every city. It has to stand for authentic local experiences.”

True to this ethos, Corinthia Brussels has partnered with renowned Belgian chefs David Martin and Christophe Hardiquest to oversee its dining offerings, while every detail of the hotel’s design reflects its local roots. The private members’ club area, for example, is designed by Geoffrey Van Hulle, a local interior designer known for his maximalist and cosmopolitan style, while the retail offering, Coutume, only stocks singular pieces made by Belgian brands.

One standout feature is the soaring hotel atrium’s verrière – a skylight meticulously reconstructed based on historical photos. “The original verrière had been destroyed and replaced by a simplistic flat roof many years before, says Mr Naudi. “Working with Belgian architects and the Royal Commission, we rebuilt it to its former glory.”

This commitment to restoring the hotel’s historic elements was instrumental in securing permission to expand the building with additional floors, ensuring a balance between preservation and innovation and “giving [Corinthia] the economic confidence to invest in the restoration.”

The opening of Corinthia Brussels is expected to have a significant impact on the city. As a hub for international diplomacy and business, Brussels attracts a steady stream of high-profile visitors, from politicians to executives. Corinthia’s arrival provides a new benchmark for luxury accommodation, offering a level of service and sophistication that rivals the best hotels in Paris, London, and New York.

This is likely to enhance Brussels’ appeal as a destination for both business and leisure travellers, boosting tourism and reinforcing the city’s status as a global capital.

“We will now be marketing the city to a market that it is not yet coming here,” says Mr Naudi, who views Corinthia Brussels as a catalyst for change: “Brussels has so much to offer – fantastic food, incredible architecture – but high-end visitors are often day-trippers. We want to change that by marketing Brussels as a multi-night destination for the luxury market.”

The hotel’s opening comes at a pivotal time, echoing Corinthia’s experience in its home market of Malta, where efforts to attract higher-spending tourists have redefined the local hospitality industry. By positioning itself as a flagship for luxury travel in Brussels, Corinthia aims to challenge perceptions and unlock the city’s untapped potential as a premium destination.

With its grand restoration, dedication to local authenticity, and ambition to reshape Brussels’ tourism landscape, Corinthia Brussels is poised to elevate the city’s status on the global stage of luxury travel.