Seventeen years after its restoration began, the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels is reopening. It was King Leopold II who commissioned this luxury hotel at the beginning of the 20th century. Many famous guests have already stayed here and the royal family too had their own suite. ‘We hope the king and queen will spend the night here soon,’ the hotel’s management says.
In the 19th century a small family guesthouse stood on Koningstraat in Brussels. With support from King Leopold II it was expanded and turned into a luxury hotel for the 1910 World Fair. Over the years, Hôtel Astoria hosted many famous guests including the former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill and American artist Bob Dylan.
Glass dome 11 metres high
In 2007, the hotel closed. After it went through several owners and has gone through a thorough renovation, the hotel today reopens under a new name: the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. ‘As much as possible we have tried to restore the hotel to its original state,’ says manager Jan Hayen. ‘Our showpiece is the ballroom with an 11-metre-high glass dome.’
Not cheap
If you want to stay in one of the 126 rooms, you will have to dig deep into your pockets. You can book a room from 700 euros per night. The penthouse suite with a panoramic view of Brussels will set you back 20,000 euros a night.
You can also book a night in the royal suite. ‘That suite used to be reserved for the royal family only. Now anyone can book the room, although I hope King Filip and Queen Mathilde will stay here soon.’
Staff working at the hotel had to succeed in a special selection process. ‘Experience was not a must,’ says Mr Hayen. ‘After all, technical qualifications can be learned. For us, the character of the people was key. We were looking for warm, outgoing people, who enjoy providing a good service and who can also convey that enjoyment. A robot is of no use to us.’