Corinthia opens historic hotel in Brussels
Corinthia announces the rebirth and reopening of Brussels’ historic Grand Hotel Astoria after completing an extensive €150 million rebuild and restoration of the landmark hotel.
The highly anticipated Corinthia Brussels, situated on Rue Royale, opens today amidst the 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.
Corinthia Brussels is the second new Corinthia hotel in as many months following the opening of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in New York, which commands one of the most coveted addresses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Following an extraordinary journey of rebirth, Corinthia Brussels reaffirms its position as the cornerstone of Belgian hospitality, partnering with exceptional local talent to elevate its dining experiences. It promises to be an unparalleled destination for 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 Naudi, Corinthia Group CEO, said: “Corinthia Brussels has brought out the best in our Group and highlights our quite unique involvement as investors, developers and operators.”
QP, a Corinthia Group company, handled design and project management, while the Group’s hotel operating arm, Corinthia Hotels, now assumes the responsibility to breathe life into the operation at the highest levels of luxury travel.
Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, said: “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.”
Reuben Xuereb, CEO of QP, said: “Corinthia Brussels has been a complex project, ably handled by our project management team on the ground supported by our lead designers and project delivery managers based at our offices in Malta. Under the watchful eye of the local heritage authorities, we have painstakingly worked with leading contractors, craftsmen and artisans to recreate one of Europe’s finest hotels”.
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.
It closed in 2007, and some years later was acquired by Corinthia who took on the task to lead, finance, restore and rebuild this revered hotel. After a four-year restoration programme, meticulously preserving the ground floor and façade, undertaken in collaboration with Urban Brussels and the Royal Commission, it becomes a beacon of gastronomy, urban relaxation and refined Belgian living.
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 bartending sensation Hannah von 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.
Wellness is redefined in this first for Brussels, as Corinthia opens with an elegant sanctuary created through the addition of a newly excavated floor beneath the hotel. Over 1,200 square metres, the spa features seven private treatment rooms, steam room, sauna, experience showers, tea room and fitness centre with personal training by former British Army physical training instructor Paul Tucker.
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. Corinthia.com/Brussels
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.
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
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