Our Stay at the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, Brussels
When we arrived in Brussels to begin our Tauck river cruise adventure, we spent two nights at the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels — a newly restored landmark that made for a truly regal welcome to Belgium. Located just steps from the Parc de Bruxelles and the Royal Palace, this beautifully restored landmark blends Belle Époque grandeur with modern luxury.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm hospitality, elegant interiors, and a quiet sense of refinement.
A Storied Landmark, Reimagined by Corinthia
The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria isn’t just another five-star hotel — it’s a piece of Brussels’ architectural and cultural history. Originally opened in 1909 for the World Expo, the property has welcomed royalty, heads of state, and dignitaries for more than a century. Designed in Belle Époque style with soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases, and opulent moldings, the building was long considered one of Europe’s grand hotels.
After a period of closure and decline, the Corinthia Hotels group acquired the property and embarked on a comprehensive €100 million restoration to bring the landmark back to life. The result is nothing short of spectacular: a careful balance of historic preservation and modern luxury, with each suite, corridor, and public space designed to reflect both timeless elegance and 21st-century sophistication.
Corinthia Hotels, a family-owned collection of luxury properties headquartered in Malta, is known for transforming iconic buildings into destinations of distinction — from London to Lisbon and now, beautifully, Brussels. Their commitment to craftsmanship and service excellence shines through in every detail.
Perfectly Positioned in the Heart of Brussels
The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria enjoys a prime location in the heart of Brussels, making it an ideal base for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Set along the stately Rue Royale, the hotel is directly across from Brussels Park and within a few minutes’ walk of the Royal Palace, the Magritte Museum, and the Belgian Parliament.
One of the city’s most iconic sights — the Grote Markt (Grand Place) — is just a 15-minute walk away, offering easy access to the historic heart of the city with its ornate guildhalls, chocolate shops, and charming cafés. Whether you’re looking to explore the Museum of Fine Arts, discover Tintin murals, or indulge in a Belgian waffle steps from the city’s most photographed square, everything feels comfortably close — yet just far enough away to enjoy peaceful refinement.
Our Home: Superior Suite #317
We stayed in Suite 317, one of the Corinthia’s beautifully appointed Superior Suites — and it lived up to every expectation of refined European luxury.
At over 650 square feet, the suite offered the perfect blend of classical charm and contemporary comfort. The high ceilings, ornate mouldings, and tall windows reminded us we were in a historic Belgian landmark, while thoughtful modern touches made the space feel completely refreshed.
The layout featured a separate living room with elegant armchairs and a writing desk — a quiet retreat after days of exploration. The bedroom, dressed in neutral tones and plush textiles, was supremely comfortable, and the marble bathroom felt straight out of a design magazine with its double sinks, oversized walk-in shower, and luxe amenities.
A Culinary Highlight: Dinner at Le Petit Bon Bon
One of the highlights of our stay was dinner at Le Petit Bon Bon, the Corinthia’s intimate and stylish restaurant helmed by Chef Christophe Hardiquest. The menu offered a creative spin on Belgian classics, and our meal was nothing short of delightful.
I began with a duo of starters. First, the ‘Petit-gris’ and Eels in a Herb Sauce — beautifully presented and surprisingly comforting, with bold green flavors and delicate seafood textures. Next came the Oysters au Gratin “Expo 58”, savory and deeply satisfying with just the right touch of creamy indulgence.
Carol chose the North Sea Crab Gratin, served with leek and ginger fondue — rich, warming, and delicately balanced. A true standout on the menu.
For our main courses, Carol selected the Sole “Belle Meunière”, gently cooked and lightly sauced with white wine and butter. I was drawn to the Cod “à l’Ostendaise”, a beautifully plated dish with coastal Belgian flair — and I’m glad I was. It was one of the best fish dishes I’ve had in recent memory.
To finish, we shared the whimsical “Ceci n’est pas une gaufre”, a dessert that playfully reimagines the Belgian waffle. Lighthearted, sweet, and entirely worthy of its place on the menu.
Travel Tip: A Hidden Gem Steps from the Hotel
One of the most thoughtful moments during our stay came when the Corinthia’s general manager personally walked us over to a nearby neighborhood square he clearly held in high regard: Place du Général Pontey-Nauer and its adjoining green space, Place de la Liberté / Vrijheidsplein.
Just a few blocks from the hotel’s front doors, this quiet and charming square offers a lovely place to unwind after a day of exploring Brussels. Lined with leafy trees and surrounded by a handful of casual cafés — like Garden City and Snoupie — the area invites you to sip a Belgian beer, relax at a terrace table, or simply enjoy the flow of local life.
It wasn’t on our radar — but it should have been. Whether you’re easing into your arrival or capping off the evening in the open air, this tucked-away square is a perfect complement to the grandeur of the hotel itself.
Where to Stay in Brussels with VIP Perks
Brussels may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of luxury getaways — but it should be. This sophisticated capital is home to several outstanding hotels, and as Virtuoso advisors, we’re proud to offer our clients access to three top-tier properties in our Virtuoso Best of the Best Collection, including the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria.
Best of all? You can check rates and book these properties online 24/7 through our personal Virtuoso portal — and you’ll still receive our signature VIP amenities, such as:
- Complimentary breakfast for two daily
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Early check-in and late checkout
- Hotel credits or exclusive experiences
Browse and Book Instantly
We’ve made it easy for our clients to access the very best hotels in Brussels — with all the perks and none of the guesswork. You can view all Virtuoso hotels in Brussels and book your stay with VIP benefits here:
To Explore Brussels’ Virtuoso Hotels – CLICK HERE
See More from Our Journey:
This experience was part of our recent Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland.
To see all of our daily highlights, reflections, and photos, visit our full cruise landing page here.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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