Work is underway to turn a part-listed, trophy property that has stood vacant for ten years into the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, injecting true five-star glamour back into the city.
Acquired in May 2016, what was the Hotel Astoria in Brussels will now be fully refurbished as the city’s leading luxury hotel. It is due to open toward the end of 2019.
The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria will comprise 126 bedrooms including 36 suites, as well as a grand ballroom (restored from the original, pictured), meeting rooms, several dining venues – a lounge restaurant, cigar lounge and brasserie – and an ESPA spa with thermal area, treatment rooms and luxury pool.
Mock-up rooms will be ready in early 2018.
Situated in a prime location on Rue Royale in the heart of the city, the hotel was built in 1909 at the request of King Leopold II.
It was for many years considered to be among the world’s finest luxury hotels and has welcomed a number of illustrious guests during the course of its history including former British prime minister Winston Churchill and former US president Dwight Eisenhower.
Corinthia is committed to restoring the property, which has been vacant for the past decade, to its former glory and has allocated €80 million to the acquisition and renovation.
The hotel’s façade and ground floor enjoy listed protection status, including the original ballroom.
Exquisite stained glass, grand marble fireplaces, and elegant moulding and cornicing have been preserved and will be carefully restored to their original beauty ensuring a reclamation of the Grand Hotel Astoria’s former glory.
Corinthia chairman Alfred Pisani said: “We have earned an unparalleled reputation for restoring buildings of historical value and turning them into luxury hotels.
“The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria will be no exception.
“We aim to make this hotel the best in Brussels – committing the same passion and attention to detail as we have done with our hotel redevelopments in London, Budapest, St Petersburg and other major cities.
“We have full confidence in the city and are proud to have acquired such a gem in the heart of Europe.”