
5
"A four-star Design Hotels property in the heart of Brussels, a five-minute walk from Central Station, it occupies the site of a 15th-century abbey where French neoclassical painter Jacques‑Louis David once lived. Belgian studio Lens Ass preserved part of the original façade while Dutch firm FG Stijl layered contemporary interiors over medieval bones—double-height ground floor, archways, ornate metalwork, original stone flooring and a blown-glass chandelier create a dramatic old-meets-new atmosphere (even baroque music plays in the elevator). The striking restaurant beneath soaring ceilings serves traditional Belgian dishes and creative international cuisine and is endlessly photogenic; an atmospheric bar and a tranquil inner courtyard with a fig tree and fire pits are stylish spots for drinks. Guestrooms—ranging from compact rooms to a sanctuary-like Grand Place Suite with separate living area, fireplace, rain-shower and bathtub, and courtyard views—favor rich browns, dark woods, built-in storage, super-comfortable king beds and velvet-accented desks, with free Wi‑Fi throughout. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, bar, courtyard, gym, sauna, hammam, room service, concierge and meeting spaces; booking perks offer VIP status, a welcome card from the GM, daily breakfast for two, a complimentary amenity credit (€50 for guestrooms, €100 for suites) and potential room upgrades and flexible check-in/checkout subject to availability. Rooms start around $170/night and the location puts guests within easy reach of Grand Place and Brussels’s major museums."