Gastronomie
Google
I truly want to love Corinthia Brussels. It has the potential to be the shining gem of the Brussels luxury scene, but for now, it doesn’t quite live up to that promise.
The renovation is undeniably beautiful, though a bit quirky at times, and there are some significant caveats. The hotel sits on the edge of Schaerbeek/Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, near the botanical gardens. While it’s not far from the Royal Park, the area can feel dusty, noisy, but also half-empty, with limited transport options beyond tram and bus connections. Parking can also be challenging. It’s an area that could one day be rejuvenated, but at present, it feels slightly rough and out of the way for a flagship luxury hotel charging the highest rates in the city.
Inside, the building is impressive, though the front façade lacks the presence and detail you’d expect at this level. More lighting, flowers, colorful awnings, and visual emphasis on the entrance — similar to the grand exterior staging of Parisian palaces like Plaza Athénée or George V — would help give it the sense of arrival it deserves.
The entrance and foyer are pleasant but feel cramped and not particularly inspiring for a hotel that aspires to be a palace. The lobby shares a similar issue: it’s small, with little separation from the Palm Court all-day dining space. Palm Court suffers from noise from the lobby and cold air in winter whenever the doors open. The design is attractive but slightly cold in its lighting and atmosphere, and the air can feel stuffy/poorly ventilated. A warmer lighting scheme, more comfortable seating, and perhaps a nice signature scent would significantly elevate the space.
Cleanliness is generally good, though staff are slow to clear and properly wipe tables, which sometimes feel greasy. Tablecloths or more frequent, thorough cleaning could address this.
The staff at the entrance and reception are welcoming and friendly, if sometimes slightly inexperienced — but by Brussels standards, alright. The bigger issue is service in the restaurants and bar. While friendly, the team suffers from slow service, frequent forgotten orders, poor coordination, and a lack of training. There’s no option for custom cocktails or mocktails, the drink list is limited and the cocktails available not particularly memorable, and the food not inspiring, quality very inconsistent — sometimes served cold when it should be hot, sometimes bread is stale, flavors aren't the best.
The rooms are pretty and well finished but not particularly memorable, and for the price point, they feel hard to justify. The design sometimes feels awkward or impractical. For comfort, livability, and value, the rooms at Hotel Amigo and especially Sofitel Brussels Europe are far better, in nicer neighborhoods, with more polished staff — and at a fraction of the price. Even the badly neglected "palace" Steigenberger Wilcher's in some ways is more inspiring than the hotel which is a real shame.
The spa is a welcome addition, though it too feels somewhat cramped.
Overall, Corinthia Brussels has extraordinary potential. If service standards improve, if the food and beverage program becomes more ambitious, and if the layout and atmosphere are made more inviting, this property could become the long-awaited “palace” of Brussels. I truly hope the Corinthia team can make this vision a reality, because the city is overdue for a true icon.
