Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Hôtel Astoria, built-in 1910 with King Leopold Il’s support, hosted famous guests like Winston Churchill and Bob Dylan. It closed in 2007 and will reopen as Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria on December 9, 2024, featuring 126 luxury rooms.
Hôtel Astoria, located on Rue Royale in Brussels, started as a small family guesthouse in the 19th century. It became a luxury hotel in the early 20th century when the city got ready for the 1910 Brussels International Exhibition. With help from King Leopold II, the guesthouse was expanded and turned into a beautiful hotel. The updates included fancy decorations and modern features, making Hôtel Astoria one of the best places to stay in Brussels, attracting many important people and wealthy visitors.
What makes Brussels’ Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria a historic landmark?
Hôtel Astoria has been known for its elegance and exclusivity over the years, hosting many famous guests. Notable visitors include Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister, and Bob Dylan, the American musician. For more than a hundred years, Hôtel Astoria has stood as a symbol of Brussels’ rich history and culture.
In 2007, Hôtel Astoria closed down, but after renovations, it reopened as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. Hotel manager Jan Hayen said they restored the hotel’s original style, especially the ballroom with its tall glass dome. Rooms start at 700 euros per night, while the penthouse costs 20,000 euros. The royal suite, once only for the royal family, is now available for everyone. Hayen mentioned they looked for friendly staff who enjoy helping guests, rather than focusing only on experience.
