It is hard to imagine a more perfect location. The Hotel Amigo is only steps (like 20) from Brussels’ most famous square, the Grand Place. The site of the hotel has huge history. The home of a wealthy merchant, it was sold to the city in 1522. It was turned into a jail. And so it remained for centuries. When the Spanish invaded the local’s explained it was a vrunt (prison in Flemish) but the Spanish heard vriend (friend) and so called the building amigo, the Spanish translation. It stuck! The current building was erected in 1957 but the wealthy industrial Blaton Family to house the Royalty and Nobility of Europe who were coming to Belgium for the 1958 World Fair. There are still some 17th century flagstones in the lobby. The family decorated the new hotel with their extensive art, Flemish tapestry and antiques collection. Much is still on display. Keep an eye open for original Magritte lithographs, prints of Herge’s Tintin, pieces by Goossens, Moulinsart & Broodthaer. In January 2000 the hotel became part of the Rocco Forte Group who undertook a huge renovation. The large rooms and glorious bathrooms are designed by Olga Polizzi in her contemporary luxurious style. I particularly loved the Fornasetti plates and fabrics in the delicious Bocconi Restaurant.
Number of Rooms: 173
Sweet Suite: Armand Blaton Suite, named for the hotel’s founder, is huge boasting an amazing private terrace with incredible views of rooftops and the City Hall . It also has a kitchen, dining room, fireplace and paintings from the Blaton family collection
Favorite Thing: The Vintage Negroni at Bar A…Campari, Martini Rosso and Tanqueray Gin, aged in barrel for at least 8 weeks, enjoyed while lounging in a leather chair amongst the portraits of famous visitors and live jazz Friday & Saturday evenings…bliss.
Near By: Well, the Grand Place literally could not be closer. The Amigo is located in the heart of the historic centre and many of the top sites. Shopping, museums and tons of restaurants are an easy stroll. Brussels is remarkably walkable city.
Amenities: Restaurant Bocconi, Bar A, fitness centre, business centre, ballroom, children programs, Pierre Marcolini chocolates at turndown, valet parking
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https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-amigo/
Hotel Amigo is a Virtuoso Property. When you book through a Virtuoso Advisor such as myself you will get special amenities.
Such an interesting history….would love to visit and stay in the well appointed and situated hotel! Thanks Julie!
We stayed here in 2019 for Le Grand Depart of the Tour de France. It’s a lovely hotel, in a great location.
Oh to be able to travel freely again. This looks right up my street as a place I would love to wander around and soak up the history. For now I will indulge in your words and pictures. Blessings J x