Brussels is grey, they say. Brussels is dull – a city full of office blocks, suits, and endless formality. It’s characterless, and lifeless. It’s all work and no play.
Those in the know, know better. Pull up a chair at one of the old-school Belgian pubs, get lost in the eclectic art nouveau architecture, hunt for silken Hermès scarves in vintage shops and 60s cigarette posters in antique stores, or lose yourself in the city's flea markets. Sip natural wine in lively Saint-Gilles, devour mouth-burning shrimp croquettes from De Noordzee takeaway boxes, then dance the night away in the techno clubs of the Marolles district and, after all that, head back to The Hoxton, Brussels – a design-forward haven that opened last year in the city’s northern business district – and you'll quickly see that Brussels is anything but dull.
Housed in the brutalist Victoria Building – once home to IBM and the headquarters of the Belgian police – this Hoxton’s location might seem an unlikely one, with a striking resemblance to the cold, severe lines of the corporate fortress in Apple TV’s Severance. But don’t let its exterior fool you. Step through the sliding glass doors and you’re immediately greeted by a mix of geometric patterns, lush greenery and 70s-inspired decor by AIME Studios. The split-level lobby space is an artful blend of local antiques, bold colours and captivating light installations – plus, nods here and there to the property’s corporate ghosts, from raw concrete pillars to dark-wood panelling on door frames, walls and bar counters.
Those in the know, know better. Pull up a chair at one of the old-school Belgian pubs, get lost in the eclectic art nouveau architecture, hunt for silken Hermès scarves in vintage shops and 60s cigarette posters in antique stores, or lose yourself in the city's flea markets. Sip natural wine in lively Saint-Gilles, devour mouth-burning shrimp croquettes from De Noordzee takeaway boxes, then dance the night away in the techno clubs of the Marolles district and, after all that, head back to The Hoxton, Brussels – a design-forward haven that opened last year in the city’s northern business district – and you'll quickly see that Brussels is anything but dull.
Housed in the brutalist Victoria Building – once home to IBM and the headquarters of the Belgian police – this Hoxton’s location might seem an unlikely one, with a striking resemblance to the cold, severe lines of the corporate fortress in Apple TV’s Severance. But don’t let its exterior fool you. Step through the sliding glass doors and you’re immediately greeted by a mix of geometric patterns, lush greenery and 70s-inspired decor by AIME Studios. The split-level lobby space is an artful blend of local antiques, bold colours and captivating light installations – plus, nods here and there to the property’s corporate ghosts, from raw concrete pillars to dark-wood panelling on door frames, walls and bar counters.
The Hoxton, Brussels’ lobby
But it’s the high-flying, Mad Men-esque work world of circa 1970 primarily on show here, rather than the greige corporateness of the modern working world. The hotel makes no attempt to hide who its core guests are likely to be – but in this futuristic world of “bleisure” long weekends, where business travel seeps into holidays, this Brussels address offers a work-away bolthole that doesn’t skimp on style.
“Work here!” the lobby says. “Flick open your laptop and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as you sprawl across ergonomic, terracotta armchairs! Perch on a burnt orange, velveteen poof, avocado salad to hand, as you jab away at your keyboard!” Or, you might want to slip into one of the oxblood leather chairs that surround a long, amble table, notebook in hand, and network your way around this light-filled lobby-come-surrogate office for work-wise guests and nomadic workers alike. For some serious, head-down work, there’s an upstairs co-working space, too.
Work doesn’t have to be wearisome, and neither does a city synonymous with it. Brussels may still have its corporate corners, but if this Hoxton address is anything to go by, the business-like facade is just a facade – there’s plenty of colour hidden in plain sight.
But it’s the high-flying, Mad Men-esque work world of circa 1970 primarily on show here, rather than the greige corporateness of the modern working world. The hotel makes no attempt to hide who its core guests are likely to be – but in this futuristic world of “bleisure” long weekends, where business travel seeps into holidays, this Brussels address offers a work-away bolthole that doesn’t skimp on style.
“Work here!” the lobby says. “Flick open your laptop and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as you sprawl across ergonomic, terracotta armchairs! Perch on a burnt orange, velveteen poof, avocado salad to hand, as you jab away at your keyboard!” Or, you might want to slip into one of the oxblood leather chairs that surround a long, amble table, notebook in hand, and network your way around this light-filled lobby-come-surrogate office for work-wise guests and nomadic workers alike. For some serious, head-down work, there’s an upstairs co-working space, too.
Work doesn’t have to be wearisome, and neither does a city synonymous with it. Brussels may still have its corporate corners, but if this Hoxton address is anything to go by, the business-like facade is just a facade – there’s plenty of colour hidden in plain sight.
A “Biggy” room
For those who want to make their own coffee, rooms come equipped with a kettle and coffee bags, but don’t miss the opportunity to grab a cup from the in-lobby barista bar.
Rooms
Bedrooms start from the 14th floor, and combine understated kitsch with high-flying comfort. The Hoxton’s typical room categories are in place – Cosy, Roomy and Biggy – but you can also opt for a corner positioning to enjoy extended views across Brussels’ skyline, including the golden crown of the Palais de Justice and the Marolles ferris wheel. The former IBM building’s retro backstory shines through in the decor: glimpses of the block’s raw concrete structure meet jazzily patterned headboards, terrazzo and parquet floors, orb-like nightlights, all-marble, pale pink coffee tables, salmon pink bathroom suites, radial-style deco light fixtures and armchairs that look straight out of Don Draper’s office. Mock-vintage style reigns supreme: note the Roberts radios and rotary telephones in all rooms.For those who want to make their own coffee, rooms come equipped with a kettle and coffee bags, but don’t miss the opportunity to grab a cup from the in-lobby barista bar.
A “Roomy” bedroom
On the rooftop, taqueria and terrace restaurant Tope plates up tongue-tingling Mexican favourites: head here for chilaquiles, tacos and spicy mango micheladas (beer cocktails).
What’s for breakfast?
The flamingo-tiled Cantina Valentina, located just below the lobby, is a Peruvian restaurant serving up some seriously bold breakfast options (and an extended brunch menu at weekends). Think avocado toast doused in chimichurri, a full Peruvian breakfast of pork belly chicharrones, sausage, eggs, roasted tomato, sweet potato and sourdough, a fresh fruit salad with coconut tiger’s milk and sweet potato doughnuts served with a spiced honey.How about lunch and dinner?
More Peruvian? More pleasure. Cantina Valentina continues to impress with ceviches and croquetas to start, followed by surf and turf delights like confit asado pork, steak with aji verde sauce, mussels sudado and sweet potato salad.On the rooftop, taqueria and terrace restaurant Tope plates up tongue-tingling Mexican favourites: head here for chilaquiles, tacos and spicy mango micheladas (beer cocktails).
Tope’s terrace
Is there a bar?
Two to choose from – one lording it over the lobby, serving drinks and snacks such as red prawn croquettes, and avocado and almond salads, and another upstairs on the roof at Tope. Head up there for sunshine-infused slushies, frozen sangrita shots and tequila-spiked tipples.Amenities
Slim on the ground. There’s no spa or gym – but reception staff are more than happy to offer recommendations on running routes (or check out the cute guest suggestions pinboard near the front desk for further ideas). If you’re here for business, the fourth floor’s co-working “Working From” Belgian outpost might be of interest. You can grab a day pass from £25, which includes bottomless teas and coffees, and allows access to a sleek office and lounge space equipped with high-speed WiFi, printers, wireless phone chargers and phone booths (for calls). Direct-to-desk delivery from the hotel’s restaurants is also available.
The lobby bar
How about their green credentials?
There are no single-use plastics (that we could see) and bathrooms use refillable toiletries. The bars offer metal straws, too.What about accessibility?
Lifts are vast, and corridors even bigger. The reception, restaurants and rooms are all reached via accessible routes, and accessible rooms – complete with grab bars, roll-in showers, doors with lever handles, low electrical outlets and more – are available.What’s the crowd like?
Cool. Expect to encounter city-break couples who think Lisbon was so last year, and laptop-wielding creatives on “research trips” involving small plates restaurant reservations.
Tope’s terrace
Things I should know
Make sure to get to the restaurants within plenty of time, and don’t trust the advertised hours! During our visit, Tope’s kitchen closed earlier than expected, leaving us hungry one evening.Within a short walk I can find…
The Hoxton, Brussels is a short walk from the city centre, the Botanical Gardens and quirky districts like Saint-Gilles and Ixelles. The hotel’s collaboration with Cowboy bikes also makes it easy to get around, with electric bikes available for guests to use when exploring the city.The Lowdown
Doubles cost from £150 a night; thehoxton.com/brussel