From heritage hotels to designer new builds, the very best hotels in Brussels have a sense of place that allows guests to get to know this capital city that often flies under the radar. And during our recent stay at Cardo Brussels, we got to know what makes the city unique thanks to clever interior design that puts Belgitude front and centre.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Cardo Brussels review
Hotel Snapshot
Hotel: Cardo Brussels Autograph Collection
Location: Place Rogier, Brussels, Belgium
Rooms: 532 rooms (including 46 suites)
Brand: Autograph Collection (Marriott Bonvoy)
Year opened: 2024
Style: Playful urban lifestyle hotel inspired by Belgian surrealism and comic culture
Family amenities: Interconnecting rooms, indoor swimming pool
Price range: From approx. €170–€345 per night, depending on room type and season
But first, what is Belgitude?
If, like me, you’ve never heard the term Belgitude before, you’ll be happy to know it’s not some marketing neologism created to upsell the hotel. The phrase was actually coined back in the 70s and 80s as a way of describing the very soul and identity of the country, or Belgianness. In a country that has seen its fair share of foreign rulers, Belgitude is all about what makes Belgium unique, including cultural icons such as Tintin, culinary delights like Moules-frites and artists like René Magritte.
Entry experience
The facade of the property cuts a striking figure
Little did I know it at the time, but Belgitude hits as soon as you arrive at the property. On the exterior of the facade of the 30-storey building, a replica of Le fils de l’homme, Magritte’s famous self-portrait, wraps one side, meaning you can easily spot the hotel as you wander through the nearby streets.
Inside, the creativity continues with interactive art installations and boldly coloured furniture filling the ground floor before metallic finishes enter to usher guests up to the reception on the second floor. And what an arrival it is. The welcome desks are decked out in pastel pinks and greens, and we found the team to be super friendly as they were checking us in.
Located on the second floor, the lobby sets the tone for the stay
The lobby space has beautifully high ceilings, so it feels quite luxurious, and one wall is completely covered in books and different curios as a stunning feature. When we visited in February, we were lucky enough to have great weather and could make use of the adjoining terrace on this level too.
The room
Smartly divided into different zones, our Sky King Room was a joy to come home to
We were staying in a Sky King Room, a spacious and deep room that utilised its floor plan wisely. The bed uses the city skyline as a headboard, while a freestanding TV smartly divides the sleeping quarters. On the back of a TV is a framed piece of art that sets off the living area, which includes a couch, table, coffee machine, and a mini fridge for keeping anything you purchase cool.
Bringing a taste of the lobby upstairs, one wall of the space is covered in nooks that display art, books, and curios before getting to the open wardrobe. Opposite a pair of gloved, comic-like hands hold a quirky artwork of a masked person sitting for what looks like a vintage portrait.
The small, yet perfectly formed bathroom included both a rain and handheld shower, but sadly no bathtub. The toiletries are by Muro Scents, and felt incredibly sophisticated.
Wellness
On the 30th floor, Contour Spa is the place to go for relaxation. We tried a couple’s massage and were able to specify the type of work we wanted, what body parts, and the pressure. Following a day of pounding the streets, I opted for a session that focused on my legs and feet, alongside releasing tension in my back. The music was perfectly suited to the surroundings, and the whole experience left me feeling pampered and rejuvenated. Following our treatment, we took some time to enjoy herbal tea in the Relaxation room that offered a wonderful outlook over the city. Down the hall, a small sauna offers the same view.
Upstairs, an indoor swimming pool awaits. This was one of my favourite spots thanks to the warm temperature of the water, the relaxing music and the way the sun hit the lounger as I read my book.
Food and drink
Beloved by locals and travellers alike, nabbing a table at Akai should be a priority for guests who appreciate elegant cuisine
Served at Gritto, the all-day dining restaurant, breakfast at Cardo Brussels has something for everyone. I loved the fact that they make eggs to order, the mushroom omelette was exceedingly good, and I enjoyed mine with some delicious fresh bread and local butter.
One night, we headed up to Akai, where it’s all about fine Japanese cuisine. We ordered a sampling of everything and were particularly impressed by the sushi tacos, the Miso black cod, and the passionfruit dessert. The space was full by 7 pm on a Friday night, so be sure to book ahead.
Final thoughts
We loved our stay at Cardo Brussels. Stylish, spirited and unmistakably Belgian, it captures the soul of the city with plenty of Belgitude. From design to service, everything feels effortlessly polished yet packed with personality.
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