Cool Boutique Hotels in Brussels, Belgium

12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Brussels

The Belgian capital is one of Europe’s busiest cities, and that’s because this is the bustling capital of the European Union. With a bilingual French and Dutch speaking population and a huge number of nationalities residing here from across Europe – and indeed the world – Brussels has the feel of an international city experiencing its heyday!

You can tour through the European Parliament to see where European Union decisions are made, visit the towering Atomium sculpture that represents the city’s belief in the sciences, and explore contemporary art galleries, chocolate museums, comic book murals, and the famous Belgian Comic Strip Center.

But dig below the surface, and you’ll find that Brussels is also one for the history lovers, as well as those travelers with an interest in current European cultural trends. Brussels officially dates back to 979 AD, and in the historic center, you can find cobblestone streets and archaic buildings dating back to at least the 15th century, if not beyond. 

If it’s your first time in the city, then head straight for the Grand Place, where you can discover the best of Brussels’ most historic sites in one historically significant area. 

And when you’ve completed your sightseeing itinerary, you can spend the rest of your trip exploring this Belgian city’s craft beer breweries, indulging in fries and croquettes, and enjoying the hedonistic nightlife of a modern European capital. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, keep reading, as we explain exactly where to stay in Brussels.

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Brussels

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Where to stay in Brussels

Where to Stay in Brussels: Cool Boutique Hotels

As a major European capital, you’d be right to expect that you can find almost any style of accommodation to suit nearly all budgets in Brussels. But as a flamboyant, historic, and compelling vacation destination, we highly recommend choosing from the best boutique hotels in Brussels during your stay!

The action in Brussels can be found centered around the Grand Place. This beautiful central square is where you’ll find historic guildhalls, the Hotel de Ville, and many museums and iconic statues. It’s also where you’ll find the most lavish and opulent of hotels in Brussels, including classic five-star stays and truly historic boutique hotels.  

If you’d love to stay on one of the most revered streets in Brussels, you can also book one of the many hotels that line Avenue Louise. This famous thoroughfare is one of the most expensive shopping streets in Brussels, where you’ll find yourself staying in wonderful boutique hotels close to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Away from the city center, you can explore the lesser-known neighborhoods of Brussels. Head to Ixelles or Saint-Gilles, and you can find quirky mansions and bed and breakfasts, while in Nord-Est, you can be close to the political buzz of the European Parliament. To inspire your stay in the Belgian capital, here’s our guide to the best places to stay in Brussels! 


The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Brussels

1. Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Best Hotels Brussels Belgium: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
Photos: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Arguably the best place to stay in Brussels is the Hotel Amigo, a blisteringly beautiful 5-star boutique retreat that we guarantee you’re going to quickly fall in love with. This is one of Brussel’s premier hotels, and you’ll find it overlooking the historic Hotel de Ville right in the heart of the Belgian capital. 

Hotel Amigo combines the seamless style of a Rocco Forte hotel with the elegance of a classic Brussels boutique, and you’ll appreciate how the Italian-inspired designs bring Mediterranean light and color to Belgium. Rooms here are the height of luxury, with plush bedding and soft fabrics providing the reprieve you need after a day of walking on cobblestone streets. 

Each room is uniquely decorated, with characterful prints hanging from the walls and stylish ceramics placed around the living space. The Carrara marble bathrooms are simply divine, and the Rocco Forte toiletries and sumptuous bathrobes are most welcome at the end of the day. 

The Italian inspiration continues in the restaurant, where you can dine in style at Ristorante Bocconi. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brussels, where Head Chef Igor Rossi serves up classic dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro and lasagne alongside wild sea bass and Milanese veal mignon. Enjoy excellent Italian wine pairings, and then finish the evening at Bar A, where you can drink cocktails in the dwindling candlelight before calling it a night.


2. The Dominican

Best Brussels Hotels: The Dominican
Photos: The Dominican

Centuries of history await you in The Dominican, which we can safely say is one of the most unique hotels in Brussels! 

This historic building on Leopold Street hides many, many stories behind its refurbished facade, and you’ll love delving into the hotel’s past as much as you’ll enjoy its modern comforts and amenities. The Dominican was originally a monastery built in the 15th century for the first Dominican friars who established themselves in the city. 

The friars came and went, and in the 19th century, the house was taken over by an exiled French painter, who transformed it once again. Today, The Dominican hasn’t forgotten its historic legacy, but the rooms have very much been updated since!

Bright shades of green, red, and yellow contrast with the darkened decor in the luxury rooms. Plus, you’ll have a soft bed and fluffy pillows to sink into and unique artwork and photography to admire on the walls. Upgrade to a Loft or Studio Apartment for added space and character, but rest assured that each of the 150 rooms and suites is comfortably luxurious. 

Guests are welcome to work out in the gym, or you can head to the Lounge Bar, where velvet chairs and kombucha await you. On a sunny day, the Courtyard is open to the public, where you can order food and drink in the shade of archways and green trees. After a few drinks, take your place in the Grand Lounge, where you can choose from a varied menu of Belgian duck, lobster pasta, and tomahawk steak. 

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3. Hotel Manos Premier

Unique Hotels Brussels Belgium: Hotel Manos Premier
Photos: Hotel Manos Premier

Hotel Manos Premier is one of the best boutique hotels in Brussels. This luxurious yet quirky hotel features fine dining, an on-site hammam, and a beautiful garden where you can escape the rest of the world. 

Let’s start with the rooms. You’ll feel as if you’re staying in a bed and breakfast, guesthouse, or even a friend’s home, but you’ll appreciate the understated luxury that goes alongside the homey touches. 

Hotel Manos Premier enjoys mixing practicality and modernity with history, and you’ll love the Louis XV and Louis XVI period furnishings that decorate the room. The bathrooms are designed with Carrara marble, while the Rajasthan Green adds a sense of color and vibrancy to the space. 

At the Lella spa, you can wind down in the eastern-inspired hammam, where there’s a sauna, a steam bath, and a jacuzzi that all guests are welcome to enjoy. Weather permitting, you can spend your mornings, afternoons, or evenings further relaxing in the hotel’s spacious outdoor area, where you can find a sense of quiet and calm that’s often so lacking in Brussels. 

Finally, you can’t forget to reserve a table at Kolya, the hotel’s fabulous gourmet restaurant. Here you can dine under vaulted glass ceilings that open onto the terrace and gardens, with a choice of croquettes or langoustines to start, risotto or beef Wagyu for a main, and crepes and crème brulée for dessert. 

With so much luxury, there’s a reason locals tout Hotel Manos Premier as the best place to stay in Brussels!


4. Steigenberger Wiltcher’s

Brussels Boutique Hotels: Steigenberger Wiltcher’s
Photos: Steigenberger Wiltcher’s

Extravagant marble bathrooms? Check. Lavishly carpeted rooms? Check. An exclusive location on Avenue Louise? Check! If you’re looking for prestigious luxury in the affluent heart of Brussels, then Steigenberger Wiltcher’s is the one for you.

This five-star boutique hotel provides each guest with an individually styled room, featuring decorative carpets that are soft underfoot and wonderful bathrooms that belong in a palace, not a hotel. Rooms are not just luxurious, but spacious, too, and you’ll love the practical work desks and lounging areas found at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s. 

As a five-star property, rest assured that this hotel has all the amenities you could ever need. At the Aspria Spa, you can find a swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sauna, treatment rooms, and a fully equipped gym. Cafe Wiltcher’s serves a decadent buffet breakfast in the mornings, while The Louie Bar & Restaurant offers an excellent selection of Belgian drinks and dishes.


5. Hotel Le Plaza Brussels

Boutique Hotels Brussels Belgium: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels
Photos: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels

Grand, elegant, bright, and lavishly decorated, everything about Hotel Le Plaza Brussels screams opulence. This is classic, five-star hotel territory, and we know you’re going to love the outlandish decadence and sheer luxury of this Brussels favorite. 

Walk through the grand entrance of Hotel Le Plaza Brussels, and you’ll be greeted by high vaulted ceilings and ornate decor that belongs to the Victorian era, rather than the modern. Intricately decorated carpets lie underfoot, while tapestries hang from the walls and antiques are hidden around every corner. 

Head up to your room, and you’ll find that even the “basic” classics are super spacious, with exceptionally large beds, soft seating, and large work and relaxation areas for you to spread out across. The decor is bright and the furnishings practical, and each room is equipped with a minibar and widescreen television. 

You can order gourmet room service and fine wines if you so desire, but we highly recommend booking a table at the Brasserie Estere to truly experience the Brussels dining scene. 

You’ll be awed by the setting alone as you dine under a painted dome and hanging chandeliers, surrounded by marble furnishings. The menu is created by Head Chef Olivier Bontemps, who produces an inspired and ever-changing seasonal selection of dishes throughout the year. 

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6. Maison Flagey

Best Brussels Hotels: Maison Flagey
Photos: Maison Flagey

One of the best Brussels hotels is Maison Flagey, a quirky and historic boutique hotel that’s located in the lively district of Ixelles, just a few miles away from the historic center. This is your opportunity to not only experience a different, less-visited part of the Belgian capital, but it’s your unique opportunity to stay in a classified Art Nouveau building that’s over a century old. 

This small, homey piece of history dates back to 1906, and given there are just five rooms and a home-cooked breakfast is included in the price, this feels more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. Given its small size and popularity, though, you need to book well in advance to secure a stay at Maison Flagey.

The cozy bedrooms and suites are each individually designed and decorated. The decor is always colorful, and the larger rooms have comfortable sofas and private terraces. The hotel itself has a communal terrace (with charming views) and a lounge room where you can relax with a coffee or Belgian beer, while the surrounding area is known for its excellent cafes and restaurants. 

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com


7. Hotel Warwick Brussels

Boutique Hotels Brussels Belgium: Hotel Warwick Brussels
Photos: Hotel Warwick Brussels

The Warwick Brussels is a timeless hotel that radiates luxury and merges the long history of Brussels effortlessly with modern facilities, amenities, and impeccable service. 

Book a five-star room at the Warwick Brussels, and you’ll be staying in a city center location, just meters away from the same location where it’s said that the Duke of Wellington saw soldiers off as they departed to fight Napoleon at Waterloo. 

Rooms at the Warwick Brussels are a far cry from soldiers’ accommodation, featuring flat-screen televisions, feathery-duvets, walk-in closets, and colorful decor. The bathrooms are marbled, while modern amenities contrast wonderfully with the antique writing desks and bedside tables. 

There’s a fully-equipped gym in the fitness center, but if you’re on vacation, then you might prefer heading up to the Secret Rooftop Bar, where you can drink cocktails with an elevated view high above the Grand Place. 

If the weather isn’t agreeable, you can enjoy Belgian beers and European wines at the Warwick Bubbles Bar, where you can listen to soothing piano music in old-world surroundings. If you’re feeling hungry, snag a table at Chutneys Restaurant, a Belgian-style brasserie that’s known for its mussels, frites, and shrimp croquettes. 


8. Tangla Hotel Brussels

Best Brussels Hotels: Tangla Hotel Brussels
Photos: Tangla Hotel Brussels

Tangla Hotel is located in the eastern suburbs of Brussels, and this wonderful five-star hotel makes for the perfect retreat from the capital’s bustling city center. You’re still within easy reach of the Grand Place and other historic attractions that are a must-visit for anyone in Brussels, but you’ll appreciate the spacious surroundings and the relaxed pace of life at the Tangla Hotel.

Intriguingly, Tangla Hotel is designed with Feng-Shui principles in mind, and you’ll feel relaxed the moment you arrive. The Feng-Shui designs are part of the hotel’s Oriental theme, and you’ll find that the award-winning interior design has been inspired by Asian culture and history. The hotel takes direct inspiration from the Tanggula Mountains in Tibet, where spirituality reigns free in one of the world’s most remote yet beautiful destinations.

Tangla Hotel is all about wellbeing, and you’ll love relaxing in the indoor swimming pool after a long day of sightseeing in Brussels. You can work out in the fully-equipped gym, too, or you can sweat out any negative energy with a sauna session at the wellness center. 

The Feng-Shui rooms are luxurious, with Oriental decor and soft colors that will transport you to the east. There are marble tables, wooden panels, and automated smart lighting as standard. The bathrooms are also marbled and feature spacious walk-in rain showers, soft bathrobes, and luxurious L’Occitane toiletries. 

You’re a long walk away from the city center, but don’t worry because Tangla Hotel provides excellent dining options on-site. Authentic Chinese cuisine is served at Tang Dynasty, the T Lounge offers a fusion of western and oriental culinary delights, and Le Cinq cooks up fresh, local produce with a worldly twist. 

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9. Zoom Hotel

Boutique Hotels Brussels Belgium: Zoom Hotel
Photos: Zoom Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Brussels is Zoom Hotel, where you’ll find just 37 boutique rooms, each of which has been individually designed by local artists and photographers. 

Zoom Hotel has a truly unique concept, and you’ll love how each of the rooms features photographic prints and designs from images taken from around Brussels. The hotel calls this their “participative photography” concept, and in addition to the permanent photography, Zoom Hotel hosts regular photographic exhibitions throughout the year. 

You’ll find that industrial decor complements the photographic chic throughout the hotel, but you’ll be pleased to know that rooms are decidedly comfortable despite their industrial image. There are large beds, soft bedding, spacious work areas, and flat-screen televisions, while the hotel itself is located on the conveniently placed and popular Avenue Louise.

There’s a gourmet breakfast every morning, beer lovers can indulge in the 50 local brews on offer at the Zoom Beer House, and the hotel’s Terrace Bar serves up light bites, beer, and wine throughout the day.


10. Harmon House

Best Brussels Hotels: Harmon House
Photos: Harmon House

One of the best Brussels hotels is Harmon House, a newish addition to the Belgian capital’s boutique scene that opened its doors in the Saint-Gilles areas in 2018.

Harmon House is petite, and you’ll find there are just 27 boutique rooms to choose from. Each of those rooms is tastefully designed, with an individual character and style that creates a welcoming atmosphere that’s somehow homey yet far removed from home. You’ll find wood paneling, marble bathrooms, and calming colors throughout.

The calm continues in the wellness area, where you’ll find perfectly controlled temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius keep you constantly warmed and rejuvenated in the spa pool and jacuzzi. The sauna takes temperatures even higher, while in the hammam, you can experience relaxing treatments to soothe your wearied joints after a day of sightseeing in Brussels. 

The bar at Harmon House has a buzz about the place, and you can order from an impressive selection of drinks, both local and international, while socializing with locals and international guests alike. Harmon House features an on-site restaurant if you’re feeling peckish after a few drinks at the bar, and you can dine on stylish internationally-inspired food as you choose from an eclectic menu. 

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11. Moxy Brussels City Center

Best Hotels Brussels Belgium: Moxy Brussels City Center
Photos: Moxy Brussels City Center

You can’t miss the Moxy Brussels City Center. This boutique hotel’s vibrant neon lighting can be seen from a mile away, but we know you’re going to love the distinctive purple vibrancy that’s found throughout. 

Moxy Brussels City Center is a hotel that makes its own style. Stroll into the spacious lobby area (where the purple color scheme continues), and you’ll be taken by the bright and unusual furnishings, the contrasting industrial decor, and the open and social nature of the communal spaces.

The lobby at this hotel is the place to hang out, and you’ll find there’s not only comfortable seating, work areas, and a video wall, but a bustling bar that’s open for service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bar serves up light bites and snacks, as well as an excellent selection of local Belgian craft beers and wines. 

Once you’ve checked in and pulled yourself away from the entertaining lobby, you’ll find that your room is not just practical, but it’s chic, suave, and hi-tech. You’ll have a 42-inch flat-screen television all to yourself, with high-speed Wi-Fi making screencasting your favorite shows and movies a breeze. 


12. YOOMA Urban Lodge

Cool Brussels Hotels: YOOMA Urban Lodge
Photos: YOOMA Urban Lodge

One of the most unique hotels in Brussels is YOOMA Urban Lodge, a comic book-themed boutique hotel that’s just perfect for comic-loving kids and adults alike! 

This is one hotel that’s made for families, and you’ll love how each of the rooms at YOOMA Urban Lodge has been designed around a different comic book hero, villain, or comic world from famous Franco-Belgian comic worlds. 

There are 60 rooms to choose from, with two-bed rooms aimed at adults and four- and six-bed rooms aimed at families. You could find yourself in one of Tintin’s adventures, or you could be transported into space with Valerian – and much, much more! Aside from the unique cartoon decor, the rooms are wonderfully practical and comfortable. 

The cartoon and comic themes continue in Bar YOOMA and Restaurant YOOMA, where you can order cocktails, coffees, and Belgian classics throughout the day. And if you need a break from it all, then head to the on-site sauna and hammam, where you can relax, unwind, and re-energize!

That completes our list of the 12 best Brussels hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Brussels? Comment below so we can add them to the list!


Didn’t find the perfect Brussels hotel? Try searching here:

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Planning a trip to Belgium? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!


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Frequently Asked Questions

What hotel in Brussels is best for foodies?

Arguably the best place to stay in Brussels is the Hotel Amigo, a blisteringly beautiful 5-star boutique retreat that we guarantee you’re going to quickly fall in love with. The Italian inspiration continues in the restaurant, where you can dine in style at Ristorante Bocconi. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brussels, where Head Chef Igor Rossi serves up classic dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro and lasagne alongside wild sea bass and Milanese veal mignon. Enjoy excellent Italian wine pairings, and then finish the evening at Bar A, where you can drink cocktails in the dwindling candlelight before calling it a night.

What is the best historic hotel in Brussels?

Centuries of history await you in The Dominican, which we can safely say is one of the most unique hotels in Brussels! This historic building on Leopold Street hides many, many stories behind its refurbished facade, and you’ll love delving into the hotel’s past as much as you’ll enjoy its modern comforts and amenities. The Dominican was originally a monastery built in the 15th century for the first Dominican friars who established themselves in the city.

What is the most luxurious hotel in Brussels?

Hotel Manos Premier is one of the best boutique hotels in Brussels. This luxurious yet quirky hotel features fine dining, an on-site hammam, and a beautiful garden where you can escape the rest of the world. With so much luxury, there’s a reason locals tout Hotel Manos Premier as the best place to stay in Brussels!

What hotel in Brussels has the best amenities?

The Warwick Brussels is a timeless hotel that radiates luxury and merges the long history of Brussels effortlessly with modern facilities, amenities, and impeccable service. There’s a fully-equipped gym in the fitness center, but if you’re on vacation, then you might prefer heading up to the Secret Rooftop Bar, where you can drink cocktails with an elevated view high above the Grand Place. You can also enjoy Belgian beers and European wines at the Warwick Bubbles Bar, and if you’re feeling hungry, snag a table at Chutneys Restaurant, a Belgian-style brasserie that’s known for its mussels, frites, and shrimp croquettes.

What hotel in Brussels has the best spa?

One of the best Brussels hotels is Harmon House, a newish addition to the Belgian capital’s boutique scene that opened its doors in the Saint-Gilles areas in 2018. Make sure to check out their wellness area, where you’ll find perfectly controlled temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius keep you constantly warmed and rejuvenated in the spa pool and jacuzzi. The sauna takes temperatures even higher, while in the hammam, you can experience relaxing treatments to soothe your wearied joints after a day of sightseeing in Brussels.


About the Author:

  • Richard Collett

    Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities.

    Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot).

    When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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