Checking in at... The Hotel, Brussels

Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to join The Hotel in Brussels?

It is a sweet memory I always like to remember and share. For my 10^th birthday, my grandparents invited me for a brunch in Brussels in a property which is actually now… The Hotel!

The experience was unforgettable—especially the taste of those incredible waffles… That day sparked something in me; it was the first time I realized how much impact a single moment in a hotel can have on someone’s life. I knew then that I wanted to create those kinds of experiences for others, and as I grew, this passion turned into a career.

I started my career in Mexico, where I spent 8 years—first in a luxurious resort, then in a large chain hotel in Mexico City. It was an incredibly rich experience, both professionally and personally. When I returned to Belgium, I had the opportunity to lead several departments, which allowed me to develop a well-rounded perspective. I’ve always embraced the learning journey, and every step taught me something new about people, service and leadership.

Joining The Hotel almost three years ago felt like a natural step in that journey. It brought me full circle—back to the place where my passion first began, but this time with the chance to create those unforgettable moments for others.

What has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of managing this iconic hotel?

One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing how our independent identity allows us to be agile and people-focused. At The Hotel, we have the freedom to truly listen, adapt, and implement improvements quickly. Whether it’s feedback from a guest or an observation from a team member, we approach every challenge with a collaborative mindset—bringing different departments together to find smart, practical solutions. That sense of unity and shared purpose is incredibly powerful.

What I find most fulfilling is when The Hotel is chosen by renowned national or international companies, institutions, or governments to host their key events or high-level groups. These moments often come with high expectations and complex logistics—tight timelines, special VIP protocols, or large-scale setups. But when the entire team comes together to make it happen seamlessly, it’s a reminder of what we’re capable of and how impactful our work can be.

What sets The Hotel apart from other hotels in Brussels?

What truly sets The Hotel apart? Let’s start at the top—literally. With sweeping views over Brussels, your morning coffee from the Panorama Lounge feels like a skyline date with the city. Nestled in the chic Uptown district, The Hotel (part of the Brussels Expertise Labels) is just steps from the capital’s most exclusive shopping and dining spots. 

Inside, the experience continues with state-of-the-art meeting spaces spread across both upper and lower floors. The largest plenary room is equipped with a striking high-definition LED wall—ideal for impactful presentations—alongside built-in projectors, seamless audio-visual integration and natural daylight. The panoramic views add inspiration creating an environment that keeps attendees engaged and focused.

And to round it all off, The Iris, our restaurant and bar, brings together flavours from around the globe with a focus on quality grilling, bold international influences, and local seasonal ingredients. Whether it's a relaxed Sunday brunch, a crafted cocktail at the bar, or a glass of champagne to toast the moment—The Iris is where locals and guests gather to savour the good life.

Elegant, innovative, and full of character, The Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to remember.

The Hotel is currently undergoing renovation. Can you tell us about these upgrades?

The most striking transformation? Without a doubt, the new Urban Spa by CODAGE—a 400 sqm sanctuary on the 25th floor featuring saunas, hammam, and peaceful treatment rooms with sweeping city views. Paired with our fully redesigned fitness centre equipped with premium Technogym equipment, wellness is now at the heart of the guest experience.

As part of our final renovation phase (to be completed by the end of spring 2025), all 422 rooms and suites have been upgraded around three key pillars:

Comfort – New smart TVs, sofas, cosy coffee tables and ergonomic mattress toppers make every room more functional and relaxing. 

Design – Elegant wallpaper, upgraded lighting and refreshed suites give a contemporary, refined feel throughout.

Sustainability – Energy-saving LED lighting, water-efficient shower heads, and smart thermostats ensure every stay is as responsible as it is luxurious.

We’re excited to welcome guests into a space that’s more inspiring, comfortable, and forward-thinking than ever.

Can you share a memorable guest story or moment that embodies the spirit of The Hotel?

Hosting various countries participating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit at The Hotel was an experience that truly showcased our team's dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Welcoming delegations from Gulf countries—accustomed to the pinnacle of luxury and personalized service—presented us with a unique opportunity to exceed expectations and demonstrate our commitment to excellence.​

From the first pre-arrival meetings, we embraced the opportunity to learn. We listened, asked questions, and shaped our response around real needs—not assumptions. That curiosity, combined with our passion for continuous improvement, allowed us to go beyond the expected. This proactive approach allowed us to anticipate requests ranging from specialized luggage handling protocols to the installation of private kitchens, and the provision of 24/7 butler services.​

Personally, I felt more like a conductor than a manager—coordinating a talented, motivated team where everyone knew their part and played it brilliantly. We don’t rely on rigid hierarchies here; instead, we empower people to act, to solve, to do. And that’s exactly what we did.

We still laugh today about some of the wild, unexpected requests we handled—those “you can’t make this up” moments. But we faced them with creativity, agility, and a shared sense of purpose. In the end, the summit wasn’t just a success—it was a celebration of what makes The Hotel special: a team that walks the talk, lifts each other up, and never stops raising the bar.

What’s your favorite spot within The Hotel, and why?

Without hesitation: Vista, our meeting room on the 27^TH floor! The view from up there is simply unmatched—it’s where the city stretches out in every direction. No two days look the same; the light, the clouds, the colours... And on New Year’s Eve at midnight, it becomes truly magical—you can watch fireworks light up the city skyline from every corner of Brussels, all from one breathtaking spot.

We host unforgettable meetings and exclusive social events in this space, and the reaction is always the same: “wow”! Guests are genuinely moved by the atmosphere.

You can often catch me there finding peace and taking pictures (even though my phone is already full of them!).

How does The Hotel incorporate sustainability and eco-friendly practices into its operations?

At The Hotel, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a commitment rooted in our daily operations and long-term vision. We’re proud to be recognized internationally for our efforts, with certifications including Green Key and BREEAM, and as an active member of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

Our approach is built on meaningful actions across several key areas:

Local & Responsible Sourcing – We work closely with partners like MABIO and BIGH Farm, an urban farm in Brussels, to bring locally grown, sustainably produced ingredients to our kitchens.

Food Waste Reduction – Through our partnership with Alpaca, clients can contribute to have leftover event food redistributed to local food banks—turning excess into support for the community. We also use Winnow, a smart food waste monitoring system, to help our culinary teams reduce waste daily.

Eco-Conscious Event Planning – With the HCMI methodology, we accurately measure and report the carbon footprint of meetings and events, helping clients make informed, responsible choices.

Community Support Through Housekeeping Opt-Out – For residential meetings, guests staying multiple nights can choose to skip daily room cleaning in return for discounts at The Iris Restaurant or donations to TADA, a local organization empowering vulnerable youth in Brussels through education and integration programs.

Every initiative is part of a bigger picture: making every stay, event, and experience at The Hotel more thoughtful—for our guests, our community, and the planet.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

We’re truly excited to see the positive feedback from our guests as they discover the upgraded experience. Many of the changes we’ve made were directly inspired by guest comments—more comfort, smarter room features, a stronger focus on wellness, and a thoughtful approach to sustainability that aligns with today’s expectations.

In the coming months, we look forward to fine-tuning every last detail and continuing to enhance the guest journey from arrival to checkout. From the first impression at the front desk to the final sip of tea and bite of waffle with a city view, our focus is on exceeding expectations at every step.

And of course, we can’t wait to see the Urban Spa by CODAGE become a new favourite for both leisure guests and busy business travellers looking for a moment to truly disconnect.

If you want to read more about The Hotel, click here.