History
In 1908, Adhémar Lener wins the competition held for the purpose of the 1910 Brussels Universal Exposition commissioning him to build a 500-room luxury hotel erected on Place Rogier, with a view on the Botanic Garden. The iconic venue built by Lener and his pupil Antoine Pompe, in a geometric Art Nouveau style, was initially named Hotel Le Palace and was one of the first of many luxury hotels in Europe, member of “Les Grands Hôtels Europèens”. A concrete building built in a record 11-month time period, despite a marshy ground which compelled the builders to plan the construction on no less than 1800 wooden poles. On September 1st 1910, Hotel Le Palace celebrated its grand opening in pomp and circumstance, with the inauguration of its 500 rooms, each equipped with individual bathrooms and heating system, thus becoming
one of the most avant-garde hotels in Brussels until the 1970’s. In 1995, the hotel is refurbished by l’Atelier d’Architecture of Genval, and is rebranded to Crowne Plaza Brussels – le Palace. Exactly 111 years after the arrival of its first customers and after a large-scale renovation carried out by Bergman Design House of London (www.bergmaninteriors.com) and Doos Architects of Stockholm (www.doos.se), the hotel reopens under the name of DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City. With the legendary past it has inherited, the hotel turns towards the future by focusing specifically on skills, care and humility. The DoubleTree by Hilton brand brings to life the vision of Conrad Hilton to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, every day, starting with its signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome.
Location
On one side, the Botanic Park with its blooming vegetation, an oasis full of native and exotic trees, along with garden roses. On the other, Place Rogier, with over 44,000 m² of office space, its stores at the north of the city.
Amidst them stands the iconic building which tends to unite two worlds. A place where the old meets the new, nature meets technology, practicality meets aesthetics and geometry meets biology. All in a pleasant and friendly environment.
Located in the heart of the city, a stone throw away from Gare du Nord, with a direct train line to Brussels International Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City is the ideal base from which to explore Brussels’ pedestrianised shopping streets, quirky brasseries and bars, with easy access to the European Institutions and the city’s Northern business district.
Public Areas
Extensively refurbished by Swedish design studio Doos Architects (www.doos.se), the hotel’s communal areas feature stylised artwork, Art Déco-era chevrons and ‘pops’ of gold, orange and black in homage to its colourful history and which reveal the spirit of the place.
While some hotels are hardly identifiable once renovated, the soul of Hotel Le Palace still dwells within the walls of the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City; mouldings, chandeliers, marble, historical items... The place blends an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, rich in history, with the will to look towards the future. While it was renovated to stay in touch with its heritage, its style remains delicately modern.
Rooms
The 354 rooms and suites were refurbished on both a technical and aesthetical level, by Bergman Design House of London (www.bergmaninteriors.com), establishing simultaneously an authentic and modern vibe with bold, playful design details. Historic inspiration, contemporary style: a few references to Art Deco and its distinctive curves are sneaked here and there, whilst adding a fair touch of modernity.
All rooms feature hardwood floors, premium bedding, individual air conditioning and blackout curtains to help guest drift off. Special attention was given to digitalisation, including keyless room access, mobile ordering, free unlimited WiFi, and large smart TV’s in every room. The stylish geometric tiling and retro details in the bathrooms are the perfect nod to Le Palace’s glamorous past.
Business & Meeting Hub
This hotel has always been acknowledged as an international business hotel due to its advanced facilities and its high booking capacity in terms of seminars and business events.
This theme is still approved today due to the presence of 17 conference rooms, covering an overall area of no less than 2000 m², the largest one being big enough to welcome up to 700 people, while allowing them to enjoy an especially pleasant daylight.
With its unrivalled volume, state-of-the-art technology, hybrid events which allow the planning of both virtual and face-to-face interventions and of modern customised menus, all your meetings and events will surely be a success.
Culture of CARE
“Culture of care” is the DoubleTree Hotel brand’s main mantra. Each member of the hotel’s team is trained to develop the skills for indulging guests with care and devotion, from the beginning to the end of their stay. From the warm cookie brought at their arrival to the moment they leave, the service is striving for warmth and causality. A Wundermart shop next to the reception desk provides guests with 250 products on sale (drinks, snacks, books, accessories...), available in self-service.
The check-in will be possible online. While your mobile phones turns into your room key trough the Hilton Honors Application, there will be no need to pass by the reception desk, allowing the guests to enjoy more quality time on property.
