With a striking 1970s Brutalism-meets-botany aesthetic, a Peruvian-inspired restaurant, and a rooftop bar and taqueria with extensive views over this vast city, The Hoxton Brussels offers a stylish and eclectic stay in the Belgian capital.
Located in the city’s Northern Quarter, a once drab office district that has undergone somewhat of a revival in recent years thanks to the arrival of spots like The Hoxton, and neighbours that include craft coffee shops, natural wine bars, independent boutiques, and the excellent Kiosk Radio, an online radio studio streaming from a tiny wooden hut in the heart of nearby Parc Royal.
A Brutalist behemoth of a building originally built as IBM’s Belgian headquarters in the 1970s, the 22-storey building now houses 198 guest rooms across three signature Hox room categories: Cosy, Roomy and Biggy; each a blend of retro tones and raw materials with high lacquered finishes, velvet upholstery, pink marble accents, walnut cabinetry and graphic rugs framed by the original concrete window architraves. Bespoke murals commissioned from Brussels-based artists Madeleine Schilling and Claire de Quenetai, referencing the neighbouring Botanical Gardens, along with additional artwork curated in collaboration with non-profit association NATIONA(A)L can be found throughout.
We bed down in a Biggy, a 32 square metre space with a vast bed befitting of the room’s category name, separate lounge area, desk, and — as we were up on the 18th floor — some exceedingly good views. Designed by AIME Studios, the bedrooms echo the design style felt throughout the property, which pays homage to the iconic building’s heritage; expect exposed concrete, period furniture, pink ceramic bathroom suites and other design touches that take one straight back to the 1970s. Spacious and stylish, it’s the perfect spot to call home when spending time in this cosmopolitan European capital.
Upon entering the lobby you’re greeted by a coffee station by day cum cocktail bar at night, as well as the check in desk and a host of stylish nooks and crannies. Filled with vintage-style chairs and sofas, lush greenery and quirky design objects, this is easily one of the city’s hippest hangouts. Peruvian-inspired restaurant, Cantina Valentina, also occupies this floor and serves up flavoursome plates from morning till night, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional picantería. From tequeños, to lima ceviche, chicharron and cheeseburgers, the food here is fresh, colourful and best washed down with a pisco sour.
As is the case at The Hoxton Barcelona, Tope is the taqueria and terrace found on floor 22 of the hotel. Drawing inspiration from all corners of Mexico, the restaurant-bar serves freshly prepared aguachile, carnitas, al pastor, pollo a la plancha, calabaza frito and carne asada alongside a list of regularly rotating homemade meat, fish or vegetable tacos. Filled with cacti, offbeat furniture and an air of tropical style, it’s a fine spot to enjoy good food, music from local DJs and, in summer, al fresco dining with a stellar view.
Cosy and cool, retro and modish, occupying an iconic Brutalist skyscraper, The Hoxton Brussels manages to deliver heavy on nostalgia whilst still presenting a refined and contemporary offering. Another winner from We Heart’s favourite hotel brand, this is a property that’ll have you coming back for more.
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The Hoxton Brussels Photography, courtesy Ennismore / © We Heart.
