Astoria

In 1907, the urban visionaries, King Leopold II, asked Monsieur Devillers to replace the old hotel Mengelle by a modern elegant hotel to accommodate the crowned heads who will visit the L’exposition universelle in 1910. The Exposition Universelle et Internationale was a world's fair held in Brussels in 1910 from 23 April to 1 November. It received 13 million visitors, covered 220 acres and lost 100,000 Belgian Francs.

The hotel opened almost in time for the exhibition, on 2 July 1910. A magnificent sweeping staircase and Corinthian pillars welcomed the illustrious visitors. Its close proximity to the Royal Palace in Rue Royal made it the most convenient guest house for the King's personal guests, its regal furnishing and interior gave it the appearance of a palace.

In 2016 the hotel was acquired by the Maltese hotel group Corinthia. It is currently closed and set to be reopened as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria in 2020.

Have you stayed at the Astoria / worked there: Please send us information / historic material etc. Mail

The History
The Present

Our team researches the hotel's past. If you have any useful information and would like to share it, please send it to editor@famoushotels.org. Thank you

HISTORY IN BRIEF

1910: the year of the Brussels World's Fair, the Astoria opened. Belgian King Leopold II had inspired and in fact requested a grand hotel to put up visiting diginataries.

1939-45: During World War II the hotel was occupied by German forces.

2000: Guests enjoyed a drink at the 'Pullman Bar', kitted out in the style of a 1930's luxury train carriage.

2007: the hotel is managed by Sofitel.

2009: the hotel closed.

2016: the hotel is purchased by the Maltese hotel group Corinthia; and set to be reopened as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria in 2020.

Please send us names should you remember a famous visitor of the Astoria. Mail

Alain Destombes
Jean-Pierre Kaspar

Managed by: Corinthia Group of Hotels
126 rooms in 2020 Rooms
14 Suites

Located in the heart of the historic & cultural city of Brussels and at a short distance from the business area and the European Institutions.

Restaurant Le Palais Royal, inspired by Louis XVI, a true gourmet restaurant with chef Laurent Gauze. Pullman Bar '2B in Brussels', decor inspired by the Orient Express, Belgium's premium Champagne Bar, preview exhibition venue for young Belgian artists.

Fitness centre