New lifestyle hospitality brand Cardo Hotels will open its second hotel, Cardo Brussels, in summer 2024. Like its sister property in Rome, the new hotel joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection. 

Located at the buzzing Place Rogier, Cardo Brussels is housed in a 30-storey building, whose facade is covered by René Magritte’s self-portrait ‘Le fils de l’homme’. Inside, the hotel’s design – courtesy of Saar Zafrir – is equally as playful, with a huge screen at its entrance transforming guests into cartoon avatars. “What happens when you mix Tintin, the Smurfs and Magritte?” quips Zafrir. “We wanted to translate all these essential Belgian art and pop culture elements into a visually attractive, contemporary experience where guests can sit back and relax.” The designer created a range of bespoke furniture for the hotel, inspired by comic books and their text balloons.

The property’s accommodation offer includes 532 spacious rooms spanning 24 floors. Standout options include a Zen Suite with private spa facilities, and a Big Suite, complete with a smart meeting room. Guestrooms feature curated mini libraries, as well as unique local artwork.

The hotel comprises fifteen spacious meeting spaces with distinctive designs, set up with flexible walls, state-of-the-art technology and playful libraries, as well as a large ballroom and an elegant pre-function space that accommodates up to 700 people.

The property will be home to an array of bars and restaurants, including a restaurant on the 30th floor. Gritto’s Restaurant, inspired by Magritte’s nickname, honours Belgian cuisine with a creative twist, while the colourful Doodles Bar, with its comic-inspired décor, offers all-day dining and curated mixology. Akai meanwhile is a vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, serving up an eclectic mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine to a backdrop of panoramic views of Brussels.

Fitness and spa facilities are located at the top of the hotel, including an indoor rooftop pool, 160m² gym with Technogym weights and cardio equipment, and the Contour Spa, comprising five treatment rooms, a sauna and relaxation area.

“We are thrilled to be introducing the next chapter of Cardo Hotels, selecting Brussels as our second destination,” says Nicolas Romero Oneto, Head of Cardo Hotels. “Each Cardo hotel is distinct, mirroring the aesthetic and cultural essence of its city, offering an unparalleled experience. Cardo Brussels exemplifies this vision: a distinctive destination where personal well-being and corporate culture merge effortlessly. We envision this blend as the future of hotel experiences — a sophisticated, eclectic combination of the public and private spheres, balancing professional needs with personal leisure.”