The Hoxton has officially opened its doors in Belgium, signaling a determined entry into the country's hospitality sector. Taking up residence in Victoria Tower, adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, The Hoxton, Brussels, brings an innovative and fresh perspective to the capital's hotel landscape. The hotel offers a distinctive mix of inviting, open-door hospitality, novel dining experiences, and an arresting aesthetic that blends 1970s brutalism with a botanical theme.
Visitors are greeted by a lofty, double-height lobby featuring a retro-style bar, marking the entrance to this 198-room hotel. The Hoxton houses Cantina Valentina, a Peruvian-themed restaurant, and Tope, a rooftop bar and taqueria offering spectacular views. Additionally, the 22-storey landmark building, previously the European headquarters of IBM, will soon host the newest Working From_, a popular coworking brand with branches already in London and Chicago.
Design-wise, AIME Studios masterminded the interior, giving a fresh take on classic 1970s design with Brutalist-inspired silhouettes and motifs. Bold geometric forms and polished plaster walls serve as a dramatic backdrop to an eclectic assortment of vintage furniture, mostly sourced from Belgian antique stores. The vibrant design features lush plants, reflecting the nearby Botanical Gardens' heritage, and murals commissioned from Brussels-based artists Madeleine Schilling and Claire de Quenetain.
The lobby houses a retro coffee bar that transforms into a cocktail spot at night, dotted with vintage-style furniture, creating comfortable areas for work, meetings, or relaxation. The Hox Gallery, located on the lower ground floor, is set to launch with works from Brussels-based visual artist Bieke Buckinx.
The 198 guest rooms, available in three Hoxton signature categories - Cosy, Roomy, and Biggy, exhibit a blend of retro shades and raw materials. High-gloss finishes, velvet upholstery, pink marble highlights, and walnut cabinetry enhance the original concrete window architraves.
Cantina Valentina, the Peruvian-inspired restaurant, is open from breakfast to dinner, offering vibrant, colorful plates throughout the day. The restaurant ambiance is reminiscent of a traditional Peruvian picanteria, displaying mixed tableware, family pictures, and artisan glassware.
Tope, the hotel's rooftop taqueria and terrace, serves dishes inspired by various regions of Mexico and offers an extensive list of tequila and mezcal cocktails.
The Hoxton's signature events and meeting concept, The Apartment, is located on the ground floor and can be accessed via a striking mirrored staircase. This flexible space can be booked for intimate dinners, workshops, meetings, or large parties.
The Hoxton has also partnered with local brands to offer guests unique experiences. For instance, they have teamed up with urban electric bikes specialists Cowboy for environmentally-friendly city tours and Carbon Athletics for urban runs.
The Hoxton aims to provide meaningful support to the local community through partnerships like the one with L'Ilot, a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and inadequate housing.
Finally, the hotel houses Best Of, a shop offering products from the city's finest independent artisans, creatives, and brands. The Hoxton Shop in Brussels will feature natural skincare products from KLASK, fashion items from Bellerose, and special edition Swet x Tope hot sauce.
Situated in the capital's Northern Quarter, The Hoxton, Brussels, is ideally placed for exploring the city and its surroundings. It's in close proximity to KIOSK Radio, independent broadcast station, Le Botanique, the city's cultural hub, and Rue Antoine Dansaert, the city's prime shopping destination. The hotel's location also provides easy access to direct international rail connections from the nearby Brussels-Midi station.
