THE DOMINICAN, BRUSSELS
Opposite the opera house, on the site of a 15th-century Dominican monastery (hence the name), the hotel makes reference to its ecclesiastical connections – double-height rooms, vast windows, cloister-style courtyard – but is otherwise a thoroughly modern luxury hotel with a strong design feel. Plenty of glass, cream leather sofas, velvet-covered chairs and big spaces flowing into one another create a fashionable environment where people like to see and be seen. The vast dining area, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, serves up smart brasserie dishes while a slinky bar is popular for cocktails. Spacious bedrooms have a masculine feel with plain walls and dark-coloured fabrics and woods, some with bold paintings. A classy central choice.
A nice touch in larger rooms are the copies of richly coloured paintings by Jacques-louis David, the French artist who lived here in the 19th century. The lack of fussy detail is very restful and makes the rooms feel even larger.
At the restaurant, there’s an all-day menu, so you can choose both when and what to eat when the mood takes you. Breakfast lingers until 11am at weekends and, if it’s summer, you can eat in the courtyard. Otherwise, head out to a street cafe – on the way, spot the cartoon and graffiti art on buildings; often witty, always well-executed. This hotel is close to some gems.
ROOMS AVAILABLE FROM £127.72 A NIGHT. TO READ OUR REVIEW AND FOR LATEST PRICING, VISIT REDONLINE.CO.UK/ THEDOMINICAN
This former monastery is filled with modern design treasures