In terms of sheer elegance and an abiding sense of history, few hotels in Belgium match that of the Steigenberger Wiltcher's.
Set back from Avenue Louise, the busy, ‘golden-mile’ shopping thoroughfare of Brussels, its impressive façade reflects a sense of Old World dignity and style, enhanced by a €6.6 million renovation that ended two years ago, with most of the money spent on room improvements.
Parking is no problem whatsoever at Wiltcher's with the hotel having 600 spaces. Shopping is also convenient, with a range of boutique stores encircling an open interior courtyard selling a wide range of goods, from clothing to pharmacy items. Immediately above this, is La Terrasse where cocktails are served in pleasant weather.
Varnished wood, marble and gleaming brass furnishings and fittings are hallmarks of the hotel’s impressive Art Nouveau lobby, reached up a short flight of stairs from the street, past the concierge desk. Enlivened with fresh orchids, it entices guests to relax on soft sofas and armchairs under glittering chandeliers. Further encouragement to do so is provided by ‘The Library,’ a spacious open area adjacent to the lobby, which has its own small bar and where light lunches are served. Quiet corners there with book-lined shelves are perfect for private, informal meetings. Nearby is the D-Lounge, designed by Davidoff; a haven for cigar smokers.
Featuring 225 rooms and 42 suites, Steigenberger Wiltcher's also boasts the city's largest ballroom, seating up to 600 people, plus more than 10 other function rooms.
As to its history, this 5-star hotel was named after Sydney Charles Wiltcher, son of English immigrants who was engaged by owner, Baron Joseph de Crawez, to start work on this Beaux-Arts style building in the early 1900s. Opened in 1913, it has been under various ownerships, including being the Conrad Brussels until 2012. It is now operated by the German luxury chain Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts.
Our room, a two-tiered junior suite, featured a spacious bedroom with full-screen television and work desk, and a well-lighted bathroom with separate bath and shower and Aigner toiletries. A bannister-lined set of carpeted steps led down to a living area featuring a divan, an armchair and a coffee-table. Generous natural light poured in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Decorative room elements were minimalist, consisting of a couple of unframed black and white photographs, which added to the elegant setting.
Sumptuous buffet breakfasts and Sunday brunches are hosted in the airy Cafe Wiltcher's at the end of a carpeted corridor on the ground floor, both with complimentary champagne. As one shouldn’t leave Brussels without tasting fine Belgium chocolate, a visit to Mary's Chocolate Shop, off the lobby, should be on your schedule. Here lies a special treat for praline lovers as the company has been making this particular delicacy since 1919.
Dinners at Steigenberger Wiltcher's are served in the Loui Bar and Restaurant. Two rooms side-by-side, they offer contrasting atmospheres. The lively, well-lit bar area with the buzz of conversation as a backdrop, or the more intimate ambience in an adjoining dimly-lit room with classic furnishings including dark-wood wall cladding, a large open fireplace and a fill-size bronze statue of a guitar-playing musician in one corner. We chose a cozy window table at this mid-century style restaurant and enjoyed full views across to the stylish canopied hotel entrance so could watch the comings and goings of guests.
