Hotel Métropole, Brussels

The Hotel Métropole, a historic five-star luxury hotel in central Brussels, was established between 1872 and 1874 and opened its doors in 1895. Renowned for its eclectic architecture influenced by neo-Renaissance and Louis XVI styles, it was the only surviving 19th-century hotel in the city until its closure in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel features 251 rooms and 22 suites, and has hosted notable events, including the first Solvay Conference with luminaries like Einstein and Marie Curie. Famous for the creation of the Black Russian cocktail, it has welcomed numerous dignitaries and artists throughout its history. Currently closed, the hotel is set for restoration and reopening in 2026, promising to revive its legacy in the heart of Brussels, near major shopping areas and public transport.