The Dominican

"Even a Brussels native would be forgiven for thinking, at first glance, that the Dominican is a historic building. After all, the façade incorporates many of the features that existed when renowned 19 th -century French painter Jacques-Louis David lived at this address. And, inside, the site’s former incarnation as a 15 th -century Dominican monastery appears in such details as the courtyard colonnade and original stone floors in the serene Monastery Corridor. The soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and ornate ironwork of the Grand Lounge and its adjacent bar call to mind the grand cafés of early 20 th -century Europe, while rooms are adorned with vibrant paintings of classical subjects, like those by David and his contemporaries. As historic as it all is, though, there’s no doubt that the Dominican is a modern hotel. The contemporary decor harmoniously complements its surroundings, and each of the 150 luxurious rooms has been individually designed. Many afford views of the impressive La Monnaie, the city’s opera house, located next door. The lounge is one of Brussels’ hottest spots for everything from power lunches to date nights, and the gym even has a private boxing room."

"With a terrific location on a quiet street near the Grand Place, the 150-room Dominican takes its design cues from the fifteenth-century abbey that originally occupied the site. The award-winning Dutch firm FG stijl used jewel-tone colors to evoke medieval stained glass, a motif repeated in the carpeting of the guest rooms. Ecclesiastical references aside, this property was built behind the nineteenth-century stone facade of a building which was once the home of the French neoclassical painter Jacques-Louis David. Soaring ceilings distinguish the handsome bar, restaurant, and lobby that surround the central atrium. Though standard rooms are compact, they’re well designed and flush with useful amenities, such as a Nespresso machine and free Internet. Down pillows ensure sweet dreams, and striking bathrooms have black granite sinks and spacious walk-in showers."