Marriott Brussels Grand Place

Index to Genius1 Trip Reports

Dating from the late 19th century when it opened as the Theatre d’Olympia and known as the Cinema Ambassador in the 1930s, Marriott converted the building to today’s hotel in the early 2000s. I stayed here for three nights for a conference in September 2023, just as the hotel was completing an extensive refurbishment under the direction of architects bdAr and designers Twenty2Degrees.

Centrally located on Rue Orts-Paul Devaux, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Grand Place, with some rooms overlooking Place de la Bourse and the Brussels Stock Exchange. My Deluxe (standard) room on the third floor of six was unfortunately not one of them, with a view of a small internal courtyard. At least there was a vaguely green roof to look at.







My room had been smartly refurbished and felt quite swish by Marriott’s usual standards. Twin beds were joined by an armchair and side table which doubled as a very small desk, and a chaise longue. More desk space would have been welcomed. Despite hard flooring having been used throughout the bedroom, I liked that an oversized rug ran under the beds, such that there was a soft landing for feet in the morning. As is often the case, the bedside phone was a relic of the past and seemed to have been overlooked in the otherwise comprehensive refurbishment. There were no robes or slippers (these are provided as standard in M Club rooms and suites), although the latter were provided on request.











On a practical level, power, USB-A and USB-C sockets were located on both sides of the bed. The bin was segregated for recycling. The wardrobe in the hall area was partially open plan, which for a short stay I don’t mind, and the minibar was integrated into the end of the wardrobe unit in a smart way, with glasses on a display shelf along with two bottles of complimentary water. Whilst the fridge was unstocked, there was a Nespresso coffee machine (with three pods despite six spaces in the drawer), and tea by Ronnefeldt. Both china mugs and takeaway paper cups were provided.





The bathroom was small but had been totally refurbished in a luxurious style, with a walk-in shower and the usual Marriott family amenities by This Works in large bottles, in addition to individual lotion and soap.







The hotel’s public areas have all – except the lifts – been refurbished to the same standard as the rooms and bathrooms. Breakfast in the Rotisse restaurant was a more than adequate buffet without being terribly memorable. Barcine, a café by day and a bar by night, is located off the lobby. There’s a gym too if that’s your thing, along with an M Club lounge on the mezzanine level above the lobby.

This is a very decently refurbished property in a good location that I would be happy to return to.