𝘗𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢.
Naina Nath
Right in the centre of Brussels, just steps from the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place has long been a favourite with both business and leisure travellers. Now, after a major renovation and a renewed focus on the Indian market, the hotel is looking sharper than ever. We caught up with Pierre Charron, Director of Sales & Marketing, to talk about its evolution, what’s new, and why it’s becoming a go-to for Indian guests visiting the Belgian capital.
Where Old Brussels Meets a Fresh Perspective
The building has history—plenty of it. “It opened in 1895 as a theatre for Belgian aristocracy, then became a cinema, and was finally converted into a hotel in 2002,” says Pierre. That layered legacy now shines through in the newly renovated spaces.
An €18 million refurbishment, completed in 2023, has given the hotel’s 222 rooms and suites a complete facelift. “We’ve struck a balance between the comfort of modern American hospitality and a strong Belgian identity,” he explains. Local icons like René Magritte, Django Reinhardt, and Victor Horta are subtly referenced throughout the interiors, giving the property character without feeling overly themed.
Design That Feels Thoughtful, Not Overdone
Walk into the lobby, and the first thing you’ll notice is a large wooden installation, custom-built as a tribute to Django Reinhardt. “It sets the tone right away. It’s a design element, but also a cultural nod,” Pierre says.
Upstairs, the rooms are kitted out with all the essentials, plus a few extras. Each one has a yoga mat, a Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and complimentary bottled water. “Guests appreciate those small details,” he adds. “It’s about making them feel at ease from the moment they arrive.”
Breakfast is another high point. “We’re told by many that it’s one of the best in Brussels,” Pierre says. It includes fresh juices, a cocktail-making corner, live egg cooking, and plenty of locally sourced Belgian products.
Indian Travellers Are Discovering Brussels—and This Hotel
Thanks to targeted outreach, Indian arrivals are growing. “So far this year, we’ve welcomed about 400 room nights from Indian travellers,” says Pierre. “Many of them are families or solo guests who are starting to see Brussels as more than just a stop between bigger cities.”
There’s also been an uptick in incentive travel. “We recently hosted our first Indian incentive group of the year,” he shares. “They appreciated not just the location and service, but the meeting facilities too.” One key feature is a main event space with a soaring 5.8-metre ceiling, rare for a hotel in the city centre.
“All our meeting and event rooms are on a dedicated, accessible floor,” adds Pierre. “It makes logistics simple, which is what planners are really looking for.”
Rewarding Loyalty—and Relationships
Being part of the Marriott Bonvoy program doesn’t hurt either. “With more than 238 million members globally, Indian guests are already familiar with the brand,” Pierre explains. Points can be earned and redeemed not only for stays, but also for dining and event spend.
He also points out Marriott’s fast-growing footprint in India, nearly 200 hotels and more coming soon. “That visibility back home really helps,” he says. “It builds trust when travellers are booking overseas.”
The hotel goes a step further for planners, too. “We actively share our low occupancy dates with agencies and organisers. It helps them plan smarter, especially for MICE,” says Pierre. For Indian groups, there’s even the option of hot Indian dishes at breakfast, something the team is happy to arrange.
Sustainability That’s Practical, Not Performative
Sustainability isn’t treated as a box to tick; it’s part of how the hotel operates. “Every guest gets a complimentary glass water bottle, and each floor has a fountain to refill it,” Pierre says. Linen changes happen every three days unless otherwise requested, and towels are replaced only if left on the floor—simple steps, but effective in cutting down water use.
They also work with local producers, with 80% of ingredients sourced in Belgium. “We even recycle leftover bread into a beer we sell at the bar—‘Amai Le Pain’,” he shares.
Guests can also rent bikes or use the hotel’s underground bicycle park. “And twice a year, our team does a street clean-up in the neighbourhood,” Pierre says. Even the in-room yoga mats tie into the sustainability story. “Taking care of yourself is also part of caring for the planet,” he adds.
Why Brussels Makes Sense for Indian Travellers
Compared to bigger-name cities like Paris or Amsterdam, Brussels still flies a little under the radar, but that’s changing. “It’s more accessible and more affordable, but you’re not compromising on the experience,” Pierre says. The city offers everything from Art Nouveau architecture and world-class museums to chocolate shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and famous frites.
And August, he says, is a particularly good time to visit. “The city is calmer, the weather’s lovely, and unlike other places, the best attractions and restaurants stay open,” he explains.
A Message to Indian Travel Professionals
To wrap up, Pierre had a note for the travel trade in India: “Brussels is like a box of Belgian chocolates—full of surprises, rich in flavour, and always worth exploring. We’re proud to welcome more and more guests from India, and we understand what matters to them—from familiar food to flexible planning support.”
With the city’s central location, the hotel’s refreshed look, and the team’s growing understanding of Indian travellers’ needs, Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place is ready to welcome more visitors from the subcontinent.
“हम आपके स्वागत के लिए उत्सुक हैं,” Pierre signs off.
