Metropole Hotel

The Hotel Métropole is a a superbly renovated Hotel, whose gracious charm has been splendidly preserved. It is the city's only remaining 19th century Hotel, perpetuating an uniquely Belgian character that sets the note for a delightful stay in Brussels. The Hotel which was built in 1895 and offers every facet of service and true comfort, based on the best traditions of hospitality and elegance.

The Palace on the Brouckere place:

Since the turn of the century de Brouckere Square has symbolized the animated heart of Brussels.  The Square's second to none architecture owes its harmony to its richly decorated buildings and to the three wide boulevards that lead to it.  The Square was built about 100 years ago. In 1893, the Augustins Temple was built.  This Temple was a seventeenth century church, whose baroque facade that has been reassembled on the site of Trinity church, can still be admired by the inhabitants of Brussels. The Square was dedicated to Charles de Brouckere, hero of the 1830 Revolution and Burgomaster of Brussels. In the heart of the Square stood the Obelisk Fountain in honour of Anspach, the Burgomaster who renovated downtown Brussels. Around the Fountain emerged sumptuous, facades such as that of the Continental Hotel and those of magnificent houses surrounding the North passageway.

It is near the latter that the Metropole Cafe was set up in 1890, by the Wielemans brothers, brewers in the commune of Forest, with the aim of promoting their beers. Due to their tremendous success, they bought the neighbouring building, the former 'Caisse d'Epargne' headquarters and turned it into the Métropole Hotel. It is in this way that a palace was born, embodying a new concept for the end of the nineteenth century. A palace is, in other words, a luxurious Hotel equipped with the most up-to-date facilities: lifts, electricity, central heating, not to mention the richness of the decor and high quality service. At the pediment of the Hotel can be found a triumphant allegory of the bourgeois era: a sculpted group with an imposing statue celebrating progress illuminating the world. Inside, all architectural styles are depicted in an air of luxury and richness of materials : panelling, polished teak, marble of Numibia, gilded bronze and forged iron, all compete to give the impression of comfort of the 1900 era.

The French architect Alban Chambon, already responsible for the decoration of the Metropole Cafe, was appointed by the owners to carry out the interior design of the Hotel.  The French Renaissance main Entrance leads to the Empire-style Reception Hall, where columns and pillars line the room.  The attentive observer will linger in front of the beautiful stained-glass windows, which would be used so widely later on, by the art-nouveau style.  To the right, lies a large Staircase and a Lift with its technology proudly enhanced by its metallic beams. Chambon did not hesitate to call upon the best artists and craftsmen of his era, who assisted him in his work. It is in this respect that the bronze Nymph on the Fountain of the Roman-style Restaurant, that has now been converted into a cafe, was signed by Julien Dillens. An Indian Lounge and an Italian Renaissance Reception Hall completes this refined collection of styles.

The Métropole Hotel hosts numerous events of Brussels and international social life. In 1911, the first Solvay Physics Board was held which brought, together personalities such as Einstein, Marie Curie, Poincarre.  The stars, crowned Heads of State and the Politicians all resided at the Métropole, balls and banquets followed on. 

After the 1914-18 War, which saw the Hotel requisitioned, the owners undertook extension works by buying, in 1925, a neighbouring building in order to create new rooms. The extension works of the Metropole Cinema completed in 1932, were far more important.  The building of the 3,000-seater theatre required the demolition of several buildings on the rue Neuve.  The project included the creation of shops, a brewery, a disco 'La Fregate', banquet halls and two floors of supplementary rooms with a patio above the cinema.  The construction of this was carried out by Adrien Blomme, who designed an authentic architectural masterpiece combining technical prowess with an esthetic refinement.  The facade of yellow Travertin opens out on the rue Neuve with large glazed bays. The restrained interior decoration, with mirrors, polished metals and precious wood is enhanced by carefully purpose-built lightings.  The inauguration in the presence of Queen Astrid and Raimu was a great social event.

The second world war saw the Métropole Hotel requisitioned by Germans, during the occupation, then for a year by the allies, but in the aftermath of war the Hotel enjoyed another lucky era. The stars visiting Brussels, Sacha Guitry and other famous guests stayed at the Hotel.  Toots Thielemans made his debut in the jazz orchestra that played in the cafe. 

Since the completion of the works in 1976, the Hotel made a new start, which will take it well beyond its centenary which was celebrated in 1995.

In 1985, "Le Bar 19eme" and the restaurant 'L'Alban Chambon' was opened, which in 1989, thanks to his Chef Dominique Michou was awarded 2 red chefs hats and 16/20 in the Gault Millau culinary guide. He is a member of the French culinary academy, Eurotoques. In 1991, he was introduced into the very select 'Association des Maltres Cuisiniers de Belgique' and in 1992, into 'Association des Maltres Cuisiniers de France' - Associations of Master Cooks of Belgium and France.

The Restaurant has completely been renovated during the summer of 2002 giving it a Baroque Italian decor.

The Hotel is located in Place de Brouckere, right at the heart of the historical centre of the Capital of Europe, just steps from the Grand Place, the Bourse, the Theatre de la Monnaie and close to the city's most exciting shopping thoroughfare.

The Hotel's gastronomical Restaurant Alban Chambon, opened in 1985 and completely renovated during summer 2002, featuring an unique Italian baroque decoration. Dominique Michou, the Hotel's Executive Chef offers a classical, yet daring French cuisine and is the only 'Maitre cuisenaire de France and Maitre cuisenaire de Belgique'. He's also a member of Eurotoques and has been rewarded a series of distinctions, among others 2 Red Hats and 16/20 in the Gault Millau culinary guide as well as 2 Golden Keys on his personal name.