Jean Dujardin, Florent Pagny… In Brussels, this luxury hotel is the favorite landing place of celebrities

In the heart of Brussels, just a few steps from the Grand-Place and the famous Manneken Pis, Hotel Amigo – a Rocco Forte establishment – welcomes prestigious guests year after year. The discreet space in the entrance hall showcases a collection of signatures left by these distinguished visitors. Jean Dujardin hails it as a “fabulous hotel,” while Florent Pagny praises “the quality of the welcome.” Among them, photos and notes from Mireille Mathieu, Mylène Farmer, Catherine Deneuve, Pierre Arditi, and Benoît Poelvoorde make up a prestigious “wall of fame,” which also includes portraits of Beyoncé, Richard Gere, and Robbie Williams. Quite a lineup!

It’s no wonder the hotel appeals to a clientele in search of comfort and discretion. Behind its elegant facade, the hotel cultivates a 5-star art of hospitality. Every visitor is treated like a VIP, with attentive service and a warm welcome. Is this why it’s called “Amigo”? One might think so, as the hospitality of the place seems to be a natural echo. But behind this name hides a surprising story… Before becoming one of the most popular hotels in the Belgian capital, the location housed a… a prison! In the 16th century, Spanish soldiers reportedly confused the Flemish words “vrunt” (prison) and “vriend” (friend), giving rise to the name “Amigo” as a nod to this quirky anecdote.

The establishment offers 158 rooms and 15 suites that not only accommodate but also tell the story of Belgian culture through carefully chosen references, both subtle and bold.

For instance, the Tintin suite offers a playful and refined immersion into the famous character’s world through books, prints, and custom-made decorative elements for the Hotel Amigo. In a different style, the Diane Von Furstenberg suite pays homage to the Brussels designer with iconic pieces, artworks, and some of her personal items.

At the pinnacle of luxury? The presidential suite and its XXL bed, a centerpiece of many heads of state’s nights, whose names the hotel prefers to keep confidential. Even more spectacular is the Blaton Suite – the most exclusive in the hotel – with a top-floor terrace designed as a private apartment in the heart of the city.

In terms of gastronomy, the hotel once again plays the card of casual elegance. The Bocconi restaurant, led by the multi-starred Italian chef Fulvio Pierangelini, offers simple cuisine that celebrates the best seasonal ingredients. The dishes aim not to impress, but to delight and satiate. A must-try: the traditional Lasagne al ragù or the Raviolis alla carbonara garnished with guanciale aged by Dierendonk (a butcher star in Belgium).

Outside the dining room, the Al Fresco terrace is a haven of greenery inspired by the Milanese aperitivo. A perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing and whet your appetite before dinner.

Another option to explore before or after the meal is the Magritte Bar located in the hotel’s hall. In a cozy and colorful decor, the place offers unique creations, like the eponymous cocktail (dark rum, red Bordeaux wine, apricot brandy, strawberry liqueur, orange juice, honey syrup) served in a bowler hat-shaped glass, an homage to one of the artist’s most iconic works. A truly original experience.

Hotel Amigo Rue de l’Amigo, 1000 Brussels +32 2 547 47 15 ristorantebocconi@roccofortehotels.com