Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel, has unveiled the transformation of three of its most remarkable suites, introducing the new Grand Place Suites and revealing the newly redesigned Blaton Suite.
Located moments from the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels, the project reflects the hotel’s longstanding connection to the city – its architecture, craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
Designed under the direction of Olga Polizzi, Director of Design and Lucy Savanis at Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with DO Design Studio, the new suites draw on Belgian design and craftsmanship, with natural materials, locally sourced pieces and references to the city’s artistic heritage throughout.
Created from the complete transformation and expansion of two existing suites, the new Grand Place Suites introduce a new accommodation category at Hotel Amigo, offering guests direct views over one of Europe’s most celebrated squares, offering a private front-row seat to Grand Place and its architecture.
The view itself played an important role in the design. Large windows frame the historic square, while understated finishes around them allow the architecture outside to take centre stage. Inside, inspiration was drawn from nature and Brussels’ artistic and design heritage, with particular references to the organic forms found in the work of Victor Horta.
The palette moves through soft yellows, ochres and earthy browns, balanced by shades of green. Natural materials feature throughout, from linen wall coverings and Belgian timber flooring to layers of wool, cotton and velvet, bringing warmth and texture to the interiors.
Belgian craftsmanship is present throughout, with furniture and fabrics produced by local manufacturers alongside bespoke pieces created specifically for the suites. Handcrafted rugs, custom designed furniture and carefully selected artworks and objects sourced through local antique dealers and galleries bring further character to the interiors.
References to nature continue in smaller details, through abstract leaf motifs, sculptural forms and the use of repurposed timber, creating a subtle link between the interiors, their materials and the natural world.
“Overlooking the Grand Place, the suites celebrate the artistic heritage and character of Brussels, balancing contemporary comfort with a strong sense of place,” says Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels. “The result is a refined sanctuary that feels rooted in nature, distinctly Belgian and unmistakably Hotel Amigo.”
The transformation also extends to the Blaton Suite, the largest suite at Hotel Amigo. Named after the Blaton family, who were responsible for the construction of Hotel Amigo in the 1950s, the suite is prominent in the history of both the hotel and the city.
The refurbishment focuses on the suite’s private spaces, with a redesigned bedroom and a completely new master bathroom. The latter features a central bathtub, double vanity, walk-in shower, separate WC and private steam room, while the bedroom now includes a walk-in wardrobe.
The design follows some of the same principles as the Grand Place Suites, particularly in its use of tactile natural materials and references to Belgian design, but takes a more opulent direction. Deeper jewel tones, rich velvets and sculptural lighting give the rooms a stronger character, while bespoke furniture and antique pieces complete the interiors.
Among the suite’s most distinctive features are the bespoke stained-glass panels created by Belgian studio Le Château de Verre, also responsible for the stained glass at Bar Magritte. Used in the doors between the bedroom and bathroom, the panels combine textured glass with shades of ochre, yellow, deep green and aqua.
“Hotel Amigo has been part of our family’s history since it first opened in 1958,” says Armand Blaton, grandson of Armand Blaton. “Seeing the Blaton Suite enter a new chapter today, while preserving this heritage, is something we are incredibly proud of.”
