The Standard, Brussels, opened its doors in May 2025, marking a bold new chapter for the brand in the heart of Belgium. As one of the newest luxury openings in the city, it brings The Standard’s signature edge, playful, design-forward, and unapologetically modern, to a capital that’s often understated.
- Overall: 7/10
- Price: ££
- Best For: Stylish city breaks, creatives, couples, and design-conscious travellers
Vibe: Bold, Modern, Social - Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Would I Return: Indifferent – I recommend the suites
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The rooms at The Standard Brussels feel intentional from the moment you step inside. Clean architectural lines are softened by warm textures, bold flooring choices, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city below. In the standard categories, the design leans expressive and modern, with patterned carpets and statement details adding personality. In the suites, the experience shifts, with wooden flooring, a defined living space, a personal bar area, and expansive windows that elevate the atmosphere entirely. Whether you choose a base room or upgrade, everything feels fresh, well-finished, and thoughtfully designed, reflecting the hotel’s recent 2025 opening.
THE ROOM - WHERE IS SHINES
The Standard rooms offer a comfortable base for a city stay. They’re spacious enough, but not expansive. You won’t feel boxed in, but you also won’t feel like you’re in a grand suite. The design is where they stand out. Instead of neutral minimalism, the standard rooms lean into bold interior choices. The carpets feature abstract shapes in contrasting colours, giving the room personality and character. It feels expressive and modern, very in line with The Standard brand identity.
The layout is practical, clean, and functional. Everything feels new, which makes sense given the hotel only opened in 2025. The finishes are sharp, the lighting is considered, and the overall aesthetic leans more toward creative city energy than traditional luxury.
However, the real excitement begins with the suites.
The suites completely elevate the experience. The moment you enter, the space opens up. Wooden laminate flooring replaces the patterned carpets, instantly giving the suite a more refined and polished feel. The separation of space is what makes it impressive; this isn’t just a bigger room, it feels like a lifestyle setup.
You have a dedicated living area with two sofas and a bench-style table, creating an actual place to sit, relax, entertain, or even work comfortably. A large statement television anchors the room, and one of the most beautiful design touches is the curtain feature that can be drawn over the TV, softening the space and maintaining the aesthetic when the screen isn’t in use. Small details like this make the suite feel curated.
The penthouse-style windows stretch wide, allowing natural light to flood the space. It adds height and openness, making the suite feel airy and impressive, particularly during the day.
One of the standout features is the personal bar area. This is more than just a standard minibar hidden in a cupboard. There’s a proper fridge stocked with drinks and snacks, and a designated area where you can prepare your own cocktails. It adds a sense of experience to the stay rather than just functionality. It feels social. It feels intentional.
DINING & SOCIAL SPACES: WHERE THE ENERGY LIVES
Beyond the rooms, The Standard Brussels shifts into a more social rhythm. Downstairs, just off the lobby, the main restaurant anchors the hotel with a bold, modern interior that feels both playful and intentional. Clean lines meet warm textures, and the space carries a steady hum of conversation throughout the evening. The menu leans into elevated comfort , think refined burgers and elevated pub-style dishes, approachable but executed with style. In the mornings, the same space transforms into the breakfast setting, offering a relaxed but polished start to the day. By night, cocktails take centre stage. It’s the kind of place guests drift into for a drink and end up staying longer than planned.
Upstairs, the atmosphere changes completely. The top-floor restaurant feels more elevated, more intimate, and noticeably more elegant. Neutral cream tones, soft curtains, and thoughtfully styled tables create a romantic, almost cinematic setting. The menus feel curated rather than crowded, and on special occasions such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, the hotel offers beautifully structured set menus that elevate the experience further. This isn’t rushed dining, it’s an occasion. The energy is refined, the lighting is softer, and the mood leans romantic without feeling forced.
The contrast between the two spaces is what makes it interesting: downstairs is social and expressive; upstairs is composed and intimate. Together, they give the hotel a layered personality that extends far beyond just a place to stay.
If you’re booking, request a higher floor for a quieter stay and better city views , it makes a noticeable difference in the overall atmosphere. If your budget allows, upgrade to a suite. That’s where The Standard Brussels truly shines, with added space, a dedicated lounge area, and a more immersive experience overall.
In the evenings, spend time downstairs before heading out the bar sets the tone perfectly. And if you’re unsure what to order, ask the bartenders for their recommendations. They know their craft and will guide you well.
For something more elevated, reserve the top-floor restaurant in advance, especially on weekends or special occasions. It’s not just dinner; it’s part of the experience.