The Hotel Métropole is a five-star hotel located at Place de Brouckère in the heart of Brussels' historical center. The hotel has 251 elegant rooms, including 22 spacious suites, all arranged with a style of their own: art deco, art nouveau, modern style.

It also has a bar, 'Le 31', with a 'late 19th-century contemporary' style decor, a breakfast room with an exotic décor 'Le Jardin indien', the brasserie-restaurant Café Métropole as well as eleven conference rooms and a fitness room.


History

The main building was built in 1872-1874 by the architect Antoine Trappeniers for the Caisse générale d'épargne et de retraite. Bought in 1891 by the Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery to serve as an annex to its café to promote a selection of Wielemans beers on the very famous Place de Brouckère, it is transformed into a luxury hotel by the architect Alban Chambon. Inaugurated in 1895, this Brussels hotel is the only establishment in the city dating from the 19th century still in operation. The main entrance is in the French Renaissance style, leading to the Empire-style reception hall, largely decorated with stained glass windows celebrating the city's Art Nouveau heritage. In 1911, the first Solvay Congress was held within its walls2.

The Black Russian cocktail was created there in 1949.

On April 22, 2020, the management announced that the Hôtel Métropole was in a situation that appeared to be hopeless and that closure was inevitable and that no resumption was envisaged.

The Café Métropole brasserie

Opened in 1890, Café Métropole closes its doors at the end of April 2013 until February 2014 to begin restoration work. This Art Nouveau palace has nevertheless retained its soul. The interior and exterior of the building being listed, no major changes could be undertaken.

As before, customers can choose between the intimate setting of the café's interior or take the city's pulse, summer, and winter, by sitting on the heated terrace, which has been enlarged, overlooking Place de Brouckère.

The new menu of the café revives the history of the creation of this establishment by the founding family of the Brasserie Wielemans-Ceuppens. Here you can discover a demanding selection of traditional Belgian beers, come and have tea and pastries and enjoy a brasserie-style catering service.