In the area of the actual Hotel Amigo, a building predating 1522 was bought by the city council and turned into a prison. If we believe most Brussels’ historians, the name “Amigo” comes from an error of language interpretation. They say that the Spanish soldiers of the sixteenth century were Dutch unfamiliar. They have confused the word “vrunt” (prison) with the word “vriend” (friend), and therefore translated to “amigo”. Today, the official address of the hotel is “Vruntstraat” (in Dutch), “rue de l’ Amigo” (in French).. The Hotel was built in 1957 over 6 floors by the Blaton family for the Brussels World’s Fair of 1958.
Rocco Forte Hotels took over Hotel Amigo in January 2000. The hotel has undergone a complete refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and to claim its rightful status as the best luxury hotel in the city. The interior of the hotel is a true artistic heritage preserved by Rocco Forte Hotels: Flemish tapestries of the eighteenth, and the authentic pavement from the seventeenth century (1620) in the lobby.
The hotel’s style reflects the fresh, modern interiors now synonymous with the Rocco Forte Hotels’ brand, whilst retaining the hotel’s character and charm.
Established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 15 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas.
Hotel Amigo has 173 air-conditioned bedrooms including 28 suites. The Tintin Suite measures 80 sqm. The Presidential Suite measures 110 sqm. The Grand-Place Suite, 180 sqm, has a living room, a kitchen and a private roof terrace, which offers a privileged view of the tower of the City Hall, World Heritage of UNESCO.
Ristorante BoCConi serves authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy and contemporary atmosphere. Sample Italian dishes are made using the finest local Belgian produce. It also has a Terrazza and a Café. Bar A is the ideal place to enjoy a signature cocktail, a cognac or a glass of Italian wine while listening to live music. And to enjoy the walls filled with photos of the world-famous people who have stayed at the Hotel Amigo.
For Reservations visit www.roccofortehotels.com/hotel-amigo
E: reservations.amigo@roccofortehotels.com
* This story by L'Officiel Arabia first appeared in the November 2022 issue of L'Officiel Arabia.