Work-life balance gains a fashionable endorsement from The Standard, Brussels
In the bustling Northern Quarter of Brussels, a new addition to the city's landscape has emerged. The Standard, Brussels, a hotel and cultural venue, has taken residence in a renovated tower, offering spectacular views of the city from its rooftop restaurant and terrace.
The hotel, the first launch from its parent company since its acquisition by Hyatt in October 2024, is a testament to the revitalization efforts underway in the city. Located at Bd Roi Albert II 30, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, it stands as an ideal base for exploring the city, particularly the area around Tour & Taxis and Botanique, which is experiencing significant transformation.
The revitalization of this part of Brussels is driven by adaptive reuse of historic buildings, cultural enrichment, infrastructure upgrades, and growing economic activity. Industrial heritage sites, such as former mining locations, have been successfully transformed into cultural landmarks, attracting visitors and creating jobs while preserving heritage [1].
Around Tour & Taxis, known for its large former industrial complex, there are continuing efforts to repurpose historical buildings into mixed-use developments, including offices, cultural spaces, and residential areas [1]. The ongoing redesign projects, such as the facade renovation on buildings near central Brussels locations, show aesthetic and functional improvements coinciding with the city’s renewal strategy [3].
Brussels also benefits from a rising demand for digital infrastructure, positioning the city to attract scalable enterprises, indicating economic growth and modernized urban utility services, which indirectly support business district vitality [5].
The Standard, Brussels exudes energy, a Belgian sense of approachability, and an appealing dose of levity. Its interiors, designed by local talent Bernard Dubois, are a blend of rigorous yet playful architectural and design details. The ground-floor bar features several cosy nooks for guests, while the ground-floor 'greenhouse' serves partly as an outdoor spill-out terrace for the Double Standard restaurant.
The Double Standard offers a mix of US comfort food and Belgian classics, while Lila29 on the 29th floor celebrates Iberian cuisine with dishes like red mullet with polenta and grilled octopus with ink aioli. A table hidden behind the bar is available for private rendezvous, adding an extra layer of allure to the hotel's offerings.
The lush garden next to the rooftop terrace serves as a public park during the day, complete with intimate corners and benches, offering visitors a tranquil oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The Deluxe Junior Suites at The Brussels Standard offer expansive views over Brussels, including the Grand Place, making every stay a memorable one.
As the city continues to transform, The Standard, Brussels is a shining example of the vibrant future that lies ahead for this historic European capital.
References: [1] Brussels Invest & Export. (2020). Urban regeneration in Brussels. Retrieved from https://www.brussels-investment.com/en/urban-regeneration-brussels [3] City of Brussels. (2021). Brussels’ urban renewal strategy. Retrieved from https://www.bruxelles.be/en/urban-renewal-strategy [5] Deloitte. (2020). Brussels: A digital city for the future. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/be/en/pages/consulting/articles/brussels-digital-city-future.html
- The revitalization of Brussels' Northern Quarter is not just about infrastructure and economic activity; it also includes the enhancement of lifestyle options, as evidenced by the arrival of The Standard, Brussels, which offers food-and-drink options like the ground-floor bar and Double Standard restaurant.
- For travelers seeking a contemporary base for exploring Brussels, The Standard, Brussels, with its home-and-garden features like the lush rooftop garden and the tranquil Deluxe Junior Suites, provides an ideal blend of modern comforts and historical charm.
