Review of Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Positioned at the cultural crossroads of Brussels, Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo stands as a beacon of refined hospitality, merging timeless elegance with contemporary Belgian flair. This flagship property of the Rocco Forte collection boasts 173 meticulously appointed rooms, including 19 suites, each curated by renowned designer Olga Polizzi. Her vision seamlessly fuses understated Italian sophistication with distinctive local artistry, ensuring every corner radiates a sense of place and history. Highlights include the family-centric Tintin Suite, a sophisticated Presidential Suite Magritte, and the opulent Royal Suite Blaton featuring a private rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the iconic City Hall spire—part of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place.

Favoured by dignitaries, artists, and discerning travellers, Hotel Amigo is also home to a celebrated Italian eatery, an atmospheric jazz bar adorned with celebrity memorabilia, and a state-of-the-art fitness studio equipped with the latest Technogym innovations. Here, guests are enveloped in a world where luxury is both effortless and deeply rooted in Belgian culture.

Perfectly positioned in central Brussels, Hotel Amigo is mere footsteps from the legendary Grand Place—a UNESCO World Heritage marvel—nestled along a quaint cobbled lane. Guests are surrounded by the city’s vibrant tapestry of bistros, artisan chocolatiers, and the whimsical Manneken Pis fountain. This unbeatable location places you at the heart of Brussels’ historic and cultural pulse. 

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Brussels Airport (BRU) and within easy reach of Brussels-Midi Station, the Eurostar and Thalys hub linking London and Paris in under two hours. For effortless city exploration, the Bourse (Beurs) metro station is a short stroll away. 

Exclusive valet parking and a secure private garage are available for guests arriving by car, offering seamless access to the city’s attractions.

Each of the 173 guest rooms and 19 suites at Hotel Amigo has been reimagined by Olga Polizzi, blending Italian modernism with authentic Belgian aesthetics. Expect a harmonious mix of classic luxury and playful local details—think Magritte-inspired artwork, Tintin memorabilia, and bespoke ceramics that root the experience in Brussels’ creative heritage.

All accommodations feature interactive smart TVs, curated minibars with premium Belgian treats and champagnes, in-room safes, individually controlled climate systems, and indulgent Forte Organics amenities. Bathrobes are plush, towels are thick, and a wellness-focused minibar can be arranged upon request. 

Suite guests receive complimentary breakfast for two, private in-suite check-in, a Nespresso machine with daily capsules, complimentary garment pressing on arrival night, a curated pillow menu, guaranteed late checkout until 4 p.m., and a tailored packing and unpacking service.

Forte Suite privileges include a dedicated concierge, complimentary museum tickets (including Bozar), and a personalized Brussels Art Guide or bespoke suite experience with exclusive amenities.

Classic Rooms artfully combine refined tradition with a contemporary Belgian twist. Large Carrara marble bathrooms are accented with Tintin prints, while living spaces are filled with unique objets d’art and iconic local motifs. Expansive windows offer views onto the lively city or tranquil inner courtyard, bathing each room in natural light. This design language extends throughout all categories. 

Room categories include Deluxe (32 sqm / 345 sq ft), Executive (36 sqm / 388 sq ft) with vibrant Belgian textiles and metalwork, and Junior Suites (60 sqm / 646 sq ft) adorned with whimsical wooden fruit sculptures in homage to Magritte.

Suites span from the Classic (70 sqm / 753 sq ft), to Deluxe (80 sqm / 861 sq ft) imbued with rich Belgian history, and Executive (75 sqm / 807 sq ft) featuring lush, nature-inspired décor.

The signature suites are true standouts: the family-friendly Tintin Suite, the artful René Magritte Suite, and the palatial Grand-Place Suite.

The Tintin Suite, created in collaboration with Moulinsart and the Hergé Museum, is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. It features original artwork, playful furnishings, and even a drawing by Steven Spielberg from his stay during the Tintin movie premiere. The suite includes a connecting room for families, with Snowy the dog standing guard and children’s amenities ranging from themed bed linens to Tintin-themed activities and a citywide comic book treasure hunt. 

The René Magritte Suite, spanning approximately 110 sqm (1,184 sq ft), is saturated with bold colours, original lithographs, and witty design details. The suite’s windows frame the cobbled streets and Town Hall, while curated books and Magritte-themed espresso cups add to the sense of playful sophistication. 

The crowning Grand-Place Suite occupies the top floor, offering 180 sqm (1,938 sq ft) of living space and an expansive 60 sqm (646 sq ft) private terrace with panoramic city views, sun loungers, and alfresco dining. The suite features a fully equipped kitchen, elegant dining room, connecting options for additional bedrooms, hardwood floors, an open fireplace, and original artworks from the Blaton family’s private collection.

Hotel Amigo’s wellness centre features the latest Technogym cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as a comprehensive selection of free weights. Guests enjoy chilled water and fresh towels for a seamless fitness experience. 

True to its Italian roots, the hotel excels at welcoming families. The beloved René the Squirrel mascot delights children, and a full suite of baby and toddler amenities is available—including babysitting, custom baby meals, plush toys, highchairs, bottle warmers, cots with luxury linens, nightlights, play mats, and a complete range of baby toiletries. Special touches like rubber ducks and hooded towels ensure little ones feel pampered. 

Children receive personalized check-in cards, creative activity packs, and their own Rocco Forte Kids’ passport. Miniature bathrobes, slippers, and bathroom products are provided in-room, and parents benefit from a 50% discount on all children’s meals. Evening turndown treats include milk and cookies, while rooms are set with fun kids’ linen, laundry bags, backpacks, and hangers. The concierge team can craft personalized city adventures and unique family experiences upon request.

Rocco Forte Hotels have long set the benchmark for discreet luxury and personalized service, and Hotel Amigo is a shining example of this heritage. The property is a tapestry of history and modern design, with Olga Polizzi’s signature aesthetic—clean lines, contemporary flourishes, and thoughtful local details—infusing every space with a sense of place. 

Historic charm abounds: the building’s 16th-century origins as a city prison are woven into the narrative, with original flagstone floors, antique tapestries, and period furnishings preserved alongside modern Belgian art. The name ‘Amigo’ itself is a nod to a centuries-old linguistic mix-up, when Spanish soldiers mistook the Flemish word for ‘prison’ for ‘friend.’ 

Rebuilt in the 1950s by the Blaton family to host visiting royalty for the 1958 World’s Fair, the hotel became part of the Rocco Forte collection in 2000. Today, original Magritte pieces and Flemish masterpieces from the Blaton collection are displayed throughout, celebrating the city’s enduring artistic legacy.

Ristorante BoCConi delivers a true taste of Italy in Brussels, serving up authentic dishes crafted from the finest regional ingredients. Conceptualized by culinary maestro Fulvio Pierangelini and brought to life by Executive Chef Igor Rosi, the restaurant provides an intimate yet vibrant setting, with Piero Fornasetti’s artwork lending a whimsical touch to its deep blue interiors. The outdoor terrace is a hidden gem, bordered by aromatic herbs and offering picturesque views of the Grand Place.

Bar A is the hotel’s lively social hub, perfect for sipping signature cocktails, rare cognacs, or premium Italian wines while enjoying live jazz. The bar’s walls are adorned with portraits of legendary performers and contemporary Belgian artists, creating a unique backdrop for an evening out. Indulge in Pierre Marcolini’s decadent chocolates at Afternoon Tea or sample Pierangelini’s acclaimed Italian cuisine for lunch or dinner. As night falls, the ambiance shifts to sultry jazz, plush leather seating, and expertly mixed vintage Negronis.

Rocco Forte Hotels are committed to environmental stewardship, continually advancing sustainable practices across their portfolio. At Hotel Amigo, energy, water, waste, and plastic usage are rigorously monitored and reduced—supported by innovative solutions and staff training.

Key initiatives include in-room key card systems that cut electricity when rooms are unoccupied, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting throughout, and motion sensors in staff areas. All guest rooms feature individually controlled air-conditioning to optimize energy use.

Water conservation is prioritized via locally sourced water options, optional linen and towel reuse, dual-flush toilets, time-regulated taps, and ongoing exploration of rainwater harvesting systems.

Waste minimization is core: the hotel separates and recycles plastics, paper, and organic waste, with kitchen byproducts converted to compost for local green spaces. Used oil, ink cartridges, and coffee capsules are all recycled in partnership with local organizations.

Paper reduction efforts include providing digital newspapers via PressReader, QR code menus, e-card invitations, reusable metal cloakroom tags, and widespread use of recycled paper and bamboo tissue products.

Plastic-free living is a priority—guests benefit from biodegradable or reusable straws and cutlery, glass bottled water, and in-room amenities crafted from post-consumer recycled materials. The hotel also offers corn starch or bamboo alternatives for personal items, and laundered items are returned in eco-friendly packaging.

Additional measures encompass eco-certified cleaning products, sourcing seasonal and local produce, sustainable seafood and ethically reared meats, and strict supplier compliance with green standards. The hotel continues to pursue certifications such as Green Globe and leads Brussels’ luxury hospitality sector in sustainable innovation as of 2025.

• Tintin Suite: The hotel’s partnership with the Tintin legacy delivers a one-of-a-kind family suite, where beloved characters and immersive décor captivate guests of all ages—especially young adventurers.
• Ristorante BoCConi: A culinary destination in its own right, this restaurant consistently ranks among Brussels’ best for Italian cuisine, with an ambiance that’s both stylish and welcoming.
• Exceptional Location: Nestled in Brussels’ historic centre, the hotel is just steps from the world-famous Manneken Pis and the architectural wonder of the Grand Place, making it the ideal base for exploration.