In 2023, in the heart of the Capital of Europe, the iconic Hotel Wiltcher’s celebrates its 110th anniversary!
NEWS AND FESTIVE PROJECTS IN SIGHT!
A jewel in the crown of the city, the fame of the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Brussels needs no introduction. Quite the contrary, given the many awards and labels that the hotel has garnered. Whether within international prestige tourism or among a prominent clientele hailing from all walks of life. The 1,001 services and attractions offered by this emblematic centenarian do naught but burgeon with time and under the passionate leadership of its management and their teams.
Before moving on to news of what is known colloquially as “Wiltcher’s”, rejoicing as it now does under the full name of Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Brussels Hotel, this is a perfect opportunity to take a look back over years past in this elegant establish- ment’s history. Let’s start with its wonderful architecture. It is this alone, from its very beginnings on Avenue Louise, that was destined to make Wiltcher’s one of the most sought-after sojourns in all of Europe’s great cities.
Architectural elements dating back to 1865
For more than a century, Wiltcher’s has occupied a position of constancy and prominence on what is dubbed the “Champs Elysées of Brussels.” It stands, as it has always stood, in perfect harmony with the happenings of the day and the history of the capital, which truly forged its character and plotted the story of Wiltcher’s.
It should be noted that originally, in 1913, Hotel Wiltcher’s was in fact situated at 23-25 Boulevard de Waterloo. It then moved to the corner of Avenue Louise and Chaussée de Charleroi and was named Wiltcher’s Carlton from 1925 to 1935. The part forming the gourmet restaurant was in an old town mansion and today the restaurant “La Canne en Ville”, run by chef Kevin Lejeune, is a reflection of the rich Belgian architectural heritage of the time. Known as Maison Godefroy, this exqui- site town house (whose name was also lent to the restaurant in the 90s, when it was owned by Conrad) was built in 1865 by Henri Beyaert, one of the Belgium’s principal Belgian architects in the 19th century. The building is protected by having listed by the Brussels Heritage Department in 1988. Its architect, Henri Beyaert, played a central role in the neo-renaissance movement, which influenced the design of many of the grand boulevards in Brussels ; back when money was counted here in francs, he even adorned the one hundred franc note.
The portions completing the Hotel Wiltcher’s complex in Avenue Louise as we know it today, which form an adjunct to the 19th century mansion, which survived unchanged and is referred to above, dates from 1990. The architect was André Jacqmain of Atelier d’Architecture de Genval. The basic design logically echoes and picks up the architectural lines and elements of the original Wiltcher’s Carlton Hotel.
As for the setting and interior decoration, the architects of the time made it a point of honour to conceive a layout reflecting the timeless elegance, refinement and luxury of Europe’s traditional grand hotels. The sumptuous marbles, the woodwork, the lobby space and its Library lounges, and the light from the wide bay windows overlooking the vast interior island are all features appreciated by a clientele that themselves have an affinity to the best.
Thus, today more than ever, Wiltcher’s remains a flagship for the capital. A flagship offering 63,000 sq. m. of area, 200 metres length of frontage, 267 rooms and suites and, now, the «Intimate Conversations» contemporary art exhibition throughout the 6th floor: the next Wiltcher’s cultural event.
To this end, we must not omit mention of the restaurant and gastronomic offerings under the food & beverage heading at our English bar, the Loui Cocktail Bar, where guests are entertained by the bartenders and other professional mixologists and can partake of a simple selection of finger food and other delights bearing the Kevin Lejeune signature; the Wiltcher’s Café for breakfast and our famed Sunday brunch, voted the best in the city, or the restaurant next door in the old 1865 mansion house, «La Canne en Ville», whose layout underwent complete modernisation upon Kevin Lejeune joining the hotel and is honoured with 1 Michelin star.
Finally, still in terms of its architecture, it should be noted that Wiltcher’s is one of very few prestige hotels in the capital to boast a large courtyard: 4,500 sq. m. open to the sky, looking out on which many of the rooms and suites enjoy a view. The courtyard connecting Avenue Louise and Chaussée de Charleroi is decorated with the emblematic fleur-de-lys, an ornamental motif par excellence in architectural design across the centuries. In addition, it is also one of the few hotels in the city to offer the services of a luxurious spa, the Spa Aspria Avenue Louise. Guests can enjoy a sauna, steam room, the indoor swimming pool, the fitness centre and there’s even a Clarins beauty institute: Aspria is a true oasis of wellness.
Besides its accommodations, eateries and bars, the hotel also has a large number of banqueting and meeting rooms (16 in total), plus The Library lounge area and a room famed far and wide for its glamour, our Ball Room, the largest in the city, though modular as required, with capacity for upward of 600 guests. It is the venue for many public events, exhibi- tions and gatherings (Jean-Marc Quarin, UBB Competitions, etc.). It also lends itself as the perfect backdrop for a sumptuous wedding or other reception, making the event one to remember your life long.
A story at the pace of the times and the city
Wiltcher’s has always had a calling to tune itself in perfect harmony with the city of Brussels and with the glittering events that punctuate its calendar of emblem- atic festivities, which attract a good many visitors from outside Belgium. From all over the world they flock to Brussels, whether to attend the new iteration of some annual cultural event, a luxuriant art exhibition, a milestone exhibition of great note, to take in the opera, a gala dinner, or for that very special concert. People come to watch, and the artists come too - to be watched - and they all stay at Wiltcher’s. Wiltcher’s plays host to crowned heads, heads of state, showbiz personalities and the big stars, and the most prominent celebrities of the international elite. Just one more token of the lengths we’ll go to to satisfy the most demanding clientele in every respect.
For more than a century, Wiltcher’s has borne privileged witness to great events, great artists and other greats of Brussels and of workaday life across the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. All those visiting top couturiers, Expo 58 or our iconic museums and organisations (Magritte, Expo 58, NATO, to name a few) have always been strongly drawn, and are set to continue in the vein, from the very beautiful world to Wiltcher’s. A word of due recognition is never out of place for the huge complexity, even in today’s world, attendant upon the major events organised by the city of Brussels.
Wiltcher’s new General Manager, Norman Mark, will be puffing out its 110 candles
Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Brussels’ new General Manager, appointed by our parent company, Deutsche Hos- pitality, is none other than Norman Mark, who arrived at the tail end of winter. Once he’s blown out the candles on our cake, he’ll then be ushering in a fresh wind of change to our brand.
Norman Mark, appointed General Manager of Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Brussels by Deutsche Hospitality, is already extremely familiar with Steigenberger. Over his career, he’s held key positions at the Steigenberger hotels in Ber-
lin, Bayreuth, Potsdam and, now, Brussels, prior to which he was acting General Manager here in the period 2015-2016. Of the last of these locations, he says without prompting, “Wiltcher’s offers a unique travel experience. It also stands out for its staff, its service and its history. I can’t wait to get down to working with my new team!“
High accolades commensurate with international quality
Wiltcher’s is classified as a 5-star superior hotel. The five stars superior grade is a high-flying category created by the Brussels Regional Council in 2019. This makes it us easy to find by those desiring the highest European grade of accommodations.
Thanks to its prestige and legendary qualities, The Wiltcher’s is one of the “Steigenberger Icon Hotels”, which groups together six of the most prestigious Steigenberger hotels on which the highest praise has been lavished. Having been recognised as Best Hotel for Business Travellers in Brussels, it is proud to also announce its “sustainable” operation, having given its commitment to and implemented the guidance set down in the “Green Key Hotel” charter.
The hotel also offers a number of innovative services, such as the latest Iconic Dog Package, so that your four-legged friend can also enjoy a real moment of luxury à la canine (a fine china bowl, anti-stress spray, a hand-embroidered cushion and other delicacies, perchance dried beef.)
Our concierges, distinguished holders of prestigious “Golden Keys”, are at your service at Wiltcher’s and are resourceful enough to have never been stumped at a guest’s request, however peculiar.
Thus has The Wiltcher’s the honour of being the favourite hotel of the international upper crust, heads of state and the most prominent of personalities.
Whether movie stars like Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Nanty and Sarah Rafferty or singers like Lady Gaga, Celine Dion or Britney Spears rapper Lil Nas X and the legendary Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, they’ve all spent some part of their story at The Wiltcher’s. And the football fraternity is also no stranger: Pele and Romelu Lukaku stayed at the hotel on several occasions.
Our 110th anniversary programme: at the heart of the latest news
Each event, each festivity in the city, throughout the year, will be an opportunity to welcome all, from the most charming of personalities to simple Brussels folk eager for be here for meetings and those special moments. In terms of artistic attrac- tions, the hotel’s and its management’s objective is also to make its focus on activity within the cultural sector a key initiative. It’ll kick off at the end of March with:
Intimate conversations, an exhibition of contemporary artists installed in the 6th floor rooms and suites. This second edition, thus making it an annual event, is on from 30 March to 2 April this year.
Iftar راطفإ in its finest splendour during the month of Ramadan with the most sump- tuous oriental cuisine presented in buffet form. Live traditional qanun music will accompany this moment of conviviality. From 23 March to 22 April on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Wiltcher’s café.
Piano-bar is at the Loui Cocktail Bar & Restaurant by Kevin Lejeune: to soothe your spirits throughout the year, every Friday and Saturday. Amaëlle, our pianist also injects a very pleasant shot of jazz lounge style into our Sunday brunch.
Cocktails are legion at Loui Coktail Bar & Restaurant by Kevin Lejeune. And for good reason, with professional bartenders only too anxious to offer a the full gamut of cocktails, wines, spirits and alcoholic beverages, all the way from the greatest of vintages to the most creative, unique and up-to-the-hour creations. There’s always a cocktail of the month and a full tariff of great classics nobody will want to miss!
In June, on the 21st, the entire city will be celebrating the Music Festival. At Wiltcher’s, the festival features a “Candle-Lit Concert”, a classical music concert by candlelight, to be performed live in the inner courtyard.
In September, a fabulous Fashion Show is being organised with involvement by the high class marques and labels whose establishments are within easy reach of the Hotel: such are the ambassadorial credentials of the Avenue Louise district.
Throughout the summer, the terrace will be shaded by parasols and its pretty summer tables decked to help create a veritable oasis of cool and escape at the heart of the inner courtyard. Do try our refreshing rosé and ice cream!
The End of Year Festivities will also see the terrace become a focus for festive events, cocktails, winter-themed decoration, light entertainment and tastings, all to make the most of winter’s delights.
En façade, the entire hotel will be lit with video mapping, light shows, including festive light displays featuring the architecture of the hotel herself, and other giant banners and hoardings to proclaim the good news: that here is the spot where the Hotel Wiltcher’s is celebrating an anniversary of great note, its 110th!
About Steigenberger Wiltcher's
The Steigenberger Wiltcher's Palace, an icon of the Belgian luxury hotel industry, welcomes the guest into a cosy environment where everything has been thought out to make the stay an unforgettable experience. A jewel of luxury in the heart of Europe. Its unique location in the centre of Brussels, on the prestigious Avenue Louise, allows for shopping in the luxury shops or an artistic stroll in the renowned art galleries adjacent to the establishment.
Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Brussels Hotel
71, Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels - Belgium
+32 2 542 42 42
Olivier Duquaine
