Brussels protected heritage becomes experience hotel with international allure

A new dimension for hospitality

Brussels is buzzing, that much is clear. With Mix, since 26 June our capital also counts a real experience hotel of unprecedented scale. The former headquarters of Royale Belge is an iconic architectural gem that was transformed and renovated into a 21,000-square-metre BREAAM-certified hotel. It is an unseen hospitality concept under the banner of Limited Edition Hotels.

Mix is a four-star hotel with 140 rooms and 40 studios for longstay. Though it is much more than that. For the impressive building also houses a premium gym, an eight-hectare pond garden, a wellness, a coworking space, three restaurants with bar, three banquet rooms, a food court and an event location with auditorium and meeting rooms. And all within a stone's throw of the Sonian Forest.

First to spring to mind is the functionalist architecture of the Royale Belge site. Located in Tenreuken Park, the building in corten steel and with bronze-fumed windows dates from 1967. It was recognised as a heritage site in 2019. An architectural team of London-based Caruso St-John, Belgium-based Bovenbouw Architectuur, DDS+ and Ma2by teamed up with interior designer Lionel Jadot for the renovation. The result is an eco-friendly and sustainable building that is BREAAM-certified. Now the hotel is aiming for a Greenkey Label, an ecological quality label within hospitality, and is part of Natura 200, a European conservation project.

Contemporary design

The new design of the building still leans on the pillars of functionalism. Atelier Lionel Jadot took on no less than 52 other national and international designers. Thus, the heritage accommodates contemporary functions and radiates strength and energy. The heritage can be found in the preserved elements, but also in new winks. Authentic, solid materials such as concrete, wood and metal are pared down to the details and play an important role. Form and function thus merge effortlessly. 

From the reception desk by Maison Armand Jonckers, past the curtains by Studio Krjst and the stools by Thomas Serruys to the night lights by Studio Elementaires, each piece of furniture was custom-made by Mix. Besides being designed locally, each item is also produced locally, signed and numbered or is a pièce unique.

All-in-one experience

Wake up in the greenery, exercise, work, lunch, relax, walk, dine, network, party, sleep and even stay for a long time. It's all possible at Mix. Once you step inside, you don't really need to leave. The luxury gym has state-of-the-art and high-tech equipment. You can take group classes in the seven sports studios or performance-oriented health training by a Health & Performance Centre. And after the exertion? Relaxation, of course. In the wellness area, you will find ice cabins, hammams, saunas, Jacuzzis and an indoor and outdoor pool of 25 metres each. Sports and enjoyment go hand in hand here.

Moreover, those who get hungry can visit one of the three restaurants. Breakfast is served in Romeo and then it is a restaurant with a sharing concept, international dishes, natural wines, beers and cocktails. At Joule, healthy food is in the spotlight all day. From açai bowls to crispy granola bowls to avocado toasts. The third restaurant is taking shape soon.

Additional services

Mix combines enterprise with a creative spirit, attention to diversity and contemporary flexibility. The hotel is just 13 kilometres from Brussels Airport and 1.3 kilometres from Boitsfort station, and close to public transport. There is ample parking and a spacious bicycle shed. 

So renting a bike is no problem. You even get a customised route on top. An evening of board games? There's a range to choose from. Enjoy gaming by yourself? A console is waiting for you. Brushing your hair? Dyson hair dryers are available. Tasting the tastiest Belgian beers in your room? Mix puts them chilled in your minibar. And for those who like to visit the best antique shops, museums, restaurants or vintage shops in Brussels, Mix maps out the best addresses. So Mix guarantees a hundred per cent comfortable feeling at home.■