HotelChatter

Sir Rocco Forte purchased the hotel in 2000 and had the building refurbished to keep its Spanish Renaissance style. The paving stones in the lobby date back to the 16th Century when the building was bought from a wealthy merchant to turn it into a prison. According to the history of the hotel, the name "Amigo" has stayed with it over the centuries and the building was transformed back into a hotel in 1957.

When I arrived at the Music-Bar, I couldn't help but smile at the notion of champagne being chilled in a silver Moet bowl doubling as a vase for roses. It wasn't even noon. The bar's red leather chairs and modern art give it a metro chic feel. I sipped my espresso and fantasized about returning to the Amigo for a power meeting. A drink with a date before the opera wouldn't be off the mark, either. The bar is open 10a.m. to midnight, and busy before and after the dinner hour which is often around 8p.m.

Bocconi Ristorante Italiano is open from the street and features Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Giuseppe Colella. Sommelier Ronnie Rizzi is available to help you select a fitting wine, and barman Pierre Pelseneer will help you select a world-class cigar. They are open 6:30a.m. till 10:30a.m. for breakfast; 12:00p.m. till 2:30p.m. for lunch; and 7:00p.m. till 11:00p.m. for dinner.

Special packages are available including a Gastronomic Weekend, Honeymoon Celebration, Honeymoon Extravaganza, Jacques Brel package, among others. So, did I find any shortcomings? Yes. No spa services. They do have a fitness room, but no health spa or in room services. Hopefully they'll add that amenity in due course.

For more information:

Hotel Amigo
Rue de l'Amigo 1-3
B-1000 Brussels
Tel: + 32-2-547-47-47
Fax:+32-2-513-52-77
www.roccofortehotels.com
hotelamigo@hotelamigo.com
Toll Free from the U.S. 800-223-6800
Toll Free from UK/Europe 00800-28888882

Tags: Hotel Heaven

by jenleo