Brussels is one of Europe’s most compelling capitals, where Art Nouveau architecture meets contemporary façades, and centuries-old streets blow energy and chic. Belgium has long been a crucible of cultural invention, home to figures as diverse as Jacques Brel, Stromae, and René Magritte, and these important figures permeate the city’s fabric. Belgium is also the nation of bande dessinée, where comic art is not a subculture but a cornerstone of national identity, from Hergé’s Tintin, the Smurf, to the comic-strip murals that animate Brussels’ streets. Lastly, it’s also one of the political hearts of Europe.

Within this fascinating urban landscape, where the Atomium monument stands as a symbol of bold modernity, Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is as an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers, offering a rare balance of style, serenity, and cultural immersion in the heart of a bustling metropolis.

Within this dynamic urban context, Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre was conceived with a clear and deliberate intention. CEO, Loes Dingemans talks to Art is Alive: “Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre was created from the belief that a city hotel should offer more than just a central location. It should feel refined, welcoming, and personal.” Perfectly positioned in the heart of the capital, “the hotel enjoys a magnificent location with the city’s main cultural and historical highlights within easy walking distance.”

The ethos of Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is inseparable from the vision of Loes Dingemans. Her journey fostered a deep understanding of meaningful hospitality, guiding the brand’s thoughtful expansion across the Benelux, from Zwolle and Deventer to Ghent and Amsterdam. Each property is curated to feel “better than home,” a philosophy that finds eloquent expression in Brussels.

Location is one of the hotel’s greatest assets. Set at the crossroads of Brussels’ cultural and historic and artistic heart, it lies within easy walking distance of the Magritte Museum and the adjacent Beaux-Arts Museum, where works by Rembrandt, Pierre Alechinsky, and Matta works are on display. Nearby, the iconic Old England building houses the MIM Music Museum, home to over 2,000 historic instruments. Moments away stands the magnificent Sainte-Gudule Cathedral, once frequented by the Brontë sisters; its soaring nave and luminous stained glass offer a powerful connection to the city’s spiritual and architectural past. Beyond these landmarks, the Grand Place, Royal Galleries, boutiques, cafés, and hidden squares unfold effortlessly, encouraging unhurried exploration.

That location is not incidental to the hotel’s identity. “Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is in one of the city’s most vibrant and culturally rich areas, directly opposite Brussels Central Station.” This places guests at a crossroads of art, history, and civic life: “within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, Mont des Arts, BOZAR, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, areas that reflect Brussels’ long-standing role as a cultural, political, and artistic crossroads in Europe.” The surrounding energy has deeply informed the hotel’s character. “This dynamic setting has strongly shaped the identity of the hotel. Designed as a contemporary city hotel, it mirrors the rhythm of its surroundings: well-connected, cosmopolitan, and culturally engaged. While the city unfolds just beyond its doors, the hotel itself offers a sense of calm and comfort.”

From the moment of arrival, the hotel’s interiors articulate this philosophy with quiet confidence. Soft pastel, white, and beige tones wash through the lobby, corridors, and bedrooms, creating an atmosphere of natural calm. Carefully positioned mirrors amplify light and foster moments of quiet, while a discreet display of Pillows products (creams and candles etc.) at the entrance subtly signals the brand’s dedication to refinement.

Each room unfolds as a composed stylish environment. Original paintings and curated artworks feature on the walls. Selected to harmonise with the neutral palette, these pieces complement the relaxing atmosphere. The signature Pillows beds offer restorative sleep after days spent walking Brussels’ streets. 

High-quality linens, Nespresso machines, Aqua Panna bottled water in the minibar, and thoughtfully designed lighting create a cocoon-like intimacy, while spacious bathrooms feature the house’s indulgent bath products, hand creams, and conditioners. Every element, from fabric textures to the art above the bed, works to produce an understated luxury environment.

The experience is further elevated by the hotel’s staff, whose professionalism is matched by genuine warmth. From arrival onward, preferences are remembered, needs anticipated, and small gestures, such as ensuring your morning coffee is exactly to your taste, executed with effortless professionalism. 

Culinary moments at The Living, the hotel’s restaurant, reflect the same considered attention. Breakfast is leisurely and generous, featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, artisanal breads, and expertly brewed coffee. Note the honey comb in the open area at breakfast, stunning! Mornings begin gently with classic Belgian waffles, and breads and pastries sourced from local bakeries. The striking artworks on the wall also enhance the experience. A Frida Kahlo–inspired portrait finds gentle contrast in pink floral arrangements.  Lunch and dinner continue this philosophy of refined simplicity, offering European cuisine that celebrates seasonality and subtle flavour pairings, each dish presented with elegance. In the evenings, a convivial Happy Hour draws guests heading to nearby performances at the Cinematek, with finely crafted cocktails and small bites served indoors or on the terrace, particularly enchanting in spring and summer.

The character of the hotel is perhaps best captured in how Loes describes its spirit. “The soul of Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is calm, elegant, and genuinely welcoming.” This ethos finds its clearest expression in The Living, the hotel’s social heart. “At the heart of the hotel is The Living, a warm and elegant space that truly reflects this character,” she says. “Here, guests can enjoy delicious dishes in a relaxed setting, whether for a small meal at any time of day or night, or simply to unwind with a board game.” Importantly, “The Living is also where we welcome our guests in an informal and personal way.”

For those wishing to maintain their routines, the fitness centre provides a fantastic space with cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment. Soft lighting and pleasant views.

Art plays a central role in this atmosphere. As Loes emphasises, “Art has always been an essential part of the identity of Pillows Hotels.” This commitment is deeply personal: “Our owner is a true art lover, and from the very beginning it was clear that the hotel’s art collection should be curated with the same care and attention as every other aspect of the guest experience.” Working closely with an art curator, “together with his art curator they made a selection of works carefully chosen specifically for the hotel.” The result is a collection that enhances the guest experience without overwhelming it, artworks that invite pause and dialogue with the tranquility of the spaces.

Looking ahead, Loes points to evolution rather than reinvention. “The art collection will remain a living element of the hotel and our collection, with opportunities to introduce new works and collaborations that resonate with the spirit of Brussels and our other locations.” In this way, Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre continues to grow organically, responsive to the art world (the BRAFA and Art Brussels fairs are significant moments in the art calendar) while remaining true to its founding principles.

What ultimately distinguishes Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is the seamless integration of design, art, and atmosphere. As guests move from lobby to bedroom, restaurant to the gym, the experience unfolds as a cohesive narrative in which comfort, culture, and calm converge. Generous bathrooms, well-appointed meeting rooms with libraries and screens, and serene communal spaces underscore the hotel’s commitment to a complete experience, equally suited to business, leisure, or cultural exploration.

When asked what ultimately defines the hotel, Loes is clear: “Its greatest strength lies in the harmony between all these elements. The strategic location provides effortless access to the city, the design and art create atmosphere and character, and the comfort ensures guests feel truly at home.” From the signature Pillows beds and generous bathrooms to the attentive yet discreet service, every detail is designed to support that sense of ease.

Staying at Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is as much about engaging with Brussels as it is about enjoying the hotel itself. Its practical access to transport hubs invites full immersion in the city’s life.

Maintaining this standard is not without its challenges. “One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining the highest level of personal service in a fast-moving, ever-changing hospitality landscape,” Loes acknowledges. As she adds, “Balancing operational excellence with warmth, flexibility, and authenticity requires constant attention as a CEO.” Yet this vigilance is precisely what defines the Pillows approach to hospitality.

Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre has quietly become a preferred address for creative figures visiting the Belgian capital. As Hotel Manager Nasilda Miti explains, the hotel “regularly hosts international actors, singers, dancers, and other creative talents visiting Brussels for cultural and artistic events.” Many of these stays are closely connected to the city’s cultural calendar and to partnerships with major venues and institutions, including “AB, Cirque Royal, La Madeleine, ING Arena, Forest National, BRAFA, and the Brussels Film Festival.”

Discretion, however, remains paramount. “As Pillows Hotels we value discretion and ensure every guest, public figure or not, enjoys privacy, comfort, and a sense of calm during their stay,” Nasilda notes, an ethos that has helped establish long-term trust with both artists and institutions.

When it comes to audience and loyalty, the hotel attracts guests who value both culture and comfort. “Our core audiences are culturally curious city travellers, international leisure guests, and business travellers who appreciate quiet luxury, personal service, and a sense of place,” says Nasilda. Many return regularly, often making Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre their permanent base in the city. “Guest loyalty is built on consistency, genuine hospitality, and the feeling of being recognised and welcomed back, not just as a guest, but as a familiar face.”

The hotel’s refined interiors have also made it a sought-after setting for fashion and editorial projects. Over the years, “our hotel has welcomed a wide range of high-profile photo shoots and events,” Nasilda explains, working with international brands and organisations such as L’Oréal, Benefit, Sisley, Deloitte, PwC, BNP Paribas, Johnson & Johnson, Lyreco, Europ Assistance, and Maison Élise. The appeal lies in the adaptability of the spaces: “The elegance and versatility of our spaces make them a natural setting for both creative productions and exclusive gatherings.”

Accessibility is another defining asset. “Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is ideally located just opposite Brussels Central Station, making it exceptionally easy to reach,” says Nasilda. Guests arriving by train can walk to the hotel within minutes, while Brussels Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by train or taxi. “The central location also makes the hotel a perfect starting point for exploring the city on foot.”

Sustainability is embedded into daily operations rather than treated as an add-on. “Sustainability is an integral part of the Pillows Hotels philosophy,” Nasilda explains. At the Brussels Centre property, the focus is on “conscious luxury: reducing water and energy consumption, minimising waste, and working with responsible suppliers.” Guests are encouraged to reuse towels and linens, single-use plastics are limited, and “we continuously look for ways to make our operations more sustainable, without compromising comfort or quality.”

Beyond the canonical sights, Nasilda encourages guests to slow down and explore Brussels more intimately. “We love recommending quieter corners of the city,” she says. The Sablon district, with its art galleries and chocolatiers, offers a more local rhythm, as do “a visit to a traditional brown café, a stroll through the Egmont Park, or discovering independent boutiques and bookshops near the hotel.” These moments, she adds, allow guests to experience Brussels “like a local, unhurried, authentic, and full of character.”

“Chocolate is your best bet and Pierre Marcolini is our absolute favorite. Brussels and chocolate go hand in hand.” For a drink in a lively, mixed crowd, she recommends Café le Fontainas, “where you will find a mix of young and old, students and older folks, way-out characters, creative types and expats.”

From flea markets to comic-strip murals, discreet courtyards to baroque façades, Brussels is one of quiet discoveries and lived-in culture, mirroring the spirit of Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre itself: refined and central.

More than a place to stay, Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre is the epitome of quiet luxury, a retreat that encourages guests to slow down. It is a rare address and wonderful group where thoughtful design, attentive service, and cultural proximity align in perfect harmony with the pulse of the city. 

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Thank you to Loes Dingemans, Rianke Walda and Nasilda Miti