The Dominican: An Unforgettable Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Brussels

When my friend and I were planning a brief trip to Brussels a week ago, apart from making the most of our itinerary, we also made it a point to experience a luxurious stay in a hotel that’s in a central location. (The Dominican)

We somehow wanted the best of both ‘worlds‘: an overall experience that is partly affordable and partly extravagant — and fortunately enough… we managed to accomplish such a goal! Apart from the wonderful time that we had in the city of Brussels (through a mix of research and random wanderings), we also had a very comfortable and luxurious stay when a boutique hotel offered to take us in — a name and experience that I will never, ever, forget: The Dominican!

The DominicanHotel

A prime location. From the hotel, almost every main attraction in the city can be reached by foot (for example, the majestic Grote Markt of Brussels) and if you’re arriving by train, the Bruxelles-Central station is just a 5-minute walk away!

A historical landmark. Formerly a spot where a Dominican abbey stood in the 15th century, the famous neo-classicist painter named as Jacques-Louis David had even called this as his home after the year 1800.

A current elegant sanctuary. Today, the building has been preserved and restored as it showcases a contemporary interior with distinct modern elements that I absolutely loved! (Some of which are from the award-winning Amsterdam agency, FGStijl).

Rooms

The Dominican has different types of rooms that total to 150. There’s the basic Deluxe, the tasteful Executive, the unique Lofts, the Junior/Executive/Grand Place Suites, and the spacious Studios.

But as a welcomed guest of the hotel, you will be offered with the same well-designed features no matter the kind of room that you choose since each space will surely give you the feeling of warmth and style especially with its rich colors and luxurious materials.

Other than the usual things that you typically find in hotels, I enjoyed how every room has a complimentary Nespresso machine which will give anyone the liberty to have as many good-tasting coffees and teas that they wish. And of course, digital nomads like me will be happy with the strong and stable WiFi that is offered not only in the rooms but all throughout the hotel too!

Amenities

Cardio Gym & Spa. (5th floor) The Dominican’s fitness center was reasonably-sized; besides, it already had the essential machineries for running or cross-training, and once you finish a rigorous workout, you are free to enjoy the Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath!

I didn’t have the chance to enjoy these though… and that’s because I was already stolen away by our room’s heavenly bed after a day of exploring the city! Nonetheless, when I took a peek of this section, it was well-maintained and fully functional so it’s definitely something that you should try if you have the time to do so.

Boxing Room. (5th floor) Just beside the cardio gym and spa is their newly-made boxing room that looked very quirky! I’m not a boxer myself but I enjoyed the room’s facade a lot!

Meeting Rooms. Nominated as among the top 25 business hotels by CNCB European Business magazine, The Dominican is a place that you should consider especially if you’re on a business trip! With over 3 elegant and multi-functional Salons, it’s certainly an ideal location for your meeting or seminar needs.

Dining

Grand Lounge. (Ground floor, open until 10:30PM) With big windows and soaring ceilings (and stationed iPads here and there), this is the center of the hotel that mainly serves as a dining area. The daily European breakfast is also served here, which, mind you, was superb — fresh bread, pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, cured meat, fresh fruit juices, fruits, salads, coffee/tea choices, eggs, and waffles!

Courtyard. (Ground floor, open area) If you want to dine outdoors, there’s the private courtyard terrace that’s just outside the Grand Lounge. It is filled with cushions and cozy banquettes with a large fig tree in the middle for ample shade if needed.

Lounge Bar. (Ground floor, open until 1:00AM) Clad in a dominant hue of orange, the Lounge Bar is a chic cocktail lounge where you can relax with a drink! Choose from fresh juices, coffee blends, herbal infusions, to cocktails and special spirits that are well-made by the hotel’s mixologists.

Service

Service was flawless. The hotel staff were absolutely helpful especially when we needed aid, and much like one of the ongoing themes of the hotel, they were very warm and hospitable! (For instance, they responded very swiftly when we had a problem with our breakfast reservations).

Basic Info of The Dominican

We had a truly amazing stay! The elegance and convenience that The Dominican can offer is an ultimate experience that’s unforgettable. I definitely recommend this hotel if you are ever on the lookout for an affordable luxurious stay.

If you rather have a tighter budget, you can always check by Booking.com for the best deals on hotels, inns, and hostels all throughout Brussels!

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