The inauguration of the Cardo Brussels in July 2024 marked the recent history of the Brussels hotel industry. Operated by Sheraton until 2016, the largest hotel in the city, and even in the kingdom, had been waiting to resume service ever since. After a long metamorphosis, it’s finally here. Now under the leadership of the Marriott International group, and more specifically its Autograph Collection brand, the Cardo Brussels aims to combine the needs of leisure and business customers in one place. Its credo: to offer an innovative offering that fuses personal well-being and corporate culture by ” reflecting the aesthetic and cultural essence of Brussels. ” Mathilde Dugauthier, the MICE sales manager for the venue, explains this renaissance.
The largest hotel in Brussels
Let’s be clear, the Cardo Brussels has little in common with its famous predecessor. Apart from this extraordinary number of rooms, ” 532 including 46 suites “, the concept is quite different, more modern, ” lifestyle oriented” . More precisely, it is based around the Cardo Brussels , “the main street of Roman cities, a central place where everything happens, where you can eat, have fun and work. ” To achieve this, the buyers have pulled out all the stops: a trendy fusion restaurant, Akai, on the 30th floor, as well as another specializing in Belgian gastronomy and finally, a cocktail bar, Doodle, perfect for afterwork. The same goes for well-being, with a range of high-end amenities ” which allow us to reach a very diverse audience “, an ultra-modern 160 m2 fitness area with a magnificent view of the city, a spa with 5 massage rooms and a sauna and finally, the highlight of the show, a breathtaking indoor rooftop pool on the 31st and top floor.
Celebrating local art and “Belgitude”
A gigantic fresco of the “Son of Man” as its façade, ” the most homage to Magritte in Europe ,” the Cardo Brussels clearly displays its ambitions to celebrate Belgian culture, ” its self-mockery, its artistic fantasy, and its conviviality .” In the decoration of the lobby and rooms, details are everywhere, such as furniture inspired by comic strips, coffee tables shaped like umbrellas, or paintings mixing classic Flemish art… and Smurfs. ” At every moment, the visitor’s gaze is drawn, with the idea of stimulating their curiosity about Belgian art. ” But make no mistake. Behind the relaxed aesthetic lies a true business center with a conference room that can accommodate up to 400 people as well as 15 modular meeting rooms, ultra-equipped and perfectly located near the Gare du Nord, Zaventem airport, and the city center. Enough to largely meet the demands of an international professional clientele, “ the vast majority of our clientele during the week. ”
Participate in networks that help make Brussels a sustainable destination.
Green Key since 2025
To translate its convictions into tangible actions, the Cardo has adopted a sustainability policy in its daily management, ” to constantly monitor our environmental impact and the solutions to reduce it .” With recycling bins in every room, recyclable coffee capsules, soap and shampoo dispensers, and even restaurant kitchens, waste is being addressed, where waste is weighed and analyzed after each service. ” In the medium term, our goal is to reduce waste by 30%. ” This commitment was rewarded in spring 2025 with the Green Key label. In this same approach, the Cardo Brussels quickly joined the hub.brussels hospitality cluster. ” This is definitely an opportunity to strengthen our local roots and find synergies with other players in the sector who share the same values and the same desire to make Brussels a sustainable destination .”
