On my first visit to Brussels, I was excited to learn that it is a city that thrives on contrasts: modern EU politics meet medieval architecture, Art Nouveau facades frame gritty street art, and gourmet cuisine sits comfortably beside the world-renowned chocolate and waffles. Nowhere does this eclectic spirit come to life more vividly than at the nhow Brussels Bloom, a vibrant hotel that combines creativity, bold style, and art under one roof.
nhow Brussels Bloom Redefines Artistic Hospitality in Belgium
nhow Brussels Bloom transforms conventional hotel stays into immersive artistic experiences within Belgium’s cultural capital. Located in the dynamic Botanique area, this vibrant property pulses with color through graffiti-themed rooms, pop art murals, and interactive gallery spaces. Panoramic windows showcase Brussels’ skyline from Botanical Gardens to the distant Atomium, while innovative features include photography darkroom-styled bathrooms with dramatic red lighting. Each elevator presents different art themes with QR codes linking to curated Spotify playlists, creating Instagram-worthy moments throughout the property.
Belgian Beer Culture Meets Gourmet Dining Experiences
The extensive breakfast buffet features a literal waffle van serving fresh Belgian treats alongside continental options, smoothies, and made-to-order eggs. Guests enjoy proximity to Belgian Beer World at La Bourse, just ten minutes away via tram, offering 150 Belgian beers and interactive brewing history exhibits. The hotel’s strategic location near North Station and Botanique metro provides fifteen-minute access to Grand-Place while neighboring authentic chocolate makers and the charming Manneken Pis statue enhance evening strolls through Brussels’ historic districts.
My First Impression: A Bold Welcome
From the moment you walk into the nhow Brussels Bloom, it’s clear this isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill hotel. Art is everywhere in the hotel. The lobby pulses with colour, pattern, and energy. You feel more like you’ve entered an interactive gallery than a traditional hotel.
Rooms: A Canvas in the Sky
My room was enormous—a king-sized bed, a separate sitting area with a plush sofa, and a long, wide counter that served perfectly for work sessions. A hidden flat-screen TV behind a sliding wall panel added a playful, futuristic touch, while panoramic windows offered stunning views of the Brussels skyline, from the Botanical Gardens on the left to the distant Atomium on the right.
Every room in the hotel features an artistic design. Mine welcomed me with a vibrant graffiti theme and colourful splashes across the walls. The bathroom was styled like a photography darkroom, complete with dramatic red lighting and splashes of fluorescent paint—unusual and surprisingly fun.
Each elevator features a different art theme, making even short rides feel like part of the creative experience. The hotel weaves a musical component to the art shown throughout the hotel. Most of the art displays a QR code linking to a curated musical track in sync with the visual piece. Check out the Spotify playlist of music curated specifically for your stay. The entire hotel is an Instagrammer’s dream, from the candy corner in the lobby to the waffle van in the breakfast room—yes, a literal van serving fresh waffles.
Food & Drink: Creative Cuisine in a Colorful Space
Breakfast is a highlight at nhow Brussels Bloom. The extensive breakfast buffet caters to every taste and is served in a large, bright space on the ground floor covered in pop art murals. I indulged in continental options, fresh fruit, eggs made to order, and, of course, a visit (or two) to the waffle van. For those seeking healthy alternatives, there’s an abundance of options, including smoothies, granola, and yogurt.
The hotel bar provides a striking contrast to the vivid surroundings. Sleek, stylish, and more muted in tone, it’s an excellent place to unwind with a well-crafted cocktail. Whether you’re in for business or pleasure, this bar strikes the perfect upscale-yet-cozy balance.
I enjoyed a delicious dinner at the adjoining hotel restaurant. It was lovely to sink into my chair after a day of sightseeing, review the list of cocktails, and wind down in a stylish setting. The restaurant offers a variety of tasty and decadent dishes, although I opted for a healthier option after a day of sampling chocolates. Asian chicken tacos hit the spot with its mix of fresh ingredients, and the passionfruit sorbet was a refreshing way to end the meal. The pleasant and attentive service made for an enjoyable evening to stay in.
Location: Perfect for Culture & Connectivity
The hotel is conveniently located in the dynamic Botanique area, just minutes from Brussels’ North Station and sitting adjacent to Le Botanique—once the city’s botanical gardens, now a cultural venue, making it ideally situated for both leisure travelers and professionals. With the Botanique tram and metro stops right out front, exploring the city is incredibly easy. You’re 15 minutes from the Grand-Place, known for its gilded architecture and the towering city hall in Brussels’ historic heart, and just a short ride to districts like Sablon, Marolles, or the European Quarter.
The hotel sits at the crossroads of everything that makes Brussels special. Some of my most memorable moments happened during the walk back to the hotel each evening – stopping for authentic Belgian waffles, browsing the windows of chocolate makers, and peeking at the cheeky Manneken Pis statue that always made me smile. Even better, the hotel is nestled next to tranquil green spaces like the Botanical Gardens, offering quiet walking paths and a peaceful city break from the city’s energy.
Visit Highlight: Belgian Beer World at La Bourse
One of the highlights of my Brussels stay was a visit to Belgian Beer World, located in the beautifully renovated Bourse building. Just a 10-minute tram ride from the hotel, this interactive museum is a must-see for beer lovers and for anyone curious about Belgian beer culture. You begin with a guided journey through the history of Belgian beer, learning about its role in religion, politics, and daily life. Perhaps my favourite part is the “virtual bartender” experience. By answering a series of questions about your taste preferences, you’re matched with a personalized profile of Belgian beers. Wrap up the tour with a visit to the panoramic Skybar, perched at the top of the Bourse, where you can choose from 150 Belgian beers. Read more about visiting Belgium Beer World.
Final Thoughts: A Stay That’s Anything But Ordinary
The nhow Brussels Bloom is an eclectic experience, a statement, and a celebration of art, creativity, and urban vibrancy. It’s ideal for travelers looking for inspiration, style, and a touch of the unexpected. Whether you’re in Brussels for business, sightseeing, or simply to explore Belgium’s layered personality, nhow Brussels Bloom provides a colourful, comfortable, and culturally rich base.
Paired with a tasty combination of rich chocolates, more waffles than I care to admit, and the amber-hued experience at Belgian Beer World, my visit was a delight to the senses. I left with more than a few great photos and a satisfied appetite—I left inspired, energized, and intoxicated on Belgian creativity and charm.
To book your stay at nhow Brussels Bloom, visit: nhow-hotels.com/en/nhow-brussels-bloom
Continue your journey with more House of Coco stays at NH Collection — from Florence’s soulful charm to London’s design-led flair and the vibrant pulse of New York City.
