The Standard

From the outside, The Standard looks like an office block – a stark contrast to its cool interior. Inside, the Brussels-based architect Bernard Dubois, working with The Standard’s design team, has transformed the former office tower into a world of its own. In the high-ceilinged lobby, arches set the tone, whilst in the rooms, curtains stretch almost the entire length of the walls. Add to that beautiful carpets, all in a stunning, warm colour palette of orange tones. Then there are those thick, round lacquered tables, which could just as easily be found in a ship’s cabin. The Deluxe Junior Suites are just round the corner and look out over the boulevard all the way to the city centre. Downstairs at the Double Standard Restaurant, I’d order classic Belgian mussels in a tomato and basil broth with chips, or the Pastrami Melt with Oude Brugge. For a drink, head up to Lila29. There, guests sit in round alcoves behind curtains, whilst out on the terrace, Brussels lies at your feet from the 29th floor. A short walk from the hotel takes you to the Gare Maritime. Beneath the high steel roof of the former freight station, there are now food stalls, albeit somewhat commercial. The value for money here is very good.