Brussels, BelgiumIlot Sacre
The Dominican
Abbey-inspired townhouse
Ilot Sacre Brussels, Belgium
Opened
2007
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
Carlton CollectionAbbey-inspired townhouse
The hotel runs like a modern cloister inside a neoclassical townhouse, wrapping quiet stone corridors and cocktail lounges around a central courtyard.
“As historic as it all is, though, there’s no doubt that the Dominican is a modern hotel.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Studio FG Stijl sets jewel-toned velvet against soaring ceilings and cloister arches.
Listed
A preserved nineteenth-century stone facade once fronted the residence of painter Jacques-Louis David.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Inside it’s more accurate to say it’s abbey-inspired, brought very much up to date by the Dutch firm FG Stijl, whose name you may recognize.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Monnaie opera house sits next door, and the Grand-Place is a five-minute walk away.
The rooms
Rooms come in deep chocolate tones with feather bedding. Bathrooms have black granite sinks and walk-in showers.
The gym and sauna
A dedicated boxing room joins the cardio gym, set beside a Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath.
Restaurant
Grand Lounge
Curved velvet booths sit beneath high ceilings, where seasonal dishes are served beside tall windows facing the courtyard.
Soaring ceilings distinguish the handsome bar, restaurant, and lobby that surround the central atrium.
At the table
The Lounge Bar serves cocktails inside, and courtyard tables sit beneath an ancient, protected fig tree.
How it began
Dominican friars occupied this site from 1465 until the French Revolution, giving the hotel its layout and name.
Brussels
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.