‘The Hotel Metropole, resembling similar establishments in London, has risen rapidly, to become one of the first houses in Brussels.’
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Inaugurated alongside the vast cafe - another marvel of richness and good taste - also founded by the Wielemans-Ceuppens family, the Hotel Metropole, resembling similar establishments in London, has risen rapidly, to become one of the first houses in Brussels. Nothing has been overlooked to create the ultimate luxurious impression. The beauty of the used materials, the noble timber varieties, the natural marbles and their monumental or artistic use, the electrical lighting and the steam heating on all floors, everything has been thoroughly thought over to make the voyager oblivious that he stays in a hotel and to create the special atmosphere of home quietude.
The Hotel Metropole is located on the Place de Brouckere, between the Boulevard Anspach and the Boulevard du Nord, two thriving centers of amusement and business. This major city thoroughfare goes to the North station in one direction and to the South station in the other. In the same vicinity you will find post offices, telegraph and telephone offices, theaters and concert cafes, art galleries and many more… Many electrified tramways and subways converge to the hotel, and private cars can be placed in front of the Hotel.
Of the many facilities of the Hotel, we have only provided a glimpse. Thanks to the owner’s visionary ideas, who bear a famous name in the Belgian brewer’s world, they are all of princely taste.
Let us first enter the entrance-hall in French renaissance style. On your left and right, blind mirrors provide you with a view on the lounge, the restaurant and the reception. The high walls are covered with Numidian marble, and the coffered ceiling will remind you of some historical Loire castles. Admire the wrought- and cast-iron arches, professionally designed and finely crafted. The Hall, illuminated by large lanterns and enhanced with stained-glass windows, is ventilated by hidden air conducts.
Characterized by simple architectural design, supported by large bays and enlarged with mirrors, this space will leave you with an impression of grandness.
Opposite the Hall, you will admire the large staircase. The lift was commissioned from the renowned French company of Edoux, which found favor when it equipped the Eiffel Tower with elevators. The latest safety measures have been used, like the ones in the Banque de France or in the Fort de Vincennes or in many Parisian Hotels. The walls in the hall and in the staircase have also been covered with Numidian marble.
In the Café Metropole, a lovely marble fountain, with a bronze nymph on top, as well as a statue represented the techniques on the roof of the hotel created and realized by Julien Dillen, are not to be forgotten.
The restaurant “L’Alban Chambon” is decorated in an Italian baroque style. On both ends you will see large Chemtoe marble fireplaces, over twenty feet high, with gilded ornaments.
The large Hall - This vast room, formerly marvelous winter garden and now bar “Le 19eme” with very comfortable armchairs, a piano, frescoes on the ceiling, has been decorated in aristocratic style. A strict and both lush impression is conveyed by the design of the layout and the charm of the shades. Six high marble columns, enriched with Pompeian bronze and gold inlays, sustain the arched ceiling. In the coffers of this ceiling, you will be attracted by the boldness of the colors, by the decoration, by the original, harmonious and charming design.
What have we forgotten in this mind dazzling description, however incomplete?
That the presentation and courtesy of the staff is unflawed; that all employees speak different languages; that both kitchen and wine cellar of the Hotel Metropole stand no comparison; that all meals are real Lucullus feasts completed with concerts each evening at six p.m., during the whole season at the bar. It would be useless publicity, for the reputation of this house has already been established through many thousands of visitors, who pledged to return after their stay.
From the first hotel brochure, dated, 1894