THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL AMIGO

Belgium Brussels

The Amigo has always been distinctly Belgian. Purchased in 2000 by Rocco Forte, it has been treated to a serious revamp by Rocco Forte's sister, Olga Polizzi, with the intention of taking this old hotel by the Grand' Place, which in the past has hosted names such as Mitterand, Pavarotti and Catherine Deneuve, and turning it into the place to stay in town. Polizzi has wisely retained many of the original rugs, tapestries and paintings, which give the Amigo character, and the hotel has also retained the original staff, half of whom have been there for more than 10 years. There are 182 elegant rooms and suites. Contemporary Italian furniture is teamed with silk and velvet curtains and Egyptian cotton pillows. The Amigo is primarily a business hotel and there are four function rooms with walnut-veneer doors and 1950s-style ceramic chandeliers, as well as a business centre and gym. The super-smart new brasserie, Le Verlaine, serves excellent French/Belgian cuisine. WHEN TO GO At Christmas, the Grand' Place is a fairytale landscape complete with crib and real sheep WHICH ROOM TO BOOK The best views of the Town Hall are from Rooms 531-517; if you want a quiet night, aim high, or take one of the rooms over the courtyard CONTACT Hotel Amigo, rue de l'Amigo 1-3, Brussels 1000, Belgium (00 32 2 547 4747; fax: 513 5277; www.roccofortehotels.com). Doubles about £260; suites about £450-£1,435