The RED concept is a new hotel philosophy where lifestyle is the inspiration designed for the ‘ageless millennial mindset’ crowd. Sounds like our sort of place. So TLE spent the night at the first RED hotel in Brussels to discover what this new hotel concept is all about and learn whether we at TLE truly are of a millennial mindset.
Location
This upscale modern hotel is easy to access, set in the European Quarter, it is only 10 minutes’ walk from the Maelbeek metro station and a 13-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Brussels .
Arrival
The revolving RED doors (I personally love and hope they become RED trademark) welcome guests into the ‘hi all’ area (for those of you who don’t speak millennial this is the reception. Young, funky, converse wearing creatives (team members) were busying around checking in guests, serving food, preparing the meeting rooms for next day of activity. Immediately I felt there was a sense of dynamism.
The ‘Hi All’ area is spacious with pieces of art designed by locals adorning the area. You can either use the self-service check-in kiosks or if you still prefer the human touch then ‘creatives’ make the task quick and easy.
Another nod to the tech ways of the millennial crowd is the digital wall in this area too which is powered by the solar Tesla Powerwall which uses electricity generated from solar panels – the first hotel in Europe to do so I understand.
Room
We each had a Junior suite which boasted a separate lounge area which was very playful with bold colours and chunky fun furniture. And of course the trademark cartoon wall art. A sliding door lead to a well proportioned bedroom with all the essentials; big very comfy bed, RED style decorated wardrobe, mirror next to PowerPoint, hairdryer and ironing board. There were plenty of power points and USB charging points too next to the bed.
The wall mounted TV presented the option of connecting to your own device to personalise your entertainment system.
Bathroom
Bathroom again had that playful feel with separate bath and walk in shower and vegan toiletries by Tara Smith that smelt divine!! I also loved the black thong style slippers….a nice change from the standard issue white ones.
The TLE Little Touches
A big rosy red apple, red chunky jelly sweets and instead of a notepad and pen a mini wipe-clean white board and eraser all laid out as a welcome gift.
No coffee machine or facilities for a hot drink. However I guess this fits with the ethos of encouraging guests to get out and immerse themselves in the local surroundings and culture of the city.
OUIBar & KTCHN
This is situated just off the main entrance (hi all) area but with a second access point off the street for non-hotel guests.
The open plan layout with games such as a pool table and heemskerk board really create a relaxed atmosphere and the combination of booths, stools and tables means that the area is conducive of both social gatherings and business meetings.
The background music was at a level that you could tune in and enjoy the beats but equally if you wanted to concentrate on other things it didn’t distract.
The menu offers a good selection of substantial meals, even the snacks are pretty hearty. When in Brussels I had to try the Moules Frites which didn’t disappoint. However the ‘fuel your day’ breakfast bundle really stole the show. With an avacado and Philadelphia rye roll, followed by a large bowl of natural yoghurt and home-made granola I was full all day!!
Gym and Fitness
To work off all the delicious calories consumed in OUIBAR there is a small but perfectly formed gym area. I didn’t use it but did have a poke around and it had everything needed to work up a sweat.
Summary
I really enjoyed my stay here, the team and atmosphere were true to the concept; playful, bold and a great base from which to live like a local……with a millennial mindset!!
Address: Idaliestraat 35, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
Phone: +32 2 626 81 11
Web: www.radissonred.com/brussels/
1050 Elsene, Belgium
