NLI Holdings Ltd, the company owning the Corinthia Hotel in London, in which International Hotel Investments is a 50 per cent shareholder, has completed the acquisition of the Grand Hotel Astoria on Rue Royale in Brussels.

NLI Holdings is in the process of appointing Corinthia Hotels to operate the property as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, as well as QP Management Ltd to supervise an extensive refurbishment of the listed property over the next two years. Both Corinthia Hotel and QP Management are part of the IHI Group.

The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria will comprise 121 bedrooms and suites, as well as extensive banqueting, dining and spa facilities.

Situated in a prime location on Rue Royale in the heart of the city, the hotel was built in 1909 at the request of King Leopold II. It was for many years considered to be among the world’s finest hotels and has welcomed a number of illustrious guests during the course of its history, including former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and former US president Dwight Eisenhower.

“We aim to make this hotel the best in Brussels – committing the same passion and attention to detail as we have done with our hotel redevelopments in London, Budapest, St Petersburg and other major cities,” Corinthia chairman Alfred Pisani said:

The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria’s facade and ground floor enjoy listed protection status, though the upper bedroom floors are currently stripped down to brick work awaiting full reconstruction. The property also includes adjoining land upon which the current structure will be extended. Works will commence once all designs are completed.