Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels joins Marriott's Tribute Portfolio without losing its character

A hotel with a soul, now with an international stage

As the Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels proudly joins Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International's growing collection of independent hotels with character, general manager Raf Willems looks back on the hotel's evolution, its strong local identity and the vision guiding its next chapter.

Q: Raf, you have been associated with the Gresham Belson Hotel for many years. How would you describe your track record with the hotel?
Answer: “It was extraordinary. When I started here, we were one of the few independent hotels in a market dominated by international brands. We were the mavericks. Slightly rebellious, very personal and strongly rooted in the neighbourhood. Over the years, the hotel has almost become a second home for me. Seeing the hotel evolve, while retaining its soul, is one of the greatest privileges of my career.”

Question: The hotel is known for its warm, local personality. What makes the story so unique?
Answer: “We have always embraced who we are. We are not in the hyper touristy centre, but in a real Brussels neighbourhood. It is a place where guests experience the city through a local lens. Morning markets, family-run cafés, shops, grocery shops and the charming residential streets around us. Our regular guests come back because they know the team, and the team really knows them. It's personal here.”

Question: Having been independent for so long, why was Tribute Portfolio the right choice?
Answer: “For years, people asked why we didn't join a global brand. The honest answer is that we didn't want to lose what makes Gresham Belson so special. Tribute Portfolio respects individuality. They celebrate hotels with their own story, architecture, design and culture. That appealed strongly to us. Being part of Marriott International gives us access to a global network, world-class distribution and the power of Marriott Bonvoy, while maintaining the personalised guest experience we are known for. It really feels like the best of both worlds.”

Question: No doubt you have countless memories of your time here. Are there any that stand out?
Answer: laughs “More than a few. We once had a guest who was convinced his room key was possessed because it was constantly demagnetised. Until we discovered he kept it next to a huge speaker he had brought himself. And there was a guest who was so fond of Belgian beer that he started organising ‘tastings’ in the lobby for newly arrived guests. Well intended. He was just promoting Belgian culture, his way. Moments like that are stories we still smile about as a team.”

Question: Why is this hotel an excellent choice for travellers?
Answer: I believe our hotel is distinguished by its strategic location and the comfort we offer our guests. We are located in Evere, just a 15-minute drive from Brussels International Airport, and close to important business and institutional hubs such as NATO headquarters and the European quarter. This makes us an ideal choice for business travellers and official visitors. Moreover, there is a bus stop right in front of the hotel with a direct connection to the city centre and the European Quarter, allowing guests to easily explore Brussels without the need for a car.

Question: The name of the bar is still being decided. What role do you see this space playing within the revamped hotel concept?
Answer: “One of the most striking elements of the new concept is the bar, located in a truly unique part of the building. The new bar will be located exactly where the old bank vaults used to be. A piece of history with a contemporary twist. We see it as a meeting place for international business travellers, tourists and local residents. It is not just another bar, but a social hub. Elegant, relaxed and infused with a distinctly local character.”

Question: As a General Manager who has been at the helm for so long, what does this rebranding mean for you personally?
Answer: “It feels like a milestone. This hotel has been part of my professional life for so many years, and joining the Tribute Portfolio family feels like the logical next step. It's not about changing who we are, but enhancing what we already do well. I am proud of our team, proud of our history and excited about the future we are building with Marriott. This partnership allows us to remain authentic while welcoming a new generation of world travellers.

Question: What should guests expect as the hotel continues its transformation
Answer: “A mix of familiarity and fresh energy. We remain committed to personal service, local insights and the feeling of coming home that characterises us. At the same time, guests will notice refined design elements, an elevated experience and the added reliability and recognition of Marriott International. It's a continuation of our story, with new momentum.”

The Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels, soon to be proudly part of Tribute Portfolio, continues to embody authentic Belgian hospitality in the heart of the city. Driven by a rich history, a passionate team and renewed ties to the neighbourhood through spaces like The Vault, it invites hotel guests to experience Brussels with personality, warmth and a touch of surprise. Exactly as Raf Willems always envisioned.