Play and stay: The new five-star Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels offers a premium golf experience and more

The latest five-star hotel to land in Belgium is a stylish contemporary retreat on the outskirts of the capital that oozes Scandinavian sophistication.

While billed as a golfside hotel due to its neighbouring prime 18-hole course, The Radisson Collection The National Hotel Brussels in Sterrebeek prides itself on being equally a leisure and business destination.

Open to clients since September 2025, the hotel with 150-rooms and suites officially launched in November with a flamboyant VIP reception to show off its sleek and spacious interior and breathtaking view over greens, bunkers and water features. Shared facilities with the adjoining David Lloyd Sterrebeek spa, pool and sports club is another major draw for the first five-star hotel to grace the province of Flemish Brabant.

Constructed on the site of a famous horse racing track, this once rural area has a fascinating history as it was previously a WWII field hospital for injured German soldiers. If the hotel’s setting in the suburbs of eastern Brussels initially appears incongruous, the close location to Brussels Airport in Zaventem and tranquil green location are certainly appreciated by travellers. On demand transport can whisk guests to the city centre or the nearby Woluwe shopping centre and Africa Museum if they want to venture out.

After accessing the hotel via quiet residential streets, the hotel emerges as a striking yet discreet low-level linear structure, which as a new construction features eco-friendly technical specs and an excellent energy performance score.

The Radisson Collection hotels are individually designed to reflect their local surroundings and the character of their host country, while equally focusing on art and design.  The minimalist reception area, public spaces and guest rooms of The Radisson Collection The National Hotel Brussels were all styled by internationally acclaimed Belgian architect Olivier Dwek.

The Brussels-based design maestro’s creative vision is behind  the harmonious blend of natural textures, soft tones and modern craftsmanship, from a sweeping wooden staircase, organic materials and warm wood finishes for the rooms – either stripped modern plywood or distressed dark timber.

Central to this streamlined design ethos is the hotel’s stunning backdrop; vast windows overlook the verdant golf course and expansive terraces, ensuring a smooth interaction between interior and exterior spaces. This extends to the hotel’s suites and rooms with many boasting their own private terraces overlooking the greens.

Offsetting this minimalist look is the Stoke Grillhouse on the ground floor. Designed by Belgian style guru Will Erens, who specialises in contemporary eclectic restaurant design, it features a grandiose bar area and outside terrace overlooking a lake and the golf course. Texture and colour are the keynotes of this cosy and snazzy space.

On the culinary front, as the name suggests, the speciality is grilled food, from flame charred to seared meat, fish and veggies. International suggestions centre on seasonal produce, while Belgian products include local cheeses and brands of biscuits and coffee.  Sharing is also part of the concept and the lunch menu changes weekly. With two courses priced at €36, this is a popular address for locals as much as guests.

General Manager Duco Heijbroek is keen to point out that the hotel welcomes all visitors and not only golf enthusiasts. The first-class David Lloyd sports and wellness facilities with tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools are a major client pleaser.

One of the establishment’s key customer targets, though, is the business sector. Nine state-of-the-art meeting rooms, including two boardrooms, five flexible spaces, a big ballroom and a rooftop with panoramic views over the golf course, cater for corporate events and private celebrations for up to 400 guests. 

“The hotel represents a new standard of personalised hospitality in an extraordinary setting,” says Heijbroek, who takes pride in ensuring that all interaction with guests involves a personal touch by staff.

The Dutchman joined the hotel in May 2025 to oversee its launch, the training of its 50-strong team representing some 20 nationalities and the challenge of maintaining its five-star ranking. Heijbroek brings a wealth of experience. He grew up in Ghana, where he first cut his teeth in the hospitality industry by working at a local right-room hotel from the age of 15. After studying in the Netherlands and honing his skills around the world, he settled in Belgium with his family and was instrumental in the successful transformation of landmark hotels in Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.

Heijbroek, who happens to be an avid golfer, explains that the hotel organises golf packages so that residents can play other championship courses in Belgium, including Tervuren and Bercuit. Otherwise, its own all-in experience includes additional practice facilities, putting greens and a six-hole compact course that suit golfers of all levels.  

As the outdoor season approaches, the appeal of this contemporary-styled Radisson Collection retreat and its sporting scenery, are sure to entice even more visitors, from home and abroad.

Photos: ©Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels