16 21 2 1 The furniture with bright colours plays a key-role in the restaurant (All images: Thon Hotels) 2 In the lobby, led lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere
Thon Hotel EU Energy and colour as dynamic contrast In the centre of Brussels, right in the political heart of Europe, we find the Thon Hotel EU. This four star hotel is a nice example of how business hotels, even when they are part of a large chain, can also steer a wilful course. Interior designer Trond Ramsokar let his imagination run wild to offer the many diplomats, along with numerous tourists, a moment of peace and quiet during their busy day. The Norwegian chain ‘Thon hotels’ was founded at the end of the eighties. At the start, these hotels were known as the ‘Rainbow Hotels’, but CEO Olav Thon changed the name of his business in 2005 to ‘Thon Hotels’. Today, Thon Hotels with its fifty or so establishments is the third largest hotel chain of Norway. There are hotels in homeland Norway and in neighbouring Sweden, but also in Belgium and The Netherlands. Thon Hotel has seven establishments in Brussels, totalling 1,450 rooms. This makes Thon Hotels the leading hotel group in this city, at least with regard to hotels that are run under the same logo. Still, each of these hotels is different, because the interior every time guarantees a unique experience. To achieve this effect, Thon Hotel cooperates with different interior designers, such as Helene Hennie. An interesting, but important detail: the Stanhope Hotel in Brussels, also part of this chain, was the very first five star hotel of the city. Conversion The brand-new Thon Hotel EU totals 405 rooms and 37 apartments and is located in the ‘Wetstraat’, right in the political heart of the capital, nearby historic sites and well-known museums. It opened its doors in April <strong>2012</strong> and mainly targets international business people and staff members of European diplomats. In fact, the Thon Hotel EU is a conversion of four existing buildings. The renovation started in September 2009, under the creative impulse of architectural office Altiplan. The architects provided sufficient large, open spaces that make guests feel free and welcome. The interior design contributes to this feeling as well, as Norwegian designer Trond Ramsoskar worked with plenty of light and serenity. “The idea was to let the interior be in contrast with the hectic city life outside”, explains Trond Ramsoskar. “I try to achieve this by adding a lot of energy and colour to the public spaces. The ‘Wetstraat’ is grey and cold and therefore I try to convert this hotel into a cosy oasis of peace and quiet.” This approach becomes very clear when we enter the building and “Interior contrasts with the hectic life of the city outside” head for the well-lit reception desk, which is combined with pink and lime coloured furniture. The soft and pleasant led lighting merely contributes to the cosy atmosphere. On the floor we notice wall-to-wall Balta Broadloom carpet. The same approach is used in the rooms, though here we mainly observe a discreet use of colours, with light pastel colours such as green, orange and purple. The colour palette has a fresh and modern feel, but is 17 17
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