Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection

I echo what a couple of other people have said - style over substance. The Cardo is certainly very unique and designed in a very fun and colorful way. The location is central and convenient. The staff were outstandingly polite and helpful (though the bar was woefully understaffed both times I checked it out.) BUT - the halls and various entrances and directions are completely confusing and disorienting. There are mirrors everywhere, making it feel like a fun house. The entrance is not where the reception is, which is not where the restaurant is. Every day we struggled to figure out where to go. The "high tech" in our room was confusing and didn't work. Our heater malfunctioned twice and blew cold air while it was 39F outside. We had to call the technician. The tablet meant to show you how to use the tech in the room malfunctioned and kept shutting down so was useless. A plain, old, regular thermostat and room service menu and light switches you can find would have been SUPER. But no. Too much technology, not enough common sense. We had a room on the 14th floor with a great view but the day/night blinds also malfunctioned. No cord to just pull it up or down. Our room was apparently not far from the elevator bank, so it creaked, moaned and groaned all day and night as if we were on the Titanic. The electrical outlet on one wall did not have a splitters so you could either have the lamp on or your computer charging but not both. For such a shiny, high-end hotel, these deficits were pretty disappointing. Oh also, yes, sirens all night long outside. This hotel needs to get its sea legs and figure out how to make its guests NOT be slaves to the tech and the style. But all of that said, our bed was warm and comfortable, our room was generously sized, and the staff were truly helpful and wonderful.

it's fascinating. rooms reception. lobby. bar. central.