Layers of history and contemporary design are an integral part of The Dominican, which is scheduled to open its doors in Brussels by the end of October -

Tucked behind La Monnaie, the famous theatre and opera house, the interior design concept of The Dominican was "curated" by Dutch design duo FG Stijl, winner of the prestigious Prix Villégiature-Paris for Best Interior Design in 2005.

By juxtaposing and uniting different architectures and styles, The Dominican provokes new experiences that range from vibrant exchange to calm repose. The hotel's sweeping archways and lofty ceilings are a clear reference to the Dominican abbey that stood on the site in the 15th century. Four centuries later it was home to French painter Jacques-Louis David and the intact façade of his house has been incorporated into the new construction.

An interior courtyard is the calm centre of the hotel, with a cloister-like Monastery Corridor and a series of large interlocking public spaces enclosing it on the ground floor. Contemporary design mixes with an historic identity in the Grand Lounge restaurant, as well as the three private salons with their soaring ceilings and attention to detail. The sense of dramatic intimacy finds its culmination in The Lounge Bar, where the cutting-edge interior, inventive drinks and an a la carte menu are designed to attract a style-conscious clientele. With its location and stylish interior the Lounge Bar in particular, is set to become a swank meeting place for the local in-crowd.

The 150 guestrooms and suites, each with an individual look, are contemporary in design with rich colours and textiles that underscore the ambience of intimate repose and modern splendour. Adding to comfort and convenience are the gym, with a Turkish steam bath and a Finnish sauna.

The Dominican is a haven within the European hub and a space in which old and new effortlessly meld.