We had the pleasure of staying at Made in Louise, nestled in the heart of Brussels, Belgium and interviewed their General Manager, Martin Duchateau to find out how guests can be transported into a world of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and warm hospitality!

How would you describe the festive season and Made in Louise?

By and large, it is a season everyone loves. We are lucky enough to have one of the best Christmas markets in the world on our doorstep, therefore it is a very busy period for us. It is also a very important period; however, I always close for 24, 25 and 26 of December to ensure my staff can have time with their family and relax, which they really appreciate. We organize a Gala Dinner for all our staff to celebrate the success of the year and of course we decorate the hotel with special attention to music and scent, as well as creating a festive space for our guests.

How does the festive season impact the guest experience?

We spare no effort to instill/infuse Christmas energy and spirit into our hotel. When guests stay with us over this period, they expect decorations etc. so it is important to be conscious of this. Our guests have a different attitude as well, they are more relaxed and look for enjoyment, therefore we usually organize festive drinks menus and different opportunities to encourage and accommodate this.

Are there any special festive traditions or activities that the guest can only experience here?

We have a chalet at the Christmas Market where we offer champagne and Oysters, so we drive our guests over there for complimentary drinks, which is a great way to add to their experience.

Do you collaborate or partner with any local businesses for the festive season?

Usually, it is the same partners that we are using all year round. They just adapt their offerings to the period.

How do you approach designed your Christmas decorations?

We usually adapt and change our décor every year to keep things fresh and surprising. We are a family business, so my mother will decorate the tree and we will all brainstorm what the color theme etc. will be.

What is your most memorable guest experience during Christmas time?

One of the most memorable guest experiences occurred when, on December 6th, we invited our guests to place a shoe outside their doors. This was in anticipation of St. Nicolas, who, during the night, would visit to leave a Speculoos (Belgian Biscuit). Many of our guests enthusiastically participated in the tradition, and their surprise and joy reflected the success of this heartwarming initiative. It's a reminder that even the smallest details can make a significant impact.