Hotel Review: Le Royal, Luxembourg

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You’ve been to Paris, Rome, and Madrid, and perhaps even to Dublin and Berlin. But what about Luxembourg? It’s about time you treated yourself to a city break in this charming little capital, and if you check in to Le Royal all the attractions of the city will be a matter of minutes’ walk away.

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The hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and the concierges belong to the prestigious International Union of the Golden Keys. Music drifts through the lobby from the Piano Bar as soon as you arrive, so you immediately start to relax. I wandered through to the courtyard garden for a cool drink beneath a parasol before going up to my room, and was amazed how quiet the hotel is. You are in the heart of Luxembourg, but as the hotel backs onto a park, you’re completely oblivious to the traffic.

Who for

Most of Le Royal’s clientele are here on business, so it’s busiest during the week. At weekends, however, the demographic changes: tourists, too, are rightly impressed by the rooms with rooftop terraces overlooking the city or the park, the large indoor swimming pool, and the best brunch buffet in Luxembourg. Choose Le Royal if you want a prime location and great facilities, and prioritise these aspects over cutesy Old Town architecture.

Accommodation

Rooms at Le Royal are divided into three categories: traditional rooms, suites, and privilege rooms. Splash out for the latter. Privilege rooms are on the top floor of the hotel, and when you open the French doors you’ll discover your own private terrace with panoramic views.

All of Le Royal’s rooms are spacious and modern, neutral in their colour schemes but with an occasional flash of colour. Those visiting Luxembourg on business will appreciate the large desks, good lighting, and plenty of sockets, plus the super fast internet connections.

The marble bathrooms are tastefully designed and make good use of the space. Hermes bath and shower products are always a treat, so you’ll want to use these even if you’ve brought your own.

Food & drink

Luxembourg has a flourishing culinary scene and produces some excellent wines. Le Royal makes the most of local products and skills, so dining in is a very attractive option.

La Pomme Cannelle is Le Royal’s fine dining restaurant, and it excels in innovative French cuisine. The Business Lunch menu offers good value for money, especially if you’re short on time.

At the weekends, however, the place to be seen is Restaurant Amelys. Sunday brunch is a sight to behold, especially if you’re a fan of seafood, salads, and patisserie. Brunch doesn’t start until 12.30, so you can spend the morning exploring Luxembourg and working up an appetite. We sat out in the garden, pacing ourselves and drinking sparkling Cremant de Luxembourg. In warm weather in particular, the experience is simply sublime.

Facilities

Le Royal has the best facilities of any hotel in the centre of Luxembourg. Club Santé incorporates a fitness club and spa with sauna, hammam, and beauty salon. The heated indoor swimming pool is large enough that you can actually do some lengths, working off your indulgences in the restaurants and bar.

Theres also a pleasantly informal spot to meet and talk in the newly refurbished Piano Bar.

Wi Fi Available?

Yes and it’s free.

Room Rates

Rooms at Le Royal start from €165 per night when booked in advance online.

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What’s Nearby

The central part of Luxembourg is petite, so Le Royal is within easy walking distance of anywhere you’re likely to want to go. Highlight of the Old Town include the Bock Casements – a combination of historic fortifications built atop a network of caves which you can visit on a UNESCO World Heritage walking tour – the cobbled ramparts, and the seven museums along MuseumSmile.

Descending from the top of the town through one of Luxembourg’s many parks to the bottom of the gorge will bring you to the Grund, a lively quarter packed with bars and restaurants. On a fine day it’s delightful to wander here for a few hours, stopping periodically for a craft beer or to listen to the street musicians.