Eye on Travel

Radio Guest List—Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Belgium—May 13, 2017

Locations in this article:  Brussels, Belgium

RFH_Hotel_AmigoThis week, the Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show broadcasts from the Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Belgium. The hotel dates back to the early 16th century when the Spanish misunderstood the word “amigo” and thought it was the Flemish word for “prison.” The building served as a prison for centuries. It’s located right in the heart of the Grand Place in the center of Brussels’ historic central square. The hotel has both a mix of history and contemporary charm, thanks to the recent updates by owner Sir Rocco Forte, and includes both Flemish tradition and contemporary Italian design. Peter talks to Sir Rocco Forte about re-designing the hotel and what it takes to run a family business in the hotel industry. Belgian chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud discusses why chocolate is such a big industry in Belgium and why the chocolate is so unique. Brussels historian Roel Jacobs gives insight into the most iconic statue in Belgium: the peeing boy. Chris Burns, an American expat living in Brussels, discusses why the city is such a good place to live and what keeps him there. There’s all of this and more as the Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show broadcasts from the Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Belgium.

Click here to listen to the show streaming live from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

Have a travel question? Ask Peter. Email him at peter@petergreenberg.compost on his Facebook page, or tweet your questions to @PeterSGreenberg.

Chris Burns, a freelance journalist living in Brussels, talks to Peter about what it’s like to live and work in Brussels and what brought him to the European city in the first place. He also discusses some of his latest work.

Olivier de Brauwere, Founder of Brussels Beer Project, discusses why he started an urban beer company in a country that is already famous for its exceptional beer. He reveals what it takes to start a new beer company in the saturated Belgium beer market—and what makes it successful.

Leonard Schrank, American expat and former CEO at Swift, discusses why he decided to set up his roots in Belgium and why his motto “make your money in America and spend it in Europe” works for him.

Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels and owner of Hotel Amigo, talks about the recent renovation of the historic hotel. He also explains what makes his hotel business work and why it’s important to maintain a family environment when it comes to service.

Maria Laura Francioisi, a journalist living in Brussels, talks to Peter about some of the biggest stories of the day, some of her favorite things to do in the city, and some of the best stories she has uncovered about the city where she works.

Lucy Symons, Reporter for Green Traveller, talks to Peter about her latest adventures, including the remote island of St. Helena, which takes days to reach by a Royal Mail Ship and where produce is delivered once a month.

Laura Oppenheimer-Carlier, an American expat and owner of Eat Desserts First, talks to Peter about what brought her to Belgium in the first place and how she is trying to bring a little bit of American sweetness to the Belgian people.

Linda Van Waesberge,  a Belgian stylist and designer who has spent her entire life exploring the city, gave Peter insight into a few hidden gems and (literally) hidden doors that open up a whole other part of the city.

Roel Jacobs is a former lawyer who has dedicated his life to learning and exploring the real history of Belgium. He focuses on understanding the dynamics and politics behind the French and Flemish people. Jacobs also reveals the history behind the most iconic statue in Brussels: the peeing boy.

Louis-Phillippe Van Eeckhoutte is the director of the art gallery Office Baroque and an expert on the art scene in Belgium. He gives Peter some of the must-see museums in the city and divulges some of the best collections.

Laurent Gerbaud, a Chocolatier, is one of the premier chocolate makers in the city. He tells Peter the secret to making Brussels’ most iconic chocolate and reveals some of his latest creations.

Jean Boghossian, is the founder of the Boghossian Foundation that works to bring a rich artistic program and activities to Belgium. He’s a Lebanese artist, sculptor, and painter and talks to Peter about why he started the foundation and how he marries the Belgian and Lebanese cultures.

By Alyssa Caverley for PeterGreenberg.com