Luxemburg is closer than you think. This lovely small city in an evenly small country has a great and diverse heart. Hints of Germany, a whiff of Belgium, and definitely French je ne sais quoi. That means the food is good, and so are the beers. It’s a perfect getaway close to home for any kind of trip, from a weekend of exploring to important corporate gatherings. And for that, there is a very well-located new, well old, hotel that not too long ago reopened its doors under the mighty Marriott flag.
Indeed, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a powerhouse of European finance and a jewel box of history, has a new old landmark to boast about: the freshly minted Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa. After a sensitive and thorough renovation, this historic 1932 monument, which once hosted generals Patton, Bradley, and Eisenhower, has reopened its doors, blending its Art Deco heritage with Marriott’s modern premium approach. And for visitors to this compact but powerful capital, the hotel’s location is nothing short of a strategic asset.
Forget any notions of a cookie-cutter corporate hotel; the Alfa has a palpable personality. The architectural firm, Iria Degen Interiors, clearly respected the building’s lineage. Throughout the public spaces and the 153 guestrooms (including 31 suites), the Art Deco spirit shines through. From the preserved original façade details to the striking zigzag motifs, soft curves, and rich material palette—think Palisander wood, marble, and metallic accents—the design is cohesive and elegant, avoiding the pitfall of theme-park history. It genuinely feels like stepping into a glamorous 1930s vision, albeit one with excellent Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
The rooms themselves are generous, particularly the suites, which reviewers note are remarkably spacious. The petrol blue of the standard rooms and the olive and pink hues of the suites, inspired by restored local artwork, lend a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Comfort is clearly a priority, with guests consistently praising the quality of the bedding and the soundproofing—a necessary feature given the hotel’s position.
Beyond the aesthetics, the service receives universal praise. The staff are repeatedly described as ‘outstanding,’ ‘attentive,’ and ‘genuinely welcoming,’ suggesting a well-trained team that understands the difference between five-star compliance and genuine hospitality.
For business travellers, the Alfa is more than just a place to rest. The hotel offers five dedicated meeting rooms, all boasting natural daylight and a view over the train station plaza. This combination of a prestigious, centrally located venue with modern meeting facilities makes it an excellent choice for corporate retreats or smaller conferences seeking a memorable, design-led backdrop.
The hotel’s culinary offering, Brasserie Alfa, is ambitious. It aims to be a new social hub, offering a refined take on classic Luxembourgish and French cuisine. The commitment to local sourcing and elevated classics like saucisses purée and frites à la graisse de bœuf is admirable, alongside the usual classics. I opted for a delicious eggs mayonnaise with a glass of great local wine and a steak-frites with a French red. All very nice. For those with M Club access, the executive lounge is reportedly a high-quality retreat, offering substantial evening snacks.
The Connectivity of Luxembourg City
While the Alfa’s elegant interior is a world unto itself, its location, directly opposite the main train station (Gare Centrale), is the key to exploring the city and beyond. Luxembourg City is a global connectivity hub woven into the European transport network.
Rail and Road: The main station is not just a domestic nexus; it’s a major international gateway. High-speed rail services, including the TGV, link the city directly to major capitals like Paris in just a few hours. Regular international rail lines also connect the Grand Duchy seamlessly with Brussels, Trier, Koblenz, Metz, and Nancy. By car, the country sits at the intersection of major European highways, making quick trips to its neighbours easy.
Air: Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is only about 6km from the city centre, served efficiently by public transport. While small, it acts as a significant cargo hub and a passenger gateway with Luxair and other carriers offering direct flights to major European and global destinations.
Crucially, once you arrive, the entire Grand Duchy is effortlessly navigable thanks to the free public transport system, a major perk for any visitor. The city’s new tram line runs directly past the hotel, connecting the station to the city centre, the European institutions in Kirchberg, and the airport (via a short connection).
The hotel’s immediate proximity to the station and its free public transport connections make it the perfect base—whether you are heading to the business/EU side of town or for a more old-time charm approach in the city center. In short, the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a beautifully executed blend of history and comfort, run by a stellar team, and positioned perfectly for the international traveller and the business crowd, ready to explore a city that, despite its size, remains one of the best-connected and most culturally rich capitals in Europe. It’s a grand dame that has aged up.
