The Hotel Astoria was built in 1909 for the Brussels International Exposition of 1910, at the request of King Leopold II, to replace the former Hotel Mengelle. It was designed by Henri Van Dievoet (1869–1931), a nephew of architect Joseph Poelaert. Built in a true Parisian spirit, the hotel's Louis XVI facade and majestic interior lend it a distinctly aristocratic appearance. It is considered among the finest luxury hotels in the world.