THE RITZ-CARLTON BUDAPEST OPENS

Posted in News, Projects on 12 April, 2016

Celebrating its debut hotel in Hungary, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest opens in the heart of the city’s cultural and shopping district…

“It is an absolute privilege to open the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hungary” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton.  “The Ritz-Carlton service standards are globally recognised and we’re delighted to bring them to a new market.  Budapest is an extraordinary city and perfectly placed to welcome the newest property in our portfolio”.

There are few cities in the World that can rival Budapest’s setting, history and culture. As separate towns of Buda and Pest until 1873, each side of Hungary’s capital still retains a unique atmosphere and identity.  Whether guests choose to wander the meandering cobbled streets of the World-Heritage listed Buda Castle district, take to the rejuvenating water from one of the city’s many thermal springs, or simply enjoy tasting the renowned Hungarian cuisine and wines, Budapest maintains its hold as one of Europe’s most alluring cities. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, is housed within a protected historic building, located on Elizabeth Square, with views over St Stephens Basilica. Constructed in 1914 as the headquarters for an Italian insurance company, the building has seen many incarnations, but today it opens as a luxury property with 170 elegantly appointed rooms and 30 suites.  Whilst many of the building’s original architectural details have been retained, including elegant statues on the exterior walls, the interiors offer guests a spacious and relaxed contemporary environment, inspired by the cool colours and swirling water of the Danube River. 

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level is situated on the 8th and 9th floors of the property, allowing guests an elevated experience and an additional sanctuary, with dedicated concierge, plus complimentary food and beverage presentations running throughout the day. 

The hotel introduces two new restaurants and a bar to the Budapest scene, both designed by London-based B3 Designers. With bold masculine undertones and a sophisticated design, Deák St. Kitchen restaurant makes a striking impression, with its deep rich leather seating, walnut tables and Hungarian point timber flooring. These elements are juxtaposed against brighter details like the rose gold trim on the lighting and furnishings and the antiqued mirror paneling around the room. This, together with the carefully curated artwork, elegantly finishes off the space. The restaurant opens out onto its namesake, Deák Street, the famous Budapest ‘fashion’ street. One of the main successes of the restaurant’s design is its accessibility from street level, with its inviting entrance, dining terrace and bi-folding doors – it is a welcoming restaurant with an independent feel. Mark Bithrey, Director at B3 Designers says, “It was a great opportunity to work with the Food and Beverage team at Ritz Carlton and convert an under used hotel breakfast room into a destination restaurant that is popular with both hotel guests and locals.”

The Kupola Lounge is situated beneath the building’s iconic stained glass cupula and grand crystal chandelier. The lounge takes its name from the soaring dome ceiling feature which dominates the large space. As most of the building’s internal architecture is protected, B3 Designers strove to celebrate these features by creating an internal skin mirroring the classic architecture by choosing elegant furniture with a timeless material pallet of rose gold, marble, velvet and walnut. To achieve a sense of luxury within the branding, B3 Designers took inspiration from connoisseur culture with emphasis on subtle, simple elegance. Their material choice included leather menu covers in a deep blue tone, reminiscing of the blue tones of the Danube River which runs through Eastern Europe, together with a simple, impactful logo design.

 The property’s facilities are complete with the ballroom, situated on the lower ground floor.  Seating 180 people and the perfect new Budapest location for milestone celebrations, it is adjacent to five flexible meeting rooms, which combine contemporary interiors with state of the art technology. 

The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre flooded with natural light on the top of the building, creates an unrivalled haven for guests to unwind, recharge or simply escape.  This urban spa, with indoor pool and three treatment rooms, offers a full range of beauty and body therapies, including The Ritz-Carlton signature treatments, and sits alongside a professionally equipped fitness centre, which remains open 24/7.

 “The ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest is perfectly located as the European gateway to travellers whether coming for business or leisure,” continued Herve Humler. “But not only are we looking forward to welcoming our guests and sharing our vision and service standards; we are also excited to become an integral part of the thriving, vibrant city itself”.

RitzCarlton.com/Budapest

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