Ritz Carlton Budapest

Posted in Projects on 15 February, 2017

G.A. Design wanted to create a timeless yet relaxed sophistication in the interior, which respects the architecture of the building and resonates both with the ‘crown city of the Danube’ and the guests. The interior of the newly opened Ritz Carlton Budapest has subtle references to local culture and the Danube in a contemporary interpretation, which befits this ‘Cosmopolitan Town House’.

Inspirations

The interiors of the hotel are designed to create a feeling of contemporary luxury in an essentially classic interior in keeping with the Ritz Carlton genre of ‘The Cosmopolitan House’. Traditional details and contemporary elements are brought together in a way that respects the existing building, but makes a clear change from the previous Le Meridian Hotel and bring in a definite upscale feel that is appropriate to Ritz Carlton. The design is eclectic in places, giving the guest rooms and public areas a sophisticated residential feel.

The story thread is ‘The Blue Danube’, which brings together both sides of the city. Although the hotel does not sit on the Danube, it is a key element of the city, providing a strong reference for the interior scheme. The story also touches on the period of the building; a blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

The programme for the project was quite challenging. G.A Design therefore used existing characterful elements to reduce time but also to enhance the eclectic design of the interiors.

Public spaces

Throughout the design, the furniture and decorative objects give a fresh and contemporary feel. Upgrading the lighting in the public spaces has been key to achieving this. A good example of this are the new wall lights in the ground floor lift lobby by the upgraded lift cars and the dramatic chandelier in the lobby, which represents raindrops above the Danube. The sparkle of frozen raindrops in descent is captured in crystal and together the drops make an impressive rain shower. The chandelier embodies the light and contemporary design of the new interior.

The notion of the ‘Blue Danube’ is reflected in the carpet designs, particularly in the guestrooms, guestroom corridors and lobby, where a subtle tone-on-tone use of shades of blues and greys tells the story of the river. The swirling carpet design mimics the ebb and flow of the river and the movement of water. This use of colour and pattern is important for pulling the building together in a way that enhances the guest experience. The carpet in the lobby subtly expresses the energy and movement of the flow of the river, drawing the guests from the entrance towards the reception desk.

The artwork in the lobby enhances the local contemporary feel. The main artwork behind the reception desk is a piece by Julianna Do, entitled ‘Apparent’ from her ‘op colour’ collection based on optical vibration. The colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel have the same intensity and putting them side by side creates an optical vibration. This technique is a unique combination of the rational processes and the random behaviour of the oil paint.

The new Executive Lounge on the 8th floor gives the Ritz Carlton Budapest a modern flexible space where busy executives can make themselves at home. It has residential-type facilities including a kitchen island with fridges, wine dispenser, coffee machine as well as a private dining area and lounge where guests can enjoy the sunny top floor location. The space has been designed to make the most of the natural light and instead of solid walls, bookshelves and open shelves are used as room dividers. The atmosphere is inviting and warm with timeless and contemporary elements including rich Macassar ebony panelling and light Calacatta marble. Light lacquered panels and chrome fins add to the contemporary feel.

The entire spa has been upgraded. A main feature is a new glass mosaic inspired by the nearby Chain Bridge. It adorns the pool area and attracts the attention of guests as they enter the reception. The renovated spa promises to be a haven of tranquillity within one of the most beautiful and historic places within the city.

Guest rooms and suites

The guestrooms are furnished to give a feeling of upscale luxury and the bathrooms are upgraded with new sanitary ware, lighting and decorative framed mirrors. In the new junior suites the cosmopolitan European townhouse feel is invoked by adding fire places and chimney breasts. In the premium suites, an improved spatial layout allows for bigger and better bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and an enhanced entry experience.

The furnishings in the guest rooms pick up on the crossover period of design between the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, but with a contemporary interpretation exemplified by the use of lacquer and polished materials. These styles are prevalent in Budapest architecture and it was important to represent that association to the city through the details of the interior.

The premium suites have a different personality to the guest rooms. In the Chairman’s Suite, the reds and blues of Hungarian folk art and traditional embroidery have inspired the furnishing scheme whereas the guest rooms are kept more contemporary. The curated artwork in the suites reflects local character through local contemporary art in the ‘Op-Art’ style of the modernist Hungarian artist Vasarelly.

As in the public areas, the water coloured hand-tufted carpets underline the modern interpretations of traditional motifs and carry on the story of the river, which ties the entire interior design together and making a contemporary statement.

G.A Design’s scope was guest rooms and suites and the main public areas. Interior Design of Deak St. Kitchen and the Kupola Lounge was done by B3Designers