After a five-year renovation, the Matild Palace, Budapest has been transformed into a luxury hotel with extensive guest amenities in a stunning location.
Built over a century ago during the Belle Époque era, the Matild Palace has long been recognized as an indispensable element of Budapest’s landscape, standing alongside other monuments of classical architecture in the historical district surrounding the Danube River.
Owned by Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts (part of Marriott International, Inc), the building’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage site meant that honoring its original architectural features, as well as uplifting its Hungarian heritage were key priorities for the design team. The result is a striking renewal of the building’s past glory, perfectly suited for those with an interest in experiencing life at the heart of the Hungarian capital.
Yet it has also been designed with the modern visitor in mind, and minute attention to detail has ensured a comfortable and relaxing guest experience. The new Matild Palace will allow visitors to immerse themselves in Budapest’s rich cultural history while enjoying all the luxuries and amenities of a destination vacation after a long day out.
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The Matild Palace exterior at night / ©Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Stay
Budapest’s spiral-filled skyline is famous for its blue and gold rooftops, a color palette that has been tastefully mirrored by the fittings and furnishings of Matild Palace’s 111 guestrooms and 19 suites, courtesy of MKV Design founder Maria Vafiadis. Each guestroom has been allotted one of four categories, designed to reflect the extravagant lifestyle of city socialites during the early 20th century, complete with fishbone parquet flooring and spa bathrooms that recall Hungary’s natural thermal baths.
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The Maria Klotild Royal Suite / ©Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Royal Suite features handmade ceramics and gold touches / ©Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the 1615-sq-ft Maria Klotild Royal Suite, named after the German Duchess’s private suite that she would stay in during her trips to the Matild Palace. The rooftop windows offer a picture-perfect snapshot of the river below, and the suite itself is extensive and spacious. Guests will have at their disposal a bright and elegant master bedroom, bathroom, living room and study, all dressed to the nines with gilded chandeliers and handmade glass mosaics.
There is also the Crown Tower Suite, which covers three floors and offers panoramic views of the city through the tower windows.
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Dine
With the addition of Wolfgang Puck to the restaurant team, Spago at the Matild Palace, Budapest is sure to possess the same glamour and sparkle as its Beverley Hills counterpart. The menu adds a modern flair to traditional Hungarian cuisine and relies on seasonal produce grown in the surrounding area. Diners can indulge in Mangalitsa pork chop served with potato-bacon terrine and Hungarian Lecsó, or roast chicken with a goat cheese and mushroom sauce.
Spago will add a touch of Beverley Hills glamour / ©Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Puck will also oversee the addition of The Duchess rooftop bar, as well as the Matild Café & Cabaret, both set to open in September. Together, the different ambiances offered by these three locations are sure to satisfy the need for a varied and interesting dining experience. Additionally, both Spago and the Matild Cafe & Cabaret will offer year-round outdoor dining, meaning the city’s atmosphere can be enjoyed alfresco.
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Relax
The Swan Spa combines a traditional Hungarian wellness experience with Turkish-inspired bathing practices. Thermal therapy and Hammam-style treatments will leave guests re-energized and refreshed after even the busiest of itineraries, and a trip to their salt and steam room is sure to awaken the senses.
Of course, the Swan Spa also offers a variety of standard spa services, including but not limited to body scrubs, facials, a steam room and separate men’s and women’s lounges. There is also a fully equipped gym available for those who wish to keep up with their daily workouts.
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Explore
It may come as a surprise that Budapest is known as being ‘two cities in one,’ as historically Pest and Buda were autonomous cities separated by the Danube River. After the lines between the two urban areas became blurred in the 19th century, the city was finally united and renamed Budapest in 1873. Yet even today, the two areas are said to retain their distinct cultural undercurrents and atmospheres.
As the Matild Palace, Budapest sits on the gateway between these historic areas, guests can easily explore the quieter area of Buda, close to nature and rich with historic landmarks, as well as enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown Pest.
Matild Palace sits between the historic cities of Pest and Buda / ©Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
One can never visit Budapest without stopping by to see the Gothic Revival-style Parliament Building in Pest, or taking the funicular to see the art museum in Buda Castle. Both are especially beautiful after nightfall when they are illuminated and can be seen from across the river.
The Unesco World Heritage Andrássy Avenue is known as the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, as the street is lined with stunning neo-renaissance mansions that house all manner of high-end boutiques and brand-name stores. One can wander down the avenue and visit Heroes’ Square, yet another world heritage site that is surrounded by the beautifully landscaped city park.
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Rates start from $535 per night and includes breakfast.
For more information visit marriott.com
