The Al Habtoor Group brings the first Ritz-Carlton Hotel to Budapest. Joanna Andrews reports on the opening event in the Hungarian capital which was attended by a VIP guest list.
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, located in the heart of the cultural and shopping district opened in April 2016. The five-star hotel is literally on the doorstep of Budapest’s heralded historic sites and minutes away from the glittering Danube River.
The official ceremony to mark the opening was held on Wednesday 4 May 2016 in the presence of Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman, Al Habtoor Group – and owner of the hotel. The event was also attended by Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister; Edi Rama, Albania's Prime Minister and a number of high-profile dignitaries.
Al Habtoor said he was proud to bring the luxury brand to the city. “The Ritz-Carlton brand is a great addition to the luxury hospitality segment in Budapest. There is a high demand for quality hotels in city,” he said. “Budapest offers so much to business and leisure travellers. It is a political, cultural and commercial centre. The city is full of history with World Heritage sites within close proximity to the hotel.”
“It is an absolute privilege to open the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hungary,” added Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “The Ritz-Carlton service standards are globally recognised and we are delighted to bring them to a new market. Budapest is an extraordinary city and perfectly placed to welcome the newest property in our portfolio”.
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.
The luxury property has 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.
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.
Introducing two new restaurants and a bar to the Budapest scene, the unrivalled Deák Street Kitchen provides a relaxed and atmospheric environment. It serves a variety of Hungarian-inspired dishes, created using local seasonal ingredients, and freshly grilled meat & fish, alongside one of the city’s finest selections of indigenous Hungarian wines and beers. With an elegant outside terrace overlooking vibrant Fashion Street, with its designer stores and colourful market, it provides the perfect location to people-watch, whilst enjoying al fresco dining.
The Kupola Lounge, situated beneath the building’s iconic stained glass cupola and grand crystal chandelier, is ideally placed for a leisurely farmer’s market breakfast or light lunch overlooking the hotel lobby. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, also houses a fresh, contemporary bar.
The property’s facilities are completed with the ballroom, situated on the lower ground floor. Seating 180 people and the perfect new Budapest location for milestone celebrations. There are five flexible meeting rooms, which combine contemporary interiors with state of the art technology.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre on the top of the building, creates an unrivalled haven for guests to unwind, recharge or simply escape.