The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, today announced the opening of Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest. Owned by Özyer Group, this iconic opening marks The Luxury Collection’s debut in Hungary. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Matild Palace has undergone a meticulous five-year transformation led by award-winning interior designer Maria Vafiadis and acclaimed local architects Péter Dajka and Puhl Antal to become a 130-guestroom luxury hotel.
At the helm of the interiors, Maria Vafiadis, founder of MKV Design, ensured the next chapter of the building honored its Hungarian heritage through stunning décor that reflects the hotel’s remarkable location in the heart of Budapest, just a stone’s throw from the Danube. The spectacular design celebrates the building’s famed past as a thriving social destination in the city, while creating a modern elegant ambience for discerning locals and global explorers alike to create enduring, treasured memories.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone moment in the growth of The Luxury Collection brand with the opening of Matild Palace, a hotel that will define the destination of Budapest,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The property allows our guests to realize the fantasy of living within in a royal palace, elevated with modern amenities and impeccable service, and we look forward to welcoming them as they discover this timeless and inspiring city.”
An Icon Returns
Steeped in history, Matild Palace was built 120 years ago during the Belle Époque era and was developed under the patronage of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to serve as the social hub of the city. Matild Palace was part of her vision to create two baroque palaces, acting as a gateway to those entering the ‘Pest’ side of the city from Elisabeth Bridge.
A True Epicurean Destination by Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck will oversee all dining operations at Matild Palace bringing a new era of gastronomy and entertainment to the city. His renowned restaurant Spago by Wolfgang Puck marks the debut of the Beverly Hills dining phenomenon in Hungary. The menu will offer traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist through recipes inspired by the produce of the region.
The iconic chef will also oversee culinary offerings at The Duchess rooftop bar opening next month, a secret liquor library, as well as Matild Café and Cabaret, opening in September, which is a dramatic re-imagination of the most popular address for the high society of the Belle Époque era.
Spago and Matild Café & Cabaret will both offer year round outdoor dining on the charming streets of Budapest, marking the first ‘gastro street’ in the city.
Signature Guestrooms and Palatial Suites
Matild Palace offers an exceptional choice of 111 elegantly appointed guestrooms and 19 suites, with many providing spectacular views of the city or the Danube River. The four guestroom categories each take inspiration from The Duchess’s exuberant lifestyle and early 20th century Budapest. Each bedroom is over four metres in height and celebrates Hungarian culture throughout with delicately handcrafted headboards, traditional fishbone parquet floors and lavish spa-style bathrooms inspired by the iconic thermal baths of Hungary. A thoughtful colour palette of teal, green, gold, and copper decorates the rooms, reflecting the hues of the iconic Budapest roofscape. The hotel offers many connecting family rooms for multi-generational city breaks.
For a truly unique stay, the Loft Guestrooms, located at the rooftop of the property, provide endless views either across the city or the Danube River through large, sloping windows. The eclectic mix of contemporary design with colourful vintage furnishings and art captures the eye of creatives and is a nod to The Duchess’s artisan friends who used to frequent the palace.
Crowning the palace with its fifth-floor location, The Crown Tower Suite is split across three floors and is the first suite in Hungary to come with a 48-metre-high dedicated tower boasting 360-degree views of the city. Regal elegance is epitomised in the Maria Klotid Royal Suite, designed as a modern interpretation of the Duchess’s private suite, featuring a spacious master bedroom, bathroom, living room and separate study, decorated with elegant chandeliers and handmade glass mosaics.
Wellness and Relaxation
Swan Spa at Matild Palace features a Hungarian-influenced wellness experience with traditional thermal therapy and Hammam rituals designed to awaken guests’ senses. Complete with a salt and steam room the spa will exclusively offer ESPA products for all spa treatments. For those looking to keep active, there is also a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym.
Exceptional Meeting and Event Spaces
With the hotel’s grand architecture providing the perfect backdrop, Matild Palace is poised to handle all occasions from business meetings to special events. Guests can put their minds at ease with dedicated planning experts, the culinary direction of Wolfgang Puck and the latest audio-visual equipment on hand to make sure every experience will be truly memorable.
