Budapest unwraps plans for Chocolat Hotel

In Budapest’s 8th district, an abandoned office building is undergoing a transformative journey. This neglected landmark at 8 Szentkirályi Street is on the cusp of rebirth as the Chocolat Hotel.

A decade-long plan

Since 2016, the German hotel chain Orange Hotels and Resorts embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the abandoned office building at 8 Szentkirályi Street. After lying inactive for the past decade, the building was set to become a luxurious four-star hotel named Chocolat Hotel, according to Index. The original vision aimed to breathe life into a building with a rich history. However, the economic recession triggered by the global pandemic, coupled with a downturn in tourism, compelled Orange Hotels and Resorts to abandon their expansion efforts in Hungary. As a result, they liquidated their Budapest business and sold their assets to You Are Hungary Ltd. in 2021.

New vision

With the change in ownership, You Are Hungary Ltd. took charge of the German hotel chain’s vision. They injected fresh enthusiasm into the Chocolat Hotel project. The once-stalled plans for the historic office building were reignited, promising a new chapter for this forgotten landmark. The proposed transformation of the building involves a meticulous redesign by the talented team at D55 Architectural Office Ltd. Architects Kristóf Vécsey, Dániel Bognár and Ádám Gál envisioned a modern, 98-room hotel. It will seamlessly blend contemporary elements with the historical significance of the structure, which first opened its doors in 1928. Read more about Budapest’s award-winning hotels HERE.

Art deco features and historical significance

The architects’ plans include the preservation of the building’s art deco features, such as the former curved glass portal, bronze entrance and replicas of the exterior wall frames. Notably, the inscriptions of Frigyes Stühmer Rt., the original owner, will be restored, paying homage to the confectionery heritage that once graced the premises. Frigyes Stühmer, a master confectioner from Hamburg, left a mark on the building’s history. Settling in Pest in 1866, Stühmer transformed a humble sugar factory into a confectionery empire. His innovations, such as mass-producing chocolate, turned what was once a luxury item into a widely accessible commodity. The legacy of Stühmer’s chocolate bars, including iconic names like Boci, Tibi and Sport, continues to resonate with sweet-lovers.

Designing wrappings and architectural expansions

Stühmer’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the culinary realm. The company’s focus on top-notch craftsmanship in designing wrapping paper, candy bags and dessert boxes garnered international acclaim. Read about the timeless retro star, the Százszorszép candy box HERE. Notably, the packaging paper and gift boxes designed by Kató Kaeszné Lukáts were so enduring that the Viennese company Altmann und Kühne still uses them to this day. Beyond confectionery, the Stühmer brand delved into architectural endeavours. As early as 1883, plans for a network of branches were conceived. The unique blend of Hungarian folk baroque and art deco in their store network’s interior design became world-renowned. Moreover, their sample shop in Paris, designed by architect Ferenc Kende, showcased their commitment to a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing customer experience.

In conclusion, the Chocolat Hotel project not only breathes new life into a neglected building but also pays homage to Budapest’s rich confectionery history.

Source: Index