Budapest’s iconic hotel to celebrate its 2nd anniversary! – PHOTOS
Budapest’s iconic hotel will be celebrating its 2nd anniversary on June 28th. Since its opening, the luxury hotel has established itself as the capital’s most elegant social hub, garnering numerous domestic and international awards.
Two years ago, Matild Palace welcomed its first guests after an extensive and meticulous renovation period. The historic building, initially constructed 120 years ago under the patronage of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, was designed to serve as a social center for the capital.
In the summer of 2021, Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, opened its doors as part of The Luxury Collection portfolio within Marriott International’s hotel chain. The hotel also unveiled the first European outpost of Spago – now a Michelin-recommended restaurant – the signature restaurant of the world-renowned master chef Wolfgang Puck.
Additionally, The Duchess rooftop bar offers a captivating entertainment venue with breathtaking views, while the hotel’s Matild Café & Cabaret, formerly known as Belvárosi Kávéház, brings a fresh and glamorous experience to local and international guests, establishing itself as a prominent venue for cultural life.
“Matild Palace is more than just a hotel; it is a social center that warmly welcomes Hungarian guests as well. We always strive to serve the local community, and it’s gratifying to see that the majority of our guests are Hungarian,” commented Selim Ölmez, General Manager, emphasizing the diversity of their clientele.
Countless awards
Since its inauguration, the luxury hotel, situated in a neo-Baroque building designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has received numerous accolades. Notably, Matild Palace was honored with the Best Luxury Hotel and Best Luxury Guest Room titles at the esteemed Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design in 2021.
In 2022, the hotel received the Architectural Excellence Award from the Foundation For Constructors’ Masterworks and secured top honors in three categories at the Klasszis TopDesign 2022 Awards, Hungary’s exclusive international hospitality and hotel design competition. As a result, Matild Palace was recognized as the Klasszis TopDesign Capital Hotel of the Year 2022, with its guest rooms earning the Klasszis TopDesign Guest Room of the Year distinction.
The Matild Café & Cabaret, known for its captivating revue shows, was named Klasszis TopDesign Café of the Year. In
February 2023, Matild Palace garnered six additional awards at the prestigious International Property Awards in London, which represent a globally recognized standard of excellence. These awards spanned various categories, including the hotel’s conference rooms, suites, bathrooms, as well as the renowned Spago by Wolfgang Puck Budapest and The Duchess rooftop bar. The most recent honor received by Matild Palace was at the Audi-Dining Guide TOP 100 Restaurant Awards 2023, which also recognized five-star luxury hotels this year, with Matild Palace emerging as the winner.
“A building or property may possess beauty and a rich history, but it is the people who ultimately drive its success. When you put your heart into it and prioritize the satisfaction of your guests, success becomes almost inevitable. You don’t even need to operate the world’s most exquisite or lavishly appointed hotel to achieve this. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate here in Budapest, as we have been blessed with the former Matild Palace, standing majestically in the heart of the city, along with our exceptional team and valuable connections. While implementing our plans hasn’t always been easy, the rewards are evident when we witness the contentment and loyalty of our returning guests,” revealed Selim Ölmez, the hotel’s general manager, as he unveiled the key to their accomplishments.
Anniversary Celebrations with Guided Tours
Since May, Matild Palace has joined Imagine Budapest’s themed and alternative sightseeing tours, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the palace’s rich history and explore the diverse culinary delights it has to offer. Accompanied by gastronomic journalist Györgyi Kalas and Imagine tour guide Elza Morcsányi, guests are led on an enthralling journey through the captivating ambiance of the former Belvárosi Kávéház, steeped in literary figures, the legendary cabaret shows of Lido, the exquisite flavors of fashionable cakes, the lingering aroma of coffee beans discovered in the cellar after World War II, and the sophistication associated with the world-renowned chef legend, Wolfgang Puck.
Guests can tour the hotel’s most remarkable areas and indulge in dessert specialties at the meticulously restored Matild Café & Cabaret. This includes savoring the signature cake of the palace, the Matild Cake, as well as an exciting new addition by Executive Pastry Chef Tristan Tuaud.
The hotel’s team and management eagerly anticipate the challenges that lie ahead in the coming year. “We thrive on variety and constantly seek out new and exciting opportunities. We are exploring innovative concepts, including collaborations with Wolfgang Puck. During the summer, we will strive to complete all the projects we have yet to finalize, with our primary focus centered on delivering personalized service,” shared the general manager when discussing the future plans.
