Hungarian hotel reopens after the fire with a unique attraction in the Danube bend

Hotel Silvanus is a prime example of renewal, returning to the tourism market with a new outdoor pool rising from the mountainside, offering a panoramic view unique in Europe.

Since its opening in 1971, Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád has been a popular destination in the Danube Bend, continuously improving its services over the decades. In 2018, it was awarded the title of Hotel of the Year and became the country’s first “Green Hotel.” Hotel Silvanus also plays an important role in local employment, providing jobs for more than 100 people. The hotel contributes significantly to the livelihoods of hundreds of families through the tourism-related businesses, restaurants, and shops that its guests patronise.

Following thirteen months of enforced closure due to a fire in March 2024 that caused damage worth billions of forints, Hotel Silvanus has undergone simultaneous renovation and development. The fire was extinguished using 14 jets of water, with over 100 firefighters involved. Thanks to the rapid response, none of the 230 guests staying at the hotel were injured. According to the hotel manager, the fire was caused by an electrical fault on the hotel’s fourth floor. At the time of the incident, the hotel was hosting an international conference, with 143 of its 151 rooms occupied.

This is how the hotel looked during the fire:

After the accident:

Világgazdaság interviewed Róbert Pintér, the Director of Operations at Hotel Silvanus in the Danube Bend:

An outdoor wellness pool with a unique panoramic view, unparalleled in Europe, is being constructed next to Hotel Silvanus. This pool extends into the hillside of Visegrád, using an innovative structural-cooperation solution.

The hotel suffered damage worth billions of forints, and the feasibility and professional complexity of the restoration often overruled the initial planning. As stated earlier, the mechanical and electrical systems were more severely damaged than expected, requiring careful consideration during reconstruction. However, there is good news for guests: the hotel owners have decided to use this construction period not only to repair the fire damage but also to implement previously planned improvements. As a result, in April 2025, Hotel Silvanus will reopen with a fresh new look, doubling its exterior spa facilities and expanding its interior wellness area. It is estimated that the wellness section will be able to accommodate 40% more guests. The renovation includes replacing the indoor Jacuzzi and constructing a new sauna, which will introduce a special “banja” sauna with steam, catering to both new and returning visitors in Visegrád.

In the next phase, the hotel’s new attraction, an outdoor pool with an exceptional view, is expected to be completed by May at an estimated cost of around HUF 200 million. In addition to the wellness developments, an expansion of the highly successful “Sunday Brunch” programme, which has been running for over ten years, is also planned.

Due to confirmed bookings, Hotel Silvanus will officially reopen for business on 1 April.

As we wrote on the weekend, Hungary is among the top budget-friendly travel destinations, details HERE.