Autograph Collection Hotels, part of the global Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, announced the opening of Dorothea Hotel by Autograph Collection in Budapest, marking its debut in Hungary. The hotel spans three historic buildings in Budapest’s iconic District V. It takes its name after Archduchess Dorothea, a prominent figure of the 1800s who, along with her spouse, Palatine Joseph, contributed significantly to the city’s cultural and economic development. Dorothea Hotel captures the allure of Hungary’s golden age and offers guests an unexpected sanctuary in the city centre, seamlessly blending the past with the present.
Designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni, Dorothea Hotel blends historical charm with modern elegance. Comprising three distinct buildings from different periods, including:
- The Weber (1873), the neo-renaissance former headquarters of United Budapest Metropolitan Savings Bank;
- Mahart (1913), the art nouveau former headquarters of Hungarian River and Sea Shipping Company;
- Munnich (1937), the modernist building boasted art deco and Bauhaus elements.
Working closely with local historic preservation experts, the hotel has painstakingly preserved the key architectural features of each era, including an impressive heritage staircase.
As guests arrive, they can admire breathtaking ornate ceilings and walls adorned with portraits by Hungarian art and fashion photographer Zoltán Tombor. The portraits depict women in traditional attire with a modern twist, adding a playful touch to the ambience. Patrons can also see Tombor’s exclusive works in the guestrooms.
Upon entering the reimagined reception court, guests will spot a magnificent drop glass chandelier. They will have the opportunity to glimpse the heritage staircase set against the intricate, blue Zsolnay tile wall.
The hotel’s central attraction is its inner courtyard, which houses the Pavilon Restaurant & Bar. This garden oasis is a refreshing and lush space where guests can bask in the natural surroundings. Chef Carmine di Luggo leads the restaurant, offering a new and vibrant dining experience in the city, featuring locally sourced farm-to-table dishes.
Anton’s Bar & Deli, located upstairs, offers a delightful coffee experience with light bites and freshly baked pastries during the day and then transforms into a vibrant bar and community space in the evenings, serving creative cocktails.
The hotel will launch two new restaurants in 2024, both led by the renowned three-Michelin-starred Chef Dani García. The first, BiBo, will be an Andalusian Brasserie on the rooftop, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Buda. The second, Alelí will be an authentic Italian osteria on the ground floor.
Guests who prioritize wellness can find a peaceful retreat at the Spa, which includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness centre, covering a generous 650 square meters. The Spa also offers holistic body treatments using Babor Cosmetics, with the option to indulge in the three treatment rooms, including one for couples.
Dorothea Hotel offers 216 guestrooms and suites split into two design categories: contemporary and heritage, all equipped with modern amenities. The stylish guestrooms feature furnishings in a soft beige colour palette with pops of orange, contrasting with the dark wood flooring and peacock blue curtains. Alongside Tombor’s artwork, guests will see Budapest’s history through photos representing the city’s urban developments initiated by Palatine Joseph in the 1800s.
Located in the oldest Weber building, heritage guestrooms are identified by doors with portraits of women from the 1800s sourced from the Hungarian National Gallery. Decorative cornices wrap around the large neo-renaissance-styled windows inside the guestrooms, framing the soft furnishings with subtle floral embroidery inspired by local folk motifs. Heritage guestrooms offer four-poster canopy beds, a green velvet sofa, and black and white carpet juxtaposed with dark wood herringbone flooring in an elegant light grey tone.
The Presidential Suite, located atop the hotel, is a serene retreat with timeless décor, featuring a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom, sauna, living room, and dining area with a fully equipped kitchen. The sense of grandeur is elevated by 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous wraparound terrace, offering breathtaking views across the city skyline, complete with a jacuzzi and lounge seating.
In every Autograph Collection, you’ll find “The Mark” – a one-of-a-kind experience exclusive to each hotel. Here at this hotel, the Pavilon boasts a magnificent herb wall, a homage to Palatine Joseph’s profound love for botany. This lush wall of herbs is the muse and source of ingredients for the delectable cocktails and dishes served across the hotel’s dining spaces.
For details and reservations, please visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/budkc-dorothea-hotel-budapest-autograph-collection/overview/.