Hungary – A progressive dining experience and hidden spa
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces its debut in Hungary with the opening of Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection. Housed across three historic buildings in Budapest’s iconic District V, the new hotel is named after Archduchess Dorothea, an influential character of the 1800s who brought significant cultural and economic development to the city alongside her spouse, Palatine Joseph. Evoking the charm of Hungary’s golden age, Dorothea Hotel invites guests into an unexpected city centre sanctuary where the past seamlessly merges with the present.
“Each Autograph Collection hotel tells a truly unique story and Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection is a shining example of this, reflecting the rich history of Budapest through a refined and sophisticated lens. This new opening expands our portfolio of Autograph Collection Hotels into one of Europe’s most fascinating cities,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “From the revitalised historic architecture and storied guestrooms to a progressive dining experience and hidden spa, the hotel offers an authentic sense of place and an experience that invites guests to forge a meaningful connection with the destination.”
Envisioned by acclaimed Italian architect and designer, Piero Lissoni, Dorothea Hotel is a blend of architecture and interior design that honours both history and modernity. The three buildings were established in different eras including 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; and Munnich (1937), the modernist building with art deco and Bauhaus elements. Local historic preservation experts have worked with the hotel to retain the key elements of each era, including a remarkable heritage staircase.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a stunning ornate ceiling and walls adorned by portraits by Hungarian art and fashion photographer Zoltán Tombor. The playful artwork features women in traditional attire with a modern twist. Tombor’s exclusive works for the hotel are also found throughout the guestrooms. Entering the reimagined reception court, guests are greeted by the magnificent long drop glass chandelier and can catch a glimpse of the heritage staircase standing against the intricate, blue Zsolnay tile wall.
Dorothea Hotel’s 216 guestrooms and suites are split into two distinct design categories, contemporary and heritage, all equipped with modern amenities. The contemporary guestrooms feature furnishings in a soft beige colour palette with pops of orange, beautifully contrasting with the dark wood flooring and peacock blue curtains. Alongside Tombor’s artwork guests will see Budapest’s progression in history, with 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 the doors with portraits of women from the 1800s, sourced from the Hungarian National Gallery. Inside the guestrooms, decorative cornicing wraps around the large neo-renaissance-styled windows, framing the soft furnishings with subtle floral embroidery inspired by local folk motifs. In an elegant light grey tone, heritage guestrooms offer four-poster canopy beds, a green velvet sofa and black and white carpet juxtaposed with dark wood herringbone flooring. The crown jewel atop the hotel is the Presidential Suite, 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.
At the heart of the hotel is the inner courtyard – home to Pavilon Restaurant & Bar, an airy, lush garden oasis, where guests are surrounded by nature. Helmed by Chef Carmine di Luggo, this restaurant brings a fresh take to dining in the city with locally sourced farm-to-table dishes.
Each Autograph Collection offers “The Mark” – an experience unique to the hotel. At this hotel, within Pavilon guests can admire a succulent herb wall that pays tribute to Palatine Joseph who had a deep fascination for botany. The herb wall and plants provide the inspiration and ingredients for the cocktails and dishes throughout the hotel’s dining venues.
Upstairs, Anton’s Bar & Deli offers an artisanal coffee experience alongside light bites and freshly baked pastries by day, while in the evenings it transforms into a dynamic bar and community space serving innovative cocktails. The hotel is anticipating a further two restaurant openings helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Dani García in 2024; BiBo, an Andalusian Brasserie on the rooftop offering panoramic views of Buda, and Alelí, an authentic osteria from Italy on the ground floor.
Wellness-loving guests can seek inner sanctuary at the Spa, complete with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre, spanning a generous 650 square metres. Holistic body treatments, using Babor Cosmetics, can be enjoyed in the three treatment rooms including a couple’s room.
