The Grand Budapest Hotel
LOCATION
The hotel was built in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal and has been the center of attention in Hungary ever since. Soon after its grand opening in the golden age of abundance, glamour and style, it became known as one of the best hotels in Europe. The hotel operated as the Grand Hotel Royal until 1991 when its initial vigour started to wane, 12 years later in 2003, it rose like a phoenix from the ashes and, with the help of a financial injection from the Corinthia Hotel Group, it transformed into what it is today. The Corinthia Hotel Budapest is located in the very centre of Budapest. It represents the style and glamour of the Hungarian capital and is a reminder of the golden days. Even though it has never been confirmed, it is said that the hotel was the inspiration behind the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel.
ACCESSIBILITY
The hotel is located on Erszebet Avenue, close to all of the tourist sights and Andrassy Avenue. Despite its location close to a busy traffic artery, it is almost completely soundproof. The Oktogan metro and tram station is only a short walk away. The metro in Budapest has three lines (yellow, red, blue) and is the easiest way to get around. Budapest was logisticaly very advanced, it was the second city in the world to build an underground railway. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport and the hotel also offers a shuttle transfer. Guests coming to the hotel by car have a parking garage at their disposal, but it is payable. Public transport in Budapest is improving, the connections are smooth and it is a great way to avoid the expensive taxi’s. For the more active guests, a great way to explore the city is by bike as there are more than 200km of bike routes throughout the city.
COLD APPETIZER - Architecture and Aesthetics
The apricot color facade was renovated and is especially stunning in the evening when it is illuminated. The marble staircase and the ballroom were also renovated and blend nicely with the luxuriously furnished public spaces. The building is divided between two glass-covered atriums full of light and the sense of space is continued elsewhere through high ceilings and wide corridors. Recognized for its first class architecutre and character, the hotel won Europe’s Best Hotel Architecture Award following its renovation. What surprises the most is the functional scheme which is at the forefront of any hotel design.
WARM APPETIZER - Staff and catering
The hotel is a true culinary empire, including everything from the confectionery and the Szamos Marcipan coffee shop to the Rickshaw Asian Restaurant. Modern Hungarian cusine can be tasted at the Bock Bistro & Wine Shop restaurant, which surprises with over 200 exquisite wines on the wine list. The perfect spot to finish off your dinner is the elegant Le Bar. There is no lack of special spots for socializing and culinary pampering. The staff and the amazing atmosphere, created by the historical and romantic ambient, will definetely contribute to the success of your event. Hotel maintenance and technology support of the highest level is self explanatory.
MAIN DISH - Conference hotel service
The baroque Grand Ballroom is an architectural masterpiece which used to be a movie theatre. The Brothers Lumière from France had a special projection in the theatre only a few weeks after they released their first film. Today, the ballroom features all the modern amenities and is one of the most stunning congress venues in the city. Connected to it is the Valletta Exhibition Centre, a showpiece of 21st century architecture and technology offering over 740m² of superb event or display space. The hotel rooms are furnished in an elegant art-deco style, with exclusive fabrics and designer furniture. After the renovation, the technical equipment in the rooms is now at the highest level.
DESSERT – The extras
The hotel was one of the first to have its own indoor wellness centre with the water coming from the hot springs under Budapest. A visit to the Royal Spa is highly reccommended as it will replenish your energy after a hard day of meetings. It is one of the most exclusive spas in Budapest.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
There are hardly any flaws in a hotel of this rank, except the high prices, which are justified by excellent service.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
Great value for money. In other European destination you would pay considerably more for this level of service.
OVERALL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The Hotel Corinthia has a character that has no match anywhere in the city. An elegant hotel building, top-notch service and excellent congress facilities place it at the very top of the regional congress hotel offers. It has the biggest selection of congress halls in Budapest, all of them 5 star,and includes 31 meeting rooms, the baroque-style Grand Ballroom and the special Executive Lounge is suitable for private congress organiser meetings. Luxury comfort, modern elegance and technology tie the offer together. All of this makes up for an unforgetable congress experience accompanied by great hospitality and professionalism from the staff. A charming congress hotel which will please the most demanding of congress guests.
FINAL GRADE: 4.94 GOLD CITY MEETING HOTEL
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
