HIDDEN GUEST: Le Primore Hotel & Spa

Le Primore Hotel & Spa sits within spitting distance of Hévíz, minutes from the famed thermal lake that has been crafting the destination’s identity for decades. The location makes it easy for guests to reach all key landmarks. At the same time, the hotel is far enough away to offer guests serenity, privacy and a safe haven.

The architecture of the hotel seeps into the spacious, tidy, lush surroundings, which balance the contemporary design, creating a harmonious blend of urban and natural.

Architects must have gotten their inspiration for the interior and the holistic design from the stunning surrounding nature. The spatial layout is logical and navigable. All entry points are intuitive, while passing from one facility to another is effortless. The connection to the verdant greenery is omnipresent. There are no disturbing factors, such as traffic, motorways or industrial facilities in the surroundings. For a wellness and business spa resort, this is paramount. The joint investment from a Hungarian consortium amounting to 84 million EUR is a breakthrough project for Heviz. Besides facilitating new workplaces, the hotel is setting new standards for luxury tourism in the destination. In the long run, this form of hospitality will significantly transform the structure of local and regional tourism.

Hévíz remains a singular destination that demands more logistical planning from guests. The closest airport, Hévíz–Balaton, offers only a limited number of seasonal connections. Most guests thus opt for Budapest Airport (about 200 kilometres away) or land at Graz Airport (about 170 kilometres away). Consequently, Le Primore Hotel & Spa is not the most suitable choice for events where fast, direct international accessibility is essential. Nonetheless, public transport is well organised thanks to Heviz’s regular bus connections with Budapest, Lake Balaton and surrounding cities. To boot, the main bus station is close to the hotel, so guests can reach it even without a vehicle. Le Primore Hotel & Spa mitigates these logistical challenges by providing robust traffic infrastructure. Guests arriving by car will find a spacious parking area, fitted with several electric charging stations for EVs. Accessing the hotel by car is straightforward thanks to excellent labelling. The hotel’s stable, reliable internet connection ensures hybrid events can run effortlessly. The reception also offers basic support in organising transfers and local transport. Parking is not free: the covered parking costs 4,000 HUF per vehicle per night, while the uncovered parking costs 1,000 HUF less.

At first glance, the hotel’s architecture evokes contradictory impressions. The exterior was conceived in a semicircular structure typical of Mediterranean resorts. Luckily, the property does not dominate the area. It was designed horizontally rather than vertically, so it does not jut out from the surroundings. This reduced height exudes a sense of modernity, calmness and refined design. Upon closer inspection, we noticed the hotel does not intrude on nature’s pristine beauty but harmonises with it. Pure lines, vast glass surfaces, and an emphasis on spaciousness and natural daylight contribute to this effect. The exterior is muted, yet elegant, without redundant architectural excesses.

The interior is marked by subdued elegance and timeless design.

The interior is consistent with the overarching design. Natural materials, earth tones, and contemporary, soft, rounded shapes create a believable visual story. This story runs through all public areas and hotel rooms. The aesthetics are neutral enough to cater to a broad spectrum of guests, from avid wellness-goers to business guests. At the same time, it is immediately recognisable, leaving a lasting impression, mostly thanks to its verdant green hues. The interior is marked by subdued elegance and timeless design. A warm, muted colour palette and the subtle layering of textures and natural materials are not only aesthetic choices. They are a spatial expression of the wellness philosophy, which aims to slow down time and encourage guests to enjoy the decor and its refinement

Our first contact with the staff was professional and exceeded expectations. All check-in processes were structured thanks to effective communication. We experienced no complications or redundant formalities. The well-trained staff works like a well-oiled machine. The first contact with the competent receptionist set the tone for the entire experience with the staff. In all other segments of hotel service, staff members delivered the same level of professionalism.

Particularly standout are the local meat delicacies and one of the best cheese stations among regional hotels.

The cuisine revolves around a contemporary-designed half-board stay with two meals. In recent years, this has become the standard for most five-star wellness hotels in the region. The gastronomical offering includes a self-service dinner with impressive show cooking. This adds dynamism, freshness, and a sense of connection to the cooking. Thanks to the diverse offerings, the cuisine thoughtfully adapts to various guest profiles. The restaurant area is functional but lacks privacy. The table layout could be more intimate. Breakfast is a welcome surprise, with a quality selection of dishes. Particularly standout are the local meat delicacies and one of the best cheese stations among regional hotels. We cannot omit the phenomenal wine list, though the prices are exorbitant. A key part of the hotel’s offer is its gastronomy, as evidenced by the international certificates it has earned. La Vie Gourmet received two hats in the Gault & Millau guide just three months after opening. The hotel itself was recognised by the MICHELIN Guide. This ambitious project is certainly worth visiting. We sense that the hotel will continue to refine its services and improve quality.

Hotel rooms

We were mesmerised by the earthly colours as soon as we set foot in the hotel room. Most of all, we were impressed by the deep green hue of the bed’s headboard, which reminded us of the nearby wetlands and the iconic thermal lake.

The room exudes warmth and a sense of homeliness, while the walnut furniture elevates the experience and exudes opulence.

The romantic tapestry featuring a lakeside still life, coupled with select materials, creates an inviting atmosphere. The work desk is functional and offers ample room for remote work. Moreover, the room features a discreet and handy minibar, a rare feature in today’s hotels. We were most impressed by the bathroom, which impresses with the ultra-modern Grohe toilet and various smart features. This is a high-tech feature unseen in this hotel segment. Although the basic room itself is not the most spacious, the feeling of staying is anything but, also thanks to the spacious balcony overlooking the lavish hotel atrium. The carpet flooring? A point of contention. The brand-new carpet material is quality-made and incredibly pleasant to walk on. However, only time will tell if the carpet will retain its flawless swankiness. We must also praise the illumination – lights are thoughtfully spread around the room and intuitive to manage. This further reinforces the feeling of comfort. If we could add anything, we would recommend a quality wireless speaker that could be easily connected to guests’ devices. Something ultra sleek to create an evening ambience would be the icing on the cake.

Meetings centre

The central conference space measures 400 square metres and is fully flexible. It can be divided into four smaller units. It is suitable for large-scale events and conferences with parallel programmes. Natural daylight floods the conference hall from three sides, making it feel open and connected to the surroundings. The flooring is soft and neutral. The air-conditioning is automatic and quiet. The acoustics are great, though there are minor discrepancies depending on the hall’s layout. The conference space is set on the first floor, which hampers accessibility. Guests must pass several hotel rooms before reaching the hall, so the layout could be more attendee-friendly.

DESSERT – The extras

Le Primore Hotel & Spa’s additional offer is its trump card. The spa and wellness segment is incredibly diverse, extensive and well-organised. In addition, the spaces offer individual relaxation and are suitable for small groups. Private spa rooms are an extra feature – ideal for business and incentive groups. The core of the offering is Eden Spa, spanning 11,500 square metres and featuring the hotel’s very own thermal spring. Guests can dip their toes in thermal and massage pools or whirlpools, or take a proper swim in the 25-metre swimming pool. Three saunas – a family-friendly one, a nudist one and a ladies-only sauna – complement the private spa and hammam, curated for more exclusive experiences. Traditional Heviz-inspired therapies are interpreted in a modern way, enriched with products from famed brands. Several bars, lounges, and lush green outdoor spaces offer ample opportunities for informal meetings and outdoor events, especially in the warmer months.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

Alas, Le Primore Hotel & Spa is another hotel where the disturbing blinking lights on the air-conditioning and electrical switches cannot be dimmed or turned off. At night, this irksome light disturbs the quality of rest. In a hotel of this category, this is unacceptable. Some interior decor elements, especially the carpeting, are aesthetically stunning, yet we wonder whether they will withstand frequent hotel use and wear and tear. Time will tell whether visual elegance will stand up to daily use.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The hotel’s overall spaciousness is positively inspiring. Guests move intuitively from one facility to another, thanks to signage and lifts that aid orientation. The balconies adjoining the rooms, offering views of the hotel atrium and the green landscape, ooze a sense of openness and privacy at once. For business and convention hotels, that is an exception rather than a rule. We were also impressed by the amount of natural daylight in the public areas and conference halls. Sunlight positively influences the well-being of event attendees and helps them focus.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

The hotel demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability, particularly in energy efficiency, water management, and environmental impact reduction. The property has installed thermal heat pumps and solar cells, and has blanketed its roof in greenery. On top of that, they optimise water use with automated systems. Another sustainable endeavour is the revitalisation of the dilapidated area and the restoration of the local ecosystem. We also noticed that the hotel corridor lights are triggered by sensors and are not on all the time. Furthermore, the hotel has implemented systems to reduce and separate waste and banned single-use plastic. To boot, the hotel supports electromobility. The cuisine is based on local and in-house-grown produce, following the farm-to-fork principle. In essence, the hotel’s sustainability is exemplary, but the management could share its practices with guests and aspire to acquire international sustainability certificates.

Can you imagine that a landfill once stood where the hotel was erected? From this perspective alone, the project is extraordinarily regenerative. Despite some eclectic interventions that might be labelled kitschy, the overall ambience is pleasant and welcoming. Upon entering the hotel, guests can sense the quality of the design that befits the five-star level. The concept, design and story seem thoughtful. Le Primore Hotel & Spa stands out from the competition thanks to its innovative concepts, such as hosting different guest chefs every month in its La Vie Restaurant and a compelling wellness offering that balances the experience.

Le Primore Hotel & Spa is among the freshest and finest hotel properties in the region, attesting to Hungary’s emerging leadership role in European hospitality.

To achieve excellence, the hotel only needs to fine-tune its offerings and staff, but even today, the future path is well charted. Le Primore Hotel & Spa is among the freshest and finest hotel properties in the region, attesting to Hungary’s emerging leadership role in European hospitality. The level of service is indeed reflected in the not-so-affordable price. Yet, given the quality of the facilities and the holistic experience, the price is completely justified. The hotel will undoubtedly attract demanding incentive groups to this part of Hungary in the future and will also serve as a catalyst for the region’s future development. New competition can only mean one thing: Heviz’s quality as a tourism destination will rise irreversibly.

FINAL GRADE: 4.94 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Spa Meeting Hotel 

3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60