First opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, Corinthia Hotel Budapest remains among the grandest in the city. Meticulously renovated, the hotel's rich history blends seamlessly with state-of-the-art features, such as an original 19th century spa, elegant eateries, two bars and the city's largest hotel conference facilities.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest is within walking distance of several of the city’s most exciting attractions. The finest hotel in the heart of the city, it captures the city’s glamour and romance.
Corinthia's team has transformed formerly the Grand Hotel Royal to the highest standards of contemporary luxury, while retaining the beautiful historical features such as marble floors, a grand sweeping staircase and a stunning six-storey atrium. The original Royal Spa has been given a new lease of life, remodelled as a luxurious and contemporary spa with a 15 metre pool.
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE GRAD HOTEL ROYAL
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Grand Hotel Royal has been reinvented and rebranded under the careful eye of Corinthia. Since opening its doors in 2004, Corinthia Budapest has entertained the great and the good but its history as the Grand Hotel Royal goes much further back. So take a step back in time and investigate the past life of this Hungarian hospitality juggernaut. A NEW URBAN CONCEPT
The course of the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), upon which Corinthia Hotel Budapest resides, was marked out during the 1870s together with Andrássy Avenue, Budapest’s most impressive street.
The road went through a thinly populated part of suburban Budapest, so its development was rather slow, and only a few buildings were constructed in the 1870s. The real development of the Grand Boulevard began once Andrássy Avenue was completed in 1884. THE ROYAL CHRISTENING
The Grand Hotel Royal was originally opened for visitors of the highly successful Millennium Exhibition in 1896.
A joint-stock company, established by the most important hotel owners of the day, including the chairman Frigyes Glück and the planner architect Rezső Ray, had succeeded in purchasing the largest piece of real estate on the developing Grand Boulevard.
By this time the Grand Boulevard had become the main artery of the Hungarian capital and the hotel rooms enjoyed superb views of this most attractive part of Budapest.
The official opening ceremony was on 30th April 1896 attracting many visitors and after its opening; the Royal became a regular haunt of contemporary Hungarian writers and journalists, including Jenő Heltay, Sándor Hunyadi, Lajos Nagy, and Gyula Krúdy.
At the time of its opening, the hotel comprised of 350 guest rooms, the adjacent building and attic rooms for the staff. The architectural style was French renaissance and the latest technology of the era was used throughout.
The aim was to create a building equipped for the highest levels of luxury, with high quality services and professionally organised operations.
Besides the facilities (post office, bank, hairdresser, and ticket office) guests and the public had access to two restaurants, a café, a Gerbeaud confectionery and private dining rooms. In the cellar, there was not only a grocery store but also a bar. In the western cour d’honneur a palm garden made the court more attractive.
In 1896, the year of its opening, the Lumiére brothers held the first screening of a motion picture in Budapest at the hotel, an event which would later become a regular exhibition. While also housing an early incarnation of the cinema, several classical concerts were held in the Royal Ballroom, and Béla Bartók, the world-famous Hungarian composer, frequently conducted music there.
However, with the growing popularity of the motion picture, the Royal Ballroom ceased to exist as a part of the hotel when it was reconstructed as the Royal Apollo cinema.
After the Second World War, it reopened its doors in 1959 as the Red Star cinema with its entrance on Hársfa Street. As well as hosting the first motion picture screening in the country, to add to its trove of firsts and to show how truly forward-thinking they were, in 1909, the first Hungarian aeroplane was exhibited in one of the hotel’s cour d’honneur.
DECLINE, FALL AND RISE
From the Second World War until 1953, the Royal served not only as a hotel, but also as an office building. In 1953 the building was restored to become a hotel, but just three years later the roof was destroyed by fire. This unfortunate event forced the architects to reconstruct the whole building.
The Royal was intended to be a hotel representative of the age, since none of the hotels which now line the Danube bank had been established yet. István Janáky, architect of the reconstruction, reconsidered the building’s interior in the space idealism of his age.
Today, no remaining fragments of the original interior can be found as the demolition and reconstruction in 1956 sadly destroyed every trace. In 1961 the Royal was re-opened as a hotel with 367 guest rooms, but over the years the hotel became obsolete and finally, it was closed in the autumn of 1991, although the cinema continued working until the autumn of 1997. The original visitor’s book contains the signatures of some of the most important people from Europe and the rest of the world. Just a few examples are Max Reinhardt, Asta Nilsen, Saljapin, Valdemar Psylander, Professor Barnard, Roberto Benzi, Mario del Monaco, Anna Moffo, Renata Scotto, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Amerigo Tot and Valentina Tereskova.
Presidential Liszt Ferenc suite, named after the famed Hungarian composer, is the most magnificent accommodation available at Corinthia Hotel Budapest. At 240m², it's also the largest hotel suite in Hungary.
Luxuries include two separate bedrooms with super king size beds, two bathrooms, a Jacuzzi, an expansive living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room, an study and a view of Budapest’s stately boulevards, as well as all the comforts you would expect from a grand hotel.
In addition, guests are given free access to fabulous Royal Spa and Executive Lounge, which features private check-in and check-out with welcome drink, a comprehensive library, business centre facilities, a boardroom, a television room and a selection of snacks and canapés served every day.
Named for famous Hungarian composers, the Bartok and Kodaly suites are even grander than Deluxe suites. Each meticulously designed suite features a separate bedroom with a luxurious super king size bed, an expansive living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that can also function as a boardroom, and a view of Budapest’s stately boulevards, as well as all the luxuries you’d expect from a top hotel.
These include glorious marble bathrooms with bathtubs and rain showers, comfortable sofas, top-of-the-range Hi-Fi systems, satellite TVs, complimentary cable and Wi-Fi Internet access and a Nespresso coffee machine.
In addition, guests are given free access to fabulous Royal Spa and Executive Lounge.
It features private check-in and check-out with welcome drink, a comprehensive library, business centre facilities, a boardroom, a television room and a selection of snacks and canapés served every day.
The edgy interior of Executive Suite is perfectly complimented by modern, eclectic furniture effortlessly juxtaposed with the classic warmth of plush draperies and beautiful wooden floors.
Neutral shades of taupe and light grey adorn the walls, contrasted by flashes of jewel tones from furnishings, while the stunning glass panel makes a striking addition to the bedding and velvety carpets.
Homely, spacious,and airy, Executive Suite is a refreshing and utterly relaxing oasis of modern interior design.
This stunning suite, measuring 70m², features a bedroom, an expansive living room, two separate bathrooms, bathtub, shower and a walk-in wardrobe.
Each meticulously designed suite features a separate bedroom with a luxurious king size bed, an expansive living room, a handsome view of Budapest’s stately boulevards, and all the luxuries you’d expect from a premium hotel.
These include glorious marble bathrooms, comfortable sofas, top-of-the-range Bose audio systems, satellite TVs, complimentary cable and Wi-Fi Internet access and a Nespresso coffee machine.
These meticulously designed suites offer flexible space, and each features a bedroom with a luxurious king size bed, an expansive living area, a handsome view of the streets of Budapest, and all the luxuries you’d expect from a premium hotel ensuring nothing but the finest in luxury Budapest accommodation.
With luxurious king size beds, glorious marble bathrooms and a spacious seating area, 34m² Deluxe King rooms are perfectly equipped for unrivalled relaxation.
Each room comes complete with a view of striking atrium, as well as all the luxuries you’d expect from a premium hotel.
These include LCD HD TVs with 50-plus local and international channels, a choice of 40 films, complimentary Wi-Fi access and tea and coffee making facilities.
In addition, guests are given free access to fabulous Royal Spa.
Spacious, 34m², mahogany-decorated Executive King rooms, with glorious marble bathrooms, provide a comfortable retreat at the end of a working day in the Hungarian capital.
Each room comes complete with views of striking atrium or Budapest’s stately boulevards, as well as all the luxuries you’d expect from a top hotel. These include LCD HD TVs with 50-plus local and international channels, a choice of 40 films, complimentary Wi-Fi access and a Nespresso coffee machine.
In addition, guests are given free access to fabulous Royal Spa and complimentary use of the Executive Lounge, which features private check-in and check-out with welcome drink, a comprehensive library, business centre facilities, a boardroom, a television room and a selection of snacks and canapés served every day.
Furnished with luxurious beds and glorious marble bathrooms, 28 m2 Superior King and Twin rooms offer exceptional comfort and tranquillity to every guest.
These luxury hotel rooms are designed for unrivalled relaxation and each comes complete with a view of Budapest’s streets and courtyards, as well as all the luxuries you’d expect from a grand hotel.
From fine dining, to a casual meal or even a late-night drink, Corinthia Hotel Budapest presents the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails in central Budapest. Offering authentic dishes from across the Orient at the Rickshaw Restaurant to the eclectic flavours of Bock Bistro, one of the best restaurants in Budapest, every palate is catered for.
The Brasserie and Atrium restaurants present the ideal place for both casual and business meetings or to enjoy a speciality coffee and a sumptuous cake, while cocktail connoisseurs can experience exquisite drinks at Le Bar.
Famous for its superb wine list and friendly atmosphere, Bock Bistro is popular with locals and travelers alike for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
Awarded Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, the Bock Bistro specialises in Hungarian-inspired dishes fused with Spanish tapas.
12.00h - 00.00h
The always-teeming Brasserie and Atrium restaurant offers the most outstanding international and Hungarian dishes.
It is an ideal place for both business and casual meetings. The restaurant is open all day, beginning with the morning buffet breakfast, through to lunch and then á la carte diner.
Uniquely in Hungary, on every Sunday, Brasserie and Atrium presents themed brunches, where besides culinary joys the focus is on entertainment and live experiences.
12.00h - 23.00h
12.00h - 16.00h
International, Hungarian
Caviar & Bull’s Marvin Gauci - celebrity chef and ambassador for Maltese gastronomy - following wide acclaim for his multi-award winning restaurants comes to Budapest.
The exciting menu fuses colour, texture, scent and taste, and is complemented with an enticing wineselection. Caviar & Bull awaits with its views, hues and symphony of tastes.
18.00h - 00.00h
Take an imaginary journey to a small farm, where the soil is fertile, the grass is green, and the cattle graze peacefully. The land’s produce tastes fresh and sweet, its flavour and quality unrivalled.
This dream farm is what chef Balázs Ölvedy at Brasserie & Atrium restaurant sought. Always obsessed with quality, his mission was to come up with a concept that would highlight the artisan producers of Hungary, showcase the benefits of seasonal eating and delight guests with simple, outstanding dishes. And so, Farm to Table was born.
With the idea fully-formed, the manifesto of Brasserie & Atrium was clear: create the menu around the ingredients. The restaurant team then embarked on a literal journey, travelling to every corner of Hungary in order to find the farms that matched Ölvedy’s vision – a real pilgrimage of food, seeking out farmers who pay the closest attention to the rhythms of nature and the seasons.
Each supplier under the Farm to Fork umbrella provides top-quality food, as well as demonstrating outstanding commitment to sustainable development and managing the environment. The results are flawless, seasonal ingredients, and the farmers have become friends of the hotel, with visits from both sides now a regular occurrence.
Among the current roster of Farm to Table produce is award-winning lamb from Kelemér, fruits and vegetables from Dunaalmás and goat’s cheese from the Őrség. A real taste of Hungary’s best.
Le Bar is an elegant and relaxing lounge bar where guests can meet for an aperitif, an after dinner drink or even a light snack. Sip on a delicious cocktail from a selection of both classic and innovative choices, enjoy a fine wine or beer and relax to the sounds of talented resident pianist.
Music lovers can also discover a fine selection of events hosted regularly at Le Bar including popular Jazz Series - Join the Band!, Book reading - story telling and Strawberry Fields.
10.30h - 01.00h
17.00h - 19.00h
Orfeum Club evokes the glamour and excitement of the famous orfeums of the 19th Century when acrobats, singers, dancers and poets performed on a tiny stage in front of a tightly-packed audience.
The bright lights of the orfeums have faded since the turn of the century, but not at Corinthia Hotel Budapest where the cream of the city’s entertainers converge to captivate and thrill their audience.
Guests can step back in time, sip a fine cocktail and enjoy a wide range of musical and theatrical performances, all from the comfort of fabulous Orfeum Club.
The Orfeum Club is located next to the hotel with direct entrance from the hotel Lobby. Admission is free for hotel guests. Open from one hour before the show or party time on days of performances until closing time.
Rickshaw serves authentic dishes from across the Orient in an atmosphere which complements the traditional arts and materials of the Far East. World class quality and fantastic gastronomic experiences reminiscent of the Far East in downtown Budapest.
The chef dazzles diners with traditional Asian flavours prepared exclusively with the finest, freshest ingredients.
Enjoy a truly unique dining experience.
18.00h - 23.00h
Far Eastern
For those who love spa and wellness, Budapest – known to many as the City of Healing Waters - has a unique appeal. The Romans first developed the 118 naturally-occurring thermal springs, producing some 70 million litres of warm, therapeutic water each day and not surprisingly, ‘taking the waters’ is still a national pastime.
First opened in 1886, the Royal Spa has been beautifully restored to its original splendour and today offers the latest state-of-the-art spa facilities and treatments. The Royal Spa is the jewel of the luxury Corinthia Hotel Budapest and is accessible from both the hotel and from Erzsébet boulevard.
Within the framework of its classical interiors, the Royal Spa has been carefully redesigned to provide over 1,000 m2 of vitality, tranquillity and well-being.
This unique spa offers a wide range of facilities including a 15 metre swimming pool, several relaxation areas, saunas, steam bath, Jacuzzis, a fitness room and six single treatment rooms plus one especially designed for couples.
Partnering with ESPA, the Royal Spa at Corinthia Budapest have launched a selection of ESPA treatments ranging from results-driven facials to luxurious body treatments all targeted specifically to the clients individual needs.
FROM RUIN TO ROYALTY: THE HISTORY OF FABULOUS SPA
The spa was planned and built by the architect Vilmos Freund in 1886-88. At that time it contained steam baths, wave and shower baths, electric baths, a pneumatic chamber and a medical room with cold water. Contemporary journalists were fascinated by the spa’s appearance. In 1903 direct access was created for hotel guests. After the First World War, Freund was declared bankrupt and his heirs sold the spa in 1923 to the Royal Nagyszálló Rt.
The spa operated until 1944 when it closed for many years. The abandoned, obsolete spa was rediscovered in 1983 and, according to the original documents, there were plans to use the spa area for parking facilities.
Thankfully, János Dianóczki, who was in charge of planning the multi-storey car park, turned down the proposal. The media and the public supported him and his decision made it possible for the current owners to restore the spa today.
The new owners The Royal, one of the best known historic hotels in Budapest and Europe, owes its revival to the Corinthia Group. The Maltese-based, family-founded investment group operates a collection of five-star hotels across a range of exciting destinations around Europe and North Africa.
Lovingly restored to its original glory, Corinthia Hotel Budapest was brought to life, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, with an impressive €100 million investment, the largest scale hotel refurbishment project in Hungarian history.
The sensitive use of materials and equipment to tastefully and respectfully refurbish this historic building was an impressive feat and made use of an impressive selection of materials from around the globe.
The Grand Ballroom and public rooms are laid with Italian limestone and Spanish marble. The handsome guestroom doors are Czech and open up into beautiful spaces furnished with Slovakian furniture and South African carpets.
This international selection is nevertheless framed by the expertise of Hungarian craftsmen: their fabulous plasterwork puts the final touch on the Hotel and their gilded scrolls elevate the beauty of the Grand Ballroom.
Be inspired by history when you visit and create your own memories.
Using the most effective ingredients and techniques from around the world, ESPA treatments combine the purest levels of the most potent natural ingredients with the latest age-defying technology.
Workout in well equiped gym.
First opened in 1886, the Royal Spa has been beautifully restored to its original splendour and today offers the latest state-of-the-art spa facilities and treatments.
The crowning centrepiece of elegant Art Deco building of Royal Spa is the recently-refurbished 15-metre swimming pool.
EXECUTIVE CLUB
Designed for today's discerning traveller, the Executive Club ensures the ideal environment for conducting business, and of course relaxing while working away from the office.
Executive guests with access to the Club will enjoy private check-in and check-out, a welcome drink, breakfast, fine Hungarian wines, a wide range of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, tea, coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
Library, international newspapers, TV room with 40 international channels, free computer usage with internet access, Business Centre facilities and concierge services.
BUDAPEST
Budapest is more than ready to take its place as one of Europe’s most inviting, and intriguing, cities.
Architecturally, it boasts buildings from baroque to contemporary eras, the art scene is booming and its café culture, born from bohemian roots, is still at the heart of what makes this romantic city tick.
Straddling the Danube River, with historical Buda to the west and buzzing Pest the east, Budapest is a fantastic city for business, nightlife and relaxation.
BUSINESS IN BUDAPEST
Business trips to Budapest needn’t be all work and no play. If you have an hour or two to spare at lunch or between meetings, there’s lots to see and do that won’t take up much time.
Most of the city’s main cultural and historic districts can be explored on foot, while getting from A to B is quick and easy thanks to Budapest’s great subway, streetcar, taxi and bus systems – essential when you’re racing against the clock.
From climbing St Stephen’s Basilica and sampling Hungarian wine to an after-work soak at Széchenyi Baths, here are the best things to do while on business in Budapest.
The hotel is close to metro and tram stops and within walking distance of the House of Terror, Fine Arts Museum, Opera House, Heroes’ Square, City Park with Budapest Zoo and St Stephen’s Basilica. Chain Bridge, Castle District, Budapest Parliament and the Dohány street Synagogue are also close.
Designed by British interior designer Martin Goddard the Royal Lounge is furnished in club style, and features offices, boardrooms and rest sections, all fitted with 21st-century equipment.
The river Danube runs adjacent to the city and from its waters visitors receive unparalleled panoramic views of key sights such as Castle Hill.
Stop by Budapest’s largest indoor market, Great Market Hall. It’s always fully stocked with local produce such as meats, cheeses and wine, and its food stands serve delicious Hungarian delicacies.
Laid out in 1896, Heroes' Square (Hősök tere) is the largest and most impressive square of the city. The Millennium Monument in the middle of the square was erected to commemorate the 1000-year-old history of the Magyars.
Relax with a glass of Hungarian wine. Hungary has been producing wine since the Roman times; its best-known red wine is Egri Bikavér (meaning, Bull’s Blood) and its dessert wine, Tokaji, is world famous.
Whether you are planning a wedding, a conference or a business event, hotel's team can help you achieve your goals. Your dedicated Events Planner will be on hand to help you find the perfect venue and guide you through every aspect of your event.
In Budapest, coffee is almost as popular as wine and the last decade has seen an influx of speciality coffee shops. Select one, such as Művész Kávéház(meaning Artist Coffeehouse), with a view overlooking the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House.
The legendary hospitality of Corinthia Hotel Budapest can be enjoyed outside of grand ballroom and conference centres. Royal Catering is a new full-service catering solution, designed to provide complete satisfaction for every event.
The largest church in Budapest and one of the city’s most recognisable buildings. While the grandiose historical architecture is a sight in itself, the views from the top of the dome are even more impressive.
The Grand Ballroom is restored to its original beauty with rich, baroque-style decorated ceilings and walls, thus offering the ideal venue for a truly unforgettable event.
The seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, a notable landmark of Hungary and a popular tourist destination of Budapest. It lies in Lajos Kossuth Square, on the bank of the Danube. It is currently the largest building in Hungary and still the tallest building in Budapest.
At the end of a busy day, soothe your muscles and calm your mind with a soak in a thermal bath. Széchenyi Baths is one of the city’s best bathhouses and has a number of pools to choose from.
Linked to the Grand Ballroom by a glass bridge, the Valletta Exhibition Centre is a showpiece of 21st century architecture and technology offering over 740m² of superb event or display space.
Head to Budapest’s famous Castle Hill. Join a guided walking tour or explore by yourself and take in historic sights such as Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.
The most remarkable part of your life is about to begin; you've decided to get married, and hotel's team is honoured to assist you on the start of this spectacular journey.
CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST
Erzsebet krt 43-49 Budapest H-1073Hungary