Hotel Designs
Miniview: Hard Rock Hotels arrives in Budapest
Hard Rock Hotel Budapest has opened its doors – with architecture by Hungarian Stúdió 100 Építészeti Kft and interiors by Barcelona-based Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, it marks a new chapter for the experiential hospitality brand with its first property in Central Europe…
In true Hard Rock style the hotel is located in the centre of the Hungarian capital, on Nagymező Street, with theatres, restaurants and upscale shopping on the doorstep, and mere moments away from major city hotspots like Buda Castle along the Danube river, the world-famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths and the Opera House.
“After a string of successful hotel openings in Europe, from Amsterdam to Dublin to Madrid, we are excited to unveil Hard Rock Hotel Budapest this spring,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International. “Our first hotel in the Central European region will introduce our signature entertainment-infused hospitality, set against a new and unexpected backdrop.”
The hotel, with architecture by Hungarian Stúdió 100 Építészeti Kft. shelters 136 guestrooms and suites and two eateries and bars. The property blends an old Budapest facade enhanced with a sleek, new design. The historic part of the hotel is seamlessly connected to the newly-built section via interior glass hallways.
Entering the lobby, guests will discover a social, welcoming space, filled with musical touches and bright pops of colour. A yellow grand piano contrasts against cerulean blue velvet sofas, all framed by an assortment of curated memorabilia. There are over 50 items of musical and entertainment history proudly showcased throughout the hotel including Hungarian legendary singer songwriter, Janos Brody’s leather jacket, a vibrant purple faux fur coat worn by Prince and black sequin dress worn by Beyoncé.
Designed to feel like a private residence, the interiors by Barcelona-based Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio offer plush seating areas throughout the property complete with a warm fireplace in the lobby. The jewelled tones and tiles found throughout the hotel pay homage to the famous spas and thermal baths of Hungary, offering a local Budapest twist on the signature colourful experience at Hard Rock Hotels’ around the world.
With music at the core of Hard Rock Hotels, guests will find melodic influences in every corner. Refined, warm woods, akin to those used to make guitars, can be found throughout, as well as metallic accents reflecting the chromatic shades of guitar strings. The Rock Star Suite is the crown jewel of the hotel, offering a private terrace complete with a Jacuzzi, space for private al fresco dining as well as a spacious indoor living area.
The hotel is also home to the brand’s popular restaurant, Sessions, and lobby bar, Constant Grind. Sessions will serve a menu created by Chef Tamás Lipták with Hungarian specialties such as Goulash, along with dazzling cocktails by mixologist Zsolt Horváth, that use the finest Hungarian ingredients. Guests can also enjoy dining under the stars on Session’s open-air terrace with a background of live music. Constant Grind is open for all-day, casual dining, a pit-stop for a freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastry in the morning, or a colourful cocktail or craft beer at dusk. Hard Rock Hotel Budapest is also business-friendly, with a combination of stylish indoor and outdoor meeting areas. Roxy Budapest is a rooftop venue with indoor/outdoor spaces and can be booked for private events and celebrations with the city’s lights and iconic buildings as a backdrop.
Remaining true to brand, signature Hard Rock amenities will bring a range of entertainment and music-inspired experiences to the city. These include a Body Rock Fitness Centre, Rock Shop, Sound of Your Stay and Rock Om, allowing guests to finetune their next trip to Budapest with curated playlists, in-room yoga or an electric guitar to unleash your inner rock star in the privacy of your own room.
Main image credit: Hard Rock Hotels
Miniview: Hard Rock Hotels arrives in Budapest
Pauline Brettell.