Marriott: Luxury Collection Debuts in Hungary

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a premium arm of Marriott International, has opened Matild Palace, marking the Collection’s debut in Hungary. Matild is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, and has undergone a meticulous five-year to preserve its history while transforming into a 130-guestroom luxury hotel. 

Matild’s location in the heart of Budapest is just a stone’s throw from the Danube and the property’s spectacular design celebrates its building’s famed past while creating a modern and elegant ambience.

Matild Palace was built 120 years ago during the Belle Époque era and was developed under the patronage of Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to serve as the social hub of the city. Matild Palace was part a royal vision to create two baroque palaces, acting as a gateway to those entering the ‘Pest’ side of the city from Elisabeth Bridge. 

“The property allows our guests to realize the fantasy of living within in a royal palace, elevated with modern amenities and impeccable service, and we look forward to welcoming them as they discover this timeless and inspiring city,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of The Luxury Collection.

In an unusual twist for this Hungarian landmark, Matild has become an Epicurean Destination by Wolfgang Puck. The famed restauranteur will oversee all dining operations at Matild Palace bringing a new era of gastronomy and entertainment to the city. His renowned restaurant Spago by Wolfgang Puck introduces the Beverly Hills dining phenomenon in Hungary. The menu will offer traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist through recipes inspired by the produce of the region. 

The Austria-born chef will also oversee culinary offerings at The Duchessrooftop bar opening next month, a secret liquor library, as well as Matild Café and Cabaret, opening in September, which is a dramatic re-imagination of the most popular address for the high society of the Belle Époque era. Spago and Matild Café & Cabaret will both offer year round outdoor dining on the charming streets of Budapest, marking the first ‘gastro street’ in the city.

Palatial Accommodations

Matild Palace has 111 guestrooms and 19 suites, with many providing spectacular views of the city or the Danube River. The four guestroom categories each take inspiration from The Duchess’s lavish lifestyle and the spirit of early 20^th century Budapest. Guestrooms possess high ceilings and other marks of Hungarian high culture throughout the footprint. Touches include handcrafted headboards, traditional fishbone parquet floors and lavish spa-style bathrooms inspired by the legendary thermal baths of Hungary. The hotel offers many connecting family rooms for multi-generational city breaks.  

The Loft Guestrooms, located at the rooftop of the property, provide endless views either across the city or the Danube River through large, sloping windows. The mix of contemporary design with fanciful vintage furnishings and art is a nod to The Duchess’s artisan friends who often frequented the palace.  

The fifth floor Crown Tower Suite is split across three floors and is the first suite in Hungary to come with a nearly 160-foot-high dedicated tower bringing 360-degree views of the city. The Maria Klotid Royal Suite, a modern interpretation of the Duchess’s private suite, features a spacious master bedroom, bathroom, living room and separate study, decorated with elegant chandeliers and handmade glass mosaics. 

Hungarian Spa Moments

Swan Spa at Matild Palace features a Hungarian-influenced wellness experience with traditional thermal therapy and Hammam rituals designed to awaken guests’ senses. Complete with a salt and steam room the spa will exclusively offer ESPA products for all spa treatments. For those looking to keep active, there is also a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym.

For Meetings and Events

With the hotel’s grand architecture providing the backdrop, Matild Palace is an inspirational spot to handle all occasions from business meetings to special events. Dedicated planning experts  work with the culinary direction of Wolfgang Puck and the latest tech requirements.

The Luxury Collection is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members a portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences and an array of benefits from free nights to Elite status recognition.

Rates at Matild Palace start at $536 room, per night and that rate includes breakfast.