This grand Budapest palace has been transformed into a modern luxury hotel

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Budapest reopens as a luxury hotel after a five-year renovation.

© Provided by Travel + Leisure
Courtesy of Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

Commissioned by the Archduchess of the Hungo-Austrian Empire Maria Klotild in 1902, the Matild Palace has become famous for its spectacular architecture and legendary festivals. Now it has been given new life as a new Marriott Luxury Collection hotel.

The former Imperial Palace has undergone a major transformation to become a 130-room luxury hotel. But many of its most fantastic original features are still intact, such as crystal lamps, high ceilings, and Art Nouveau details throughout the building.

“The property enables our guests to fulfill the dream of living in a royal palace, complete with modern amenities and impeccable service, and we look forward to welcoming them as they discover this timeless and inspiring city,” Philipp Weghmann, vice president and leading global brand of The Luxury Collection, said in a statement.

The renovation was carried out by interior designer Maria Vafiadis and local architects Péter Dajka and Puhl Antal.

Inside, guests will find a blend of old and modern luxury when checking in. Each room features ceilings that are at least 13 feet high, handcrafted headboards, and a spa-style bathroom, inspired by the famous Hungarian thermal baths. There are 111 rooms and 19 suites, the most decadent of which feature multi-story layouts, chandeliers, and 360-degree city views.

© Courtesy of Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest
The Matlid Palace has been given new life as a new Marriott Luxury Collection hotel.

Guests can choose to relax at the hotel’s Swan Spa, which offers Hungarian-style wellness treatments like thermal therapy, dine at one of the restaurants run by Wolfgang Puck or enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar or at the secret liquor library. Later this year, the hotel will also return to its original function as a social hotspot and host contemporary cabaret performances.

Rates start at around $ 535 (€ 450) per night, including breakfast.

Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure, currently based in Brooklyn. you can find her on Twitter, Instagram or on caileyrizzo.com.