W Hotels Worldwide has debuted its first property in Hungary, and Eastern Europe, in no less than Budapest’s historic Drechsler Palace, previously home to the Institute of Ballet. The hotel was revealed in 2018, and initially forecast to welcome guests in 2020.
W Budapest is located on Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s most luxurious shopping street. The property features 151 guestrooms and suites (of which there are 45) as well as three dining concepts, all influenced by Budapest’s rich history, creativity and diversity.
Following the 2021 opening of W Rome, W Budapest showcases the evolved direction of W Hotels, offering incredible design in an elevated and sophisticated yet playful setting that intrinsically connects the next generation of luxury travellers to the locale.
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“The debut of W Hotels in Budapest marks a monumental milestone and signals a new era of design ethos for our iconic brand,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “We look forward to connecting our guests to this timeless and inspiring city through inviting yet unexpected design, imaginative dining and unparalleled guest programming.”
The fifth floor’s unique wooden-centric style is sympathetic to the Palace’s original roof design that has been restored, while the hotel’s connection to ballet is reflected in the all-black Extreme WOW suite and all-white WOW suite – a celebration of the famous ballet Swan Lake.
W Budapest’s dining concepts include the destination restaurant, Nightingale by Beefbar, spearheaded by Fabio Polidori. The bar at Nightingale by Beefbar offers a host of creative cocktails, from bourbon-based
Nightingale Boulvardie to the gin and sweet wine-based cocktail Budapest Calling.
Society25 is the hotel’s exclusive speakeasy located in the basement. It takes inspiration from the creative conversations and secret table societies that frequented the space in its past life, offering a fiercely intimate and socially liberating experience.
On the ground floor, blending into Nightingale restaurant, is W Lounge – the social epicentre of the hotel. From business meetings and light lunches to late-night revelry, W Lounge transcends day to night, serving sharing plates and signature cocktails to a backdrop of electrifying DJ performances as the sun sets over Budapest.
Next door to the secret speakeasy is W Budapest’s AWAY® Spa. Hidden doors lead to secret spaces where guests can seek serenity from the bustling city and enjoy moments of calm and relaxation. Here, the Houdini-inspired illusion comes to life with mirrors and water features creating a feeling of never-ending space and serenity. Inspired by the thermal baths that Budapest is famed for, the WET® pool takes centre stage, offering an alluring oasis embellished with traditional tiles and gold mesh, paired with calming earthy tones.
See wbudapest.com.