W Budapest Unveils Its Charms on the Prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site Discover a fusion of neo-Renaissance elegance, diverse culinary delights, and rich Hungarian legacy at W Budapest.
The historic Drechsler Palace, a neo-Renaissance gem standing proudly on Andrassy Avenue in the city center, now boasts a new and imaginative identity as W Budapest. This W hotel, housed within the 140-year-old palace, features 151 rooms and suites, a restaurant perfect for people-watching, a cozy lounge, a subterranean spa, and even a hidden speakeasy.
Situated just across from the State Opera House, where Angelina Jolie recently filmed the Maria Callas biopic, this palace, originally crafted by architects Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, once served as a fabulous café and the headquarters for the Hungarian Institute of Ballet.
Following an extensive renovation led by interior design studios Bowler James Brindley and Bánáti + Hartvig, the property has been transformed into a captivating haven for the modern traveler.
The design pays homage to another Hungarian icon, Hollywood star Zsa Zsa Gabor. From the vibrant color palette inspired by Gabor’s glamour to contemporary Zsolnay-inspired tiles, stained glass features, Hollywood-style mirrors, and jewelry-like light fixtures, every detail exudes elegance.
Drawing inspiration from the duality of Buda and Pest, the designers have artfully integrated playful optical illusions throughout the hotel.
Whether navigating the lengthy hallways, sipping a cocktail in your suite, or exploring the spiraling staircases, the design effortlessly balances contrasts—light and dark, hard and soft, black and white, up and down. This touch of illusion may well be a nod to Hungary’s renowned magician, Harry Houdini.
Mirrors are strategically employed across the property, creating a magical atmosphere. Rooms feature “second skins,” design elements that make a statement without altering the palace’s structure—floating beds, unexpected metal mesh details, closets that don’t touch the walls, and freestanding furniture. Chess enthusiasts will appreciate the mirrored checkerboard doors and monochrome checkerboard flooring in the bathrooms.
For those looking to host a soirée, the all-black Extreme WOW Suite or the all-white WOW Suite offer a full bar and ample seating—a perfect choice for socialites channeling their inner Gabor. And when relaxation calls, indulge in the thermal baths at the on-site spa.
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W Budapest marks a fresh chapter for W hotels, presenting a refined and thoughtful ambiance while maintaining the brand’s signature social allure.