Checking In: Budapest hotel news and deals – January 2018

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest hires a new general manager

Bringing more than three decades of international hospitality-industry experience to one of Hungary’s most prestigious hotels, Mr. Rahim Abu Omar is the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. Before taking the helm at this five-star urban palace at the beginning of January, the Jordanian executive worked at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai and the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, and he served as CEO of Habtoor Hotels. “I am looking forward to contributing to the success of the hotel in this beautiful Central European capital,” said Mr. Abu Omar of his new post in the heart of downtown Budapest.

Kempinski’s Tamás Takács praised as world’s best hotel concierge

In a recent roundup of “The world’s best hotels and resorts of 2017” posted by Australia’s popular Traveller website, Head Concierge Tamás Takács of the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest earned praise as the year’s Best Hotel Concierge. Serving as a proud member of Hungary’s Les Clefs d’Or association of hospitality professionals, Mr. Takács “delivered big time when a broken tooth en route to Budapest threatened to ruin my 15-day river cruise,” wrote a Traveller correspondent, explaining that Mr. Takács managed to arrange an appointment with “a charming Budapest dentist” within a tight time frame.

The Hilton Budapest is launching a new restaurant

Perched in a prime location of Buda’s Castle District beside Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion, the Hilton Budapest is in the process of modernizing all of its facilities, having recently renovated the lobby, the ballroom, and the group-reception area that includes a fascinating viewing space to admire centuries-old architectural ruins. Now the Hilton Budapest is in the process of replacing its ICON restaurant with an entirely new eatery with a fresh concept expected to open in March – details are secret for now, but similarly to ICON, the restaurant should feature panoramic Budapest vistas.

Renovation work on Paris Court hotel project suffers delays

Towering over Ferenciek Square, the historic Paris Court (Párisi Udvar to Hungarians) is currently being renovated to house a deluxe Hyatt hotel, but according to multiple Hungarian media outlets, the inauguration of this five-star property – which was planned for June 2018 – will be delayed, and is now expected to occur sometime in autumn. This beautiful-but-dilapidated building is reportedly in need of much more reconstruction than was previously anticipated, including the necessary dismantling of an additional 1,400 square meters of ceiling, increasing renewal costs by 700 million forints.

Corinthia offers romance with the Be My Valentine package

Valentine’s Day only lasts for 24 hours, but the sumptuous Corinthia Hotel Budapest is welcoming guests for romantic indulgence throughout most of February with an excellent accommodations offer now available for booking. Couples who reserve the Be My Valentine package – valid for stays of at least three nights during February 1-25 – receive a room for two, champagne and chocolates on arrival, a buffet breakfast every morning, one dinner at the Brasserie & Atrium restaurant, and full-body massages at the hotel’s historic Royal Spa (pictured) for as little as €155 per night for both guests.

Casati boutique hotel offers deep wintertime discount

Tucked in the middle of central Pest just steps away from Andrássy Avenue and Deák Square, the 25-room Casati Budapest Hotel offers distinctly stylish accommodations – decorated with “classic”, “cool”, “natural”, and “heaven” themes – in a modernized 18th-century building adorned with contemporary art and enhanced by tasty cocktails served at the on-site Tuk Tuk Bar. While this boutique hotel is a delightful destination anytime, guests can receive a 20% discount if booking a room to stay here for three nights or more until March 31st, with breakfast included; see the hotel website for details.