In shock news, Budapest’s successful Buddha-Bar Hotel at the landmark Klotild Palace will close in January 2019. All bookings up to 5 January will be honoured. Opened in June 2012, the Buddha-Bar Hotel was the jewel in the crown of the Budapest-based Mellow Mood Hotel group. With the high-end Buddha-Bar itself and Lebanese restaurant Baalbek, plus B/Attitude spa, this exotically styled luxury hotel was one of the most prominent in the Hungarian capital.

As outlined by Buddha-Bar spokesperson Emese Sipka, the decision was a joint one between the hotel operator and the owners of this historic building. ‘We agreed to vacate the property by 10 January as the owner is looking to sell the building. Up to two-thirds of Buddha-Bar staff will be be offered positions elsewhere with Mellow Mood.’

As the same group is developing the equally ornate Párisi Udvar hotel alongside, before its rebranding as part of the Hyatt group, some members of Buddha-Bar staff may find work next door – or at other branches of the otherwise 11-strong local chain. These surprise developments do not affect other Mellow Mood properties.

The Klotild Palace is one of two adjoining Neo-Baroque palaces dating back to 1899, when it was the first building in Hungary to be fitted with a lift. Badly damaged in World War II, it was completely revamped in recent times to become an iconic boutique hotel overlooking the Danube.

It is not yet clear what plans the current owner may have for the property.