The Gresham Palace overlooks Chain Bridge across prominent Széchenyi István tér. An outstanding example of Central European Art Nouveau, it was built in 1906 by the Gresham Life Assurance company, named after the founder of London’s Royal Exchange. Originally elegant apartments, in the 1940s it became the host of a rather louche cabaret before being occupied by the Red Army. Residents continued to live here after the war, while the building lost its allure. Eventually, in 2001, the building was purchased by Canadian high-end chain Four Seasons, who transformed it into a luxury hotel, working to the original plans to renew its sumptuous interior of stained glass, mosaic and wrought iron. A wander around the magnificent lobby offers ample evidence of the craftsmanship involved.
Opened in 2004, it comprises a top-floor spa, an elegant cocktail bar and top-notch restaurant, the Kollázs Brasserie & Bar. While welcoming to non-residents, the Gresham also offers its many star guests discretion and A-list service. This is not only one of the finest hotels in Hungary, but Europe.
