Budapest’s fascinating history, grand architecture, and unique cultural offering merit its designation as the ‘Jewel on the Danube’. This captivating, lively city attracts six million visitors annually, enticing them with a unique mix of architectural styles, thermal baths, and sailing experiences along the Danube River.
Words Marisa Cutillas, Photography Courtesy of the Kimpton BEM Budapest
If you are familiar with Budapest, you know that the Danube divides the city into two parts: the hilly, historic Buda and the flat, bustling Pest, connected by iconic bridges like the Széchenyi lánchíd (Chain Bridge) – a veritable symbol of unity and progress. The Buda side is now home to a brand-new hotel – the Kimpton BEM Budapest, touted as ‘the urban, cool kid on the block’. Just a stone’s throw from Buda Castle, it offers a timeless journey through Budapest’s regal past, as envisioned by celebrated Dutch product and interior designer Marcel Wanders.
Paying Homage To Hungary’s Rich Past
Wanders, who launched his studio in Amsterdam in 2000, boasts an impressive client list, which includes Alessi, Baccarat, and Louis Vuitton. He has received an array of prestigious prizes – including the Rotterdam Design Prize – and has lectured at renowned institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His work for the Kimpton BEM Budapest pays tribute to Hungary’s rich folklore and celebrates the vitality of its capital through maximalism and vibrant artistic expression.
The Magic Of Storytelling
While working on the design for the new hotel, Wanders and his team visited local libraries and historical archives and held meetings with Hungarian artists. The result is a hotel that immerses guests in myth, magic, and timeless storytelling. From the Golden Stag (Csodaszarvas), a legendary protective figure, to floral poppy and tulip motifs, folkloric symbols are displayed throughout the interiors.
In Hungarian mythology, the Golden Stag led the brothers Hunor and Magor, the ancestors of the Huns and the Magyarok, on a long and mythical chase. They never found the stag, but their relentless pursuit brought them to the land where they eventually founded their peoples. In the Turul Salon, a private dining and meeting space, the mythic bird of Magyar tradition spreads its majestic wings across the walls. According to legend, the Turul appeared in a dream to Emese, foretelling the birth of a great line of rulers who would lead the Magyar people to their homeland. During the migration of the Magyar tribes, the Turul was believed to guide them westward into the Carpathian Basin.
Stunning Design Features To Watch Out For
Visiting the Kimpton BEM Budapest is like stepping into a fairytale, and there are a myriad of beautiful artworks and designer furniture pieces to take notice of. A few highlights to add to your Instagram account include the ornate reception desk (shaped like an inverted egg and featuring beautiful handcrafted mosaics depicting folkloric motifs), the Agos Restaurant lamp (a grand chandelier composed of multiple assembled lamps), and Art Deco touches throughout the building.
Rooms To Dream In
There are 127 rooms (including eight suites) at the hotel, each with its own identity. Rich, sophisticated palettes abound. Wanders tells us, “Every space has a distinct personality – you will remember exactly which room you stayed in.” For the penthouse suite, the designer let his imagination soar. Its celestial interior ‘reaches for the stars,’ with cosmic, ethereal touches.
Entertainment Offerings And Dining
The Kimpton BEM Budapest hosts a social hour every day, where guests can meet and greet. They also offer designer bicycles for guests to borrow and a 24/7 fitness centre with Technogym equipment, a hot tub, and a steam room. There are also yoga mats in every room for those who prefer exercising alone.
The dining offerings are impressive as well. AGOS entices you to savour the best of Mediterranean and Hungarian flavours. Bar HUSO serves an exceptional array of Hungarian and international wines and spirits, complemented by occasional live lounge DJ sets. Finally, there is feNNen Skybar, the hotel’s rooftop oasis, where guests can enjoy a sophisticated list of cocktails, aged rum, or Japanese whisky, accompanied by Cuban cigars.
Of course, no grand hotel would be complete without meeting spaces. The hotel has numerous meeting facilities for both large events and intimate get-togethers. Its events team and professional chefs are ready to create menus catering to your taste and needs.