Hungary’s blossoming into a must-visit cultural, gastronomical and natural European destination has been a process a thousand years in the making. Its nature, culture and cuisine are evidence of this, as the country’s development over millennia has lent Central Europe its unique heartbeat. Part of Hungary’s recent growth includes several hotel investments set to materialize in 2023, new Michelin star accolades and careful refurbishment of its cultural treasures.
New Hungary Accommodations Cater to Well-Heeled Clients
W Budapest Hotel will make its splashy debut in the center of the city at Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO Heritage site, sitting pretty in the neo-Renaissance style Drechsler Palace. Featuring 151 guestrooms, an AWAY Spa, and a FIT fitness center, the hotel will restore extravagance to the former palace it calls home.
The Danube River will welcome a new neighbor in the form of the St. Regis Hotel Budapest, located in buzzy Ferenciek Square, where it will make the perfect spot from which to set out in search of local adventures all across the city.
Dorothea Hotel, an Autograph Collection is set to open in July 2023 on Vörösmarty Square, featuring intricate interior design amongst its 216 guestrooms, Sky restaurant and wellness area.
Must-Sees
Budapest will welcome another iconic building to its already massive family of vibrant basilicas, concert halls and churches: the House of Music, conceived by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, whose architectural blend of nature and music manifests in the building’s floating roof, a symbol of resonating sound. The institution will introduce children and adults into the world of music with a wide range of annual experiences.
The Budapest Opera House, a neo-Renaissance jewel of the city, has been given some polishing up thanks to a nearly 5-year-long refurbishment and modernization process. The over 15.4 pounds of gold decorating the auditorium should simulate sunshine thanks to the renovation project.
Culinary Gems
Hungary nourishes the eyes with luxury and architecture, but nothing satisfies quite like its food. For the first time in the country’s history, Hungarian rural restaurants have received Michelin stars. Platan Gourmet in Tata won two stars and 42 in Esztergom received another. In Budapest, Stand doubled the one-star rating it received in 2022, while Rumour received a star for the first time.
Hungary’s complex history at the center of the European continent, its diverse culture, Old World wines and architectural gems make it a destination full of surprises, ripe for exploration and indulgence.
For more information, visit visithungary.com.
