Situated in the heart of Budapest’s financial district, a short walk away from the Danube River and the city’s most popular attractions; Kempinski Budapest is the quintessential chic fusion of practicality and style.
If there is one hotel that every other hotel in the capital of Hungary attempts to emulate, it is the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest. A few seconds after entering its glossy revolving doors, there’s no better way of describing a sense of polished ease: you feel good.
Michael Jackson loved the hotel so much that not only did he often stay at one of Kempinski’s best suites, he also loved waving at fans from the window. Those who camped by an iconic tree outside of the hotel named it: Michael Jackson Memorial Tree after his death. Today, it’s also where posters and flowers remain as nostalgic tributes to the King of Pop.
Kempinski Budapest’s General Manager, Stephan Interthal, exclusively tells Jetset Times:
The experience I want each guest to have within the first 5-10 minutes is: just be yourself. We’re casual but we’re not sloppy. Our team creates a unique atmosphere where you’re not stuffed in a silent room with intimidation, but you feel good.
The welcome for authenticity mainly derives from Kempinki’s brand culture which, unlike other global hotel franchise, it focuses on decentralization and individualism. With 75 hotels around the world, each Kempinski is different from hardware, architecture, location to style. Without the stereotypical regional management or a world head office, every Kempinski is fully independent from management styles to carrying its own name.
The Budapest location has proven itself to be the symbol of sleek and cool since it opened its doors. With 349 contemporary rooms including 33 elegant suites, there’s a fine option for any kind of traveler. The cool comfort of a Superior Room may be exactly what a business traveler on a quick layover is looking for. The space and radiant light beaming inside a Deluxe Room is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway. Meanwhile, the Grand Deluxe Room is made for families who prefer not only space but also the view of a sweeping cityscape.
As one of the larger hotels in Budapest, the service remains personable and top-notch. The interior design is aesthetically pleasing without any hint of intimidation. This may very well stem from the company culture, as Interthal indicated:
We’ve been able to stay on everyone’s radar by living up to the expectations of employees, empowering the staff. I believe in delegation and in responsibility. Our senior management provides a great atmosphere, so it trickles down to the entire staff.
In addition to free Wi-Fi, Kempinski Budapest offers quintessential amenities of a 5-star luxury hotel highlighted by modern event venues redesigned in March 2017 that includes 15 different types of spaces ready for meeting rooms, cooking classes, and banquets. The gym, pool and seasonal spa offers an array of Elemental Herbology treatments and massages, Finnish and aroma saunas, a steam room, a Kneipp-bench, a tepidarium, and a health bar to ensure your stay reaches relaxation to the max.
Kempinski Budapest also houses 8 bars and restaurants, illuminated by the famed NOBU restaurant known as a second-home to L.A.’s in-crowd. Interthal noted Kempinski’s partnership with the renowned fusion eatery blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients:
NOBU happened many years ago. We had early talks with to see whether they wanted to be in Budapest. We’re happy to partner with them, because the two brands are very complimentary. It was a massive investment, but overtime it has been a win-win situation for us.
In the past few years, Budapest has been hailed as one of the best cities to visit for accessibility to fantastic cuisine, historical sites and classical bathhouses. In 2008, the city experienced one of its worst financial crisis due to declining exports, reduced domestic consumption and fixed asset accumulation. It sent Hungary into a devastating recession of -6.4%, one of the worst economic contractions in its history. But 2015 proved to be a record-breaking year for the hospitality industry in Budapest, as Interthal described:
Budapest’s hospitality market is doing very well. After the financial crisis, it took Hungary 3-4 years to rebuild itself again. 2015 was a record-breaking year, especially for us. Right now, the exchange rate is favorable for those using euros.
Still, Budapest remains more beautiful and captivating as it has ever been. To top it off, a few nights at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest makes the trip evermore beloved.
