A 120-year-old palace in Budapest is now a swanky hotel where guests can stay in rooms fit for royalty. Take a look inside.
Mikhaila Friel
- Matild Palace in Budapest, Hungary, has been transformed into a hotel by The Luxury Collection.
- The palace was built 120 years ago and was developed under the patronage of a German princess to serve as a social hub.
- The hotel has a secret rooftop bar named after the princess, which will be open to the public from July 22.
Matild Palace in Budapest, Hungary, was built in 1902 and was originally used to host cafes, galleries, and residential apartments for the public. It was recently redesigned into a hotel by The Luxury Collection, opening its doors to the public on June 28.
The palace was built during the Belle Epoque era, and was historic as it contained the first elevators in Hungary, according to a press release from the Matild Palace Hotel.
Belle Epoque, which translates to "Beautiful age" originated in France at the end of the Franco-Prussian War (1871) and lasted until the start of World War I (1914), according to ThoughtCo. The standard of living and security for the upper classes were increased during this time, the publication added.
Upon arriving, guests enter the spacious hotel lobby.
Selim Olmez, Marketing Manager at Matild Palace, told Insider that the new hotel is "a true reflection of Hungarian soul."
The new design aims to show the transformation from a palace that was "once the epicenter of the city for the royalties and elite, to a modern new playground for today's discerning leisure and business traveller," according to the hotel's website.
Matild Palace is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to its website.
The hotel has 111 rooms and 19 suites, including the Maria Klotild Royal Suite. With a starting rate of $7,645 (6,450 euros) per night, this is the most expensive accommodation on offer, a hotel spokesperson told Insider.
The suite was named after the German princess who championed the design of the original palace, according to the hotel press release.
Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild was a Princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha by birth and was later titled Archduchess of Austria through her marriage to Archduke Joseph Karl of Austria.
The Royal Suite, located on the third floor has a master bedroom, bathroom, living room, and separate study room.
There's also the option to connect two additional rooms to create a three-bedroom apartment, according to the press release.
Here's a look at The Royal Suite's luxury bathroom, which has two individual sinks, a bathtub, a full-length mirror, and marble tiling.
Parts of the bathroom were made with 24-carat gold "to reflect the palatial heritage of Matild Palace," according to the hotel's website.
Robes and slippers are also provided to guests, the website says.
The Loft Room is located on the hotel's rooftop, and provides endless views across the city.
The starting rate for this room is $1,126 per night (950 euros), a spokesperson told Insider.
The blend of modern and vintage designs in this room is a nod to the Archduchess of Austria's artisan friends, according to the hotel press release.
Other available suites include the Elisabeth Bridge Suite at $1,066 per night (900 euros), the One Bedroom Suite at $1,896 per night (1,600 euros), and the Crown Tower Suite at $2,667 per night (2,250 euros), a spokesperson told Insider.
Here's a look at the Loft Room's spa-style bathroom which has a heated floor and a rain shower, according to the hotel's website.
The bathroom has a bathtub, rain shower, double vanities, and a lightened makeup mirror, according to the hotel's website.
The site adds that the design of the bathroom was inspired by the traditional thermal baths of Hungary.
The Duchess bar, opening on July 22, is the hotel's "secret liquor library" and rooftop garden inspired by the Archduchess of Austria, the press release says.
The Archduchess is said to have requested a hidden rooftop bar in the original commission of the palace, the hotel press release adds.
Though it's billed as a "secret," the bar will be open to both hotel guests and the public when it opens on July 22, according to a hotel spokesperson.
Accessible through a hidden entrance, The Duchess terrace has 360-degree views of Budapest.
A selection of craft cocktails will be available for visitors to the bar when it opens later this month, according to the hotel press release.
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