Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

Gracefully Hungarian
Built during the Belle Epoque era, in 1902, by Kálmán Giergl and Flóris Korb, the Matild Palace was developed under the patronage of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to serve as the social hub of the city. The Duchess dreamed of the twin palaces to greet those who enter the bridge as a graceful lady. Thus, the Duchess asked the famous architects, named after projects like Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and New York Palace, to draw up the plans. Korb and Giergl envisioned an English Baroque palace on either side of the road that would serve as the gateway to the bridge under construction.

The neo-baroque palace is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and has been under monumental protection since 1977, and today its beauty is further glorified by the exceptional exterior lighting concept designed by renowned Maurice Brill Lighting Design with a visual journey of both architectural character, discovery and mystery for this graceful palace.

A Treasured Legacy
Located at the gateway to the Elisabeth Bridge over the River Danube and built as a guardian of the bridge to Budapest, Matild Palace has many compelling stories to tell. At the time of construction, the palaces were built with pioneering techniques. The core iron structure was adorned with beautifully crafted carved stone. The legendary Otis Elevator Company installed the very first elevator system in Hungary in the building. Glass windows were made in the workshop of the famous Hungarian glass artist Miksa Róth, whose works also decorated the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Buda Castle. All the ceramic tiles were supplied by the world renowned Pécs-based Zsolnay manufacture. This was a true coming together of the best of Hungarian craftmanship and ground- breaking architecture.

It became the first coffee house and shopping center opening doors after the Second World War, and here, the illustrious Hungarian author Gyula Krúdy created much of his fictional work, the most notable being the symbolically reimagined figure, Sindbad.

A Visionary Design
The transformative design of Matild Palace by the award-winning MKV Design provides a journey -- from an imperial palace once the epicenter of the city for the royalties and elite, to a modern new playground for today’s discerning leisure and business traveler, self-confessed artisans of leisure, and local foodies. Once inside, the effortlessly charming, yet contemporary creature comforts of the Matild Palace are immediately recognizable and upon walking through the hotel, its design takes guests on an enchanting passage through time.

Carefully crafted contemporary furniture gives way to some of the hotel’s most spectacular and stand-out features, including hand-made and awe-inspiring feature chandeliers, unique mosaic flooring, in-door walking bridges, and a modern interpretation of a traditional picture wall in the main lobby featuring the photos of the monarchy family and the history of the palace itself. Its interior aesthetic reflects a careful balance of old-world charm, classic art nouveau features and a modern new world. Highlighted with an inspiring, yet calming heritage color palette incorporating striking pops of teal, gold and copper.

Due to the commitment of the project towards the environment, the restoration of the building is certified by Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. With a good rating by Building Research Establishment in UK, the world’s leading and longest established method of sustainability assessment for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. This recognizes the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle.