Located in Budapest’s District V, the Dorothea Hotel is a blend of heritage and modernity Photo: Courtesy of Dorothea, Autograph Collection Beyond the architecture, the hotel tells the story of the city, rich history and culture. “The story is about Dorothea, the Archduchess, and her husband Palatine Joseph, who played a crucial role in Budapest ’s development,” says Ráhel Orbán, Managing Director at BDPST Koncept – a subsidiary of BDPST Group working on the development of a narrative that is constructed through the historical past as well as the brand strategy of international hotels and restaurants. Photo: Courtesy of Dorothea, Autograph Collection This narrative is present in the hotel’s design and amenities, from the communal garden inspired by Palatine Joseph’s love for gardens, to the unexpected journey guests experience as they explore the hotel’s intricacies.
“Dorothea is unique because of the architecture. It’s three different buildings merged into one, creating a communal garden. We preserved a lot of architectural heritage, not just because it was protected, but because we wanted to,” she explains.
Photo: Courtesy of Dorothea, Autograph Collection The Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection hotel is designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni and spans three historic buildings, in the heart of Budapest and one step away from iconic sights. The buildings Weber (1873), Mahart (1913) and Munnich (1937) each have their own architectural style and have served respectively as the neo- renaissance former headquarters of United Budapest Metropolitan Savings Bank; the art nouveau former headquarters of Hungarian River and Sea Shipping Company; and the modernist building with art deco and Bauhaus elements. Photo: Courtesy of Dorothea, Autograph Collection This commitment to preserving and celebrating the past is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s design and operation.
“The amazing thing about Piero Lissoni is that he’s a truly European designer. He always told me that we have to think vertically, which means we did big research regarding culture and heritage. This house is like a Milanese palazzo, simple on the outside but revealing its richness inside.
It’s the same here, from outside. It’s a very simple building, but when you come up to the communal garden, you are amazed,” adds Orbán. Dorothea’s reception includes a stunning long-line glass chandelier, a heritage staircase covered in Zsolnay one of the most famous types of Hungarian porcelain.
Dorothea Hotel features a colonnade with an ornate ceiling and walls adorned by painting-like portraits by Hungarian art and fashion photographer Zoltán Tombor. The artworks, which combine tradition with a modern twist, are a recurring theme throughout the hotel, including the guestrooms. Offering 216 guestrooms and suites, Dorothea hotel features contemporary rooms decorated in soft beige tones with vibrant orange accents, dark wood flooring, and peacock blue curtains and heritage rooms, located in the oldest Weber building, with large neo-renaissance windows, decorative cornicing, and soft furnishings inspired by local folk motifs.
All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay. Photo: Courtesy of Dorothea, Autograph Collection A special feature in the hotel is the inner courtyard. Imagined at the heart of the hotel it houses the Pavilion Restaurant & Bar.
This blossoming garden oasis, managed by Chef Carmine di Luggo, offers a farm-to-table dining experience with locally sourced ingredients. The herb wall in Pavilion, inspired by Palatine Joseph’s passion for botany, provides fresh herbs for cocktails and dishes, adding a unique touch. Orbán’s vision for the Dorothea Hotel and her dedication to blend culture and tourism are proof of her passion for Budapest and were the perfect tools to embark Autograph Collection into her story.
were the perfect tools to embark Autograph Collection into her story. Creative director of BDPST Group founded in 2015 with a vision of developing upscale tourism and real estate in Hungary, Orbán believes that the city’s heritage is its beauty and its greatest asset, and she aims to share this with the world. “Budapest is undiscovered, and our goal is to put it on the map.
The Autograph Collection is a great starting point for the international market,” she says. Looking ahead, Orbán and the BDPST Group are focused on further projects that promote upscale tourism and real estate development in Hungary. “I truly believe that culture and tourism are the best ambassadors,” she says.
More than just a place to stay; Dorothea Hotel is a journey through Budapest’s history and culture blending the past with the present. Spectacular architecture, beautiful buildings and a unique story offer visitors to the vibrant capital of Hungary an unparalleled experience as Orbán puts it best, “Work hard and be humble. Whatever you do, do it well.
” This philosophy is reflected in every detail of the Dorothea Hotel, making it a shining example of excellent hospitality. by Jeannine Yazbeck.
