Budapest’s Iconic Hotel Gellért Set for Grand Revival Under Mandarin Oriental

After over a century of grandeur, decline, and closure, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks is being brought back to life. Hotel Gellért, once a beacon of high society on the banks of the Danube, is undergoing a full restoration — and it’s set to reopen in 2027 as part of the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

From Faded Gem to Modern Marvel

Originally opened in 1918, Hotel Gellért was a showpiece of Hungarian Art Nouveau design. With its ornate architecture, pioneering features, and glamorous guests, it quickly became one of Europe’s premier luxury destinations. Over the decades, it welcomed royalty, world leaders, and Hollywood stars — from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Richard Nixon and Jane Fonda.

But time wasn’t kind. After surviving wars, revolutions, and communism, the hotel’s charm eventually gave way to age. By the time it closed in 2019, the once-grand interiors had grown tired, and the building stood as a dusty shadow of its former self. Only the adjacent thermal baths, still a popular attraction, remained in operation.

A Vision for the Future — Rooted in the Past

Now, thanks to a major investment by Hungary’s BDPST Group, the Hotel Gellért is being reimagined for a new era. The full-scale renovation, which began in late 2024, is being carried out under strict heritage preservation guidelines. Every detail — from the coffered ceilings to the historic Gobelin Room — is being restored using original blueprints and archival photos.

The new Gellért will feature 134 rooms, including 34 suites, combining classic elegance with modern comforts. British design studio Alexander Waterworth Interiors is handling the decor, while Hungarian firm Archikon Architects is leading the architectural work.

Hidden details are already reemerging. During recent renovations, original decorative motifs and design elements long buried under Communist-era renovations have been uncovered — proof of the building’s storied craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Innovation

What made the Gellért extraordinary in its day wasn’t just the decor — it was innovation. At a time when few hotels had telephones, every room here did. Some suites had piped-in thermal water or even carbonated taps. It offered Hungary’s first airport shuttle, and guests could pay in foreign currencies. Even a wave pool graced its famous spa.

“From the beginning, the Gellért was ahead of its time,” says Zoltán Kecskeméthy, managing director of BDPST Real Estate Development. “We want to honor that spirit of progress while respecting the soul of the place.”

A Local Treasure, Reimagined for the World

The team behind the transformation doesn’t just want to create another luxury hotel — they want to restore a national treasure.

“This isn’t just a building,” says Kecskeméthy. “It’s a symbol of Hungarian identity. Our goal is to make international guests feel part of a larger story — and to help locals reconnect with a place that once belonged to them.”

That mission includes reviving the Gellért’s role as a hub of local life. New restaurants will be designed to appeal not just to tourists, but to Budapest residents as well — much like in the hotel’s heyday. A rooftop sky bar will add a fresh, contemporary twist to the hotel’s offerings.

A Cultural Landmark Reawakens

Hungarian National Museum Director-General Gábor Zsigmond emphasizes the hotel’s unique role in the city’s history.

“The Gellért has always been more than just a place to stay,” he explains. “It’s been a setting for major social events, a retreat for the famous, and a striking example of Hungarian architecture. Its future lies in blending that rich heritage with modern luxury.”

While the famed Gellért Baths will continue to operate under city management, a new in-house spa — run by Mandarin Oriental — will offer curated wellness experiences. Every decision, from the spa design to its treatment offerings, is being crafted with timeless appeal in mind.

A Grand Return in 2027

As the Mandarin Oriental Gellért prepares to reopen its doors, the restoration team is confident that the hotel’s next chapter will honor its past while looking boldly toward the future.

“It’s about more than bricks and mortar,” says Kecskeméthy. “We’re restoring pride, reviving memories, and creating something new that the world — and Budapest — can be proud of.”

Source: CNN – It had become a shabby relic. Now one of Europe’s grandest hotels is being restored to its former glory