Welcome to the Dorothea Hotel, the new prestigious address in the heart of Budapest, opened at the end of 2023. Nestled within Marriott Bonvoy's prestigious Autograph Collection, this establishment combines a luxurious setting with an exceptional location. Just steps away from iconic sites, the Dorothea Hotel is perfectly situated for those looking to dive into the excitement and cultural richness of Budapest. Discover a place where history and modern design merge to create a top-tier hotel experience.
A New Address in the Heart of Budapest
Recently opened at the end of 2023, the Dorothea Hotel is a prime destination for those seeking a five-star experience in an exceptional setting. This gem is part of the Autograph Collection Hotels, integrated into the large Marriott Bonvoy family, and stands out for its prime location. Situated in the heart of Budapest, the hotel allows its guests to dive directly into the urban excitement. Just steps away from historic monuments such as the majestic Parliament and the famous Chain Bridge, as well as the business district and places of celebration, the Dorothea Hotel is the ideal place for those who wish to explore the dynamism and cultural richness of the Hungarian capital.
Fusion of Art, History, and Modern Design
The Dorothea Hotel derives its name and inspiration from Archduchess Dorothea, a prominent figure of the 19th century. Together with her husband, she transformed Budapest into a flourishing European metropolis. This hotel celebrates their legacy, blending history and modernity, and evoking the Hungarian Golden Age.
At the heart of three historical buildings, the 5-star emerges as an architectural masterpiece, carefully restored by Piero Lissoni. His talent for marrying contemporary luxury with history gives the premises a modern elegance. Each building, reflecting the era of its construction, is integrated into a whole that exalts both modern refinement and historical richness. The hotel's interior, a true living art gallery, displays modern artworks, including the artistic photographs of Zoltán Tombor, and design elements selected by Lissoni for their timelessness.
From the first steps, one is captivated by the vestibule which evokes the majesty of the Pantheon, characterized by an impressive arrangement of Doric-inspired columns and a richly decorated ceiling. This nod to ancient architecture is, however, only the prelude to a captivating artistic journey within the establishment.
The hotel's design finely integrates contemporary innovations and local traditions. A striking example is the "concrete wall carpets" in the lobby, where traditional Hungarian patterns are revisited in a modern material, creating a bold visual link between the past and the present. Another gem of the hotel is the spectacular four-story ceramic wall that borders the historic staircase, adorned with 5,000 custom tiles produced by the famous Hungarian manufacturer Zsolnay, specially designed for the Dorothea Hotel.
Elegance and Comfort in the 216 Keys
The 216 rooms and suites offer a delightful mix of styles, captivating a clientele with varied tastes. The establishment is distinguished by a duality between modernity and heritage, each room creating a unique atmosphere accompanied by distinct views.
The contemporary rooms are available in two types: Atrium rooms and city-view rooms. The Atrium room, where I had the pleasure of staying, faces the interior, overlooking the atrium and ensuring tranquility away from the external hustle and bustle. The decor harmoniously combines soft tones of beige and orange, dark wood floors, and peacock blue curtains, creating an ambiance that is both modern and welcoming.
The heritage rooms, located in the oldest part of the hotel, offer a decor that echoes the rich history of the building. Featuring neo-Renaissance windows, high ceilings adorned with stucco, canopy beds, and lush green velvet sofas, these rooms immerse visitors in a bygone luxury while offering captivating views of the bustling streets.
Refined and Local Cuisine at the Pavilon Restaurant
The Pavilon Restaurant & Bar stands as a gastronomic sanctuary in the heart of the three historic buildings of the hotel. This transformed courtyard into a lush garden offers a remarkable farm-to-table culinary experience, orchestrated by the renowned chef Carmine di Luggo. The menu, which favors locally sourced ingredients within a 200 km radius around Budapest, is a celebration of Hungarian flavors, reinvented to transform simple dishes into sublime culinary creations.
Our dinner began with a refreshing selection of drinks, with the mocktail "Piquant" — a harmonious combination of non-alcoholic gin, pineapple, cilantro, lemon, and tonic — and the cocktail "Dill with It", boldly prepared with dill-infused vodka and apple, enriched with elderflower liqueur, homemade sencha soda, sugar syrup, and lemon.
As a starter, the "Budapest style" beef carpaccio captivated our palates. Served with mushroom pickles, lecso cream, and foie gras, each bite was a true feast for the senses. We also enjoyed green asparagus, caramelized chicken mousse, and herb crumble. The main courses did not disappoint, with a beautifully accompanied guinea fowl with creamy Hungarian brown rice, peas, spring onions, and chicken juice, and a perfectly seasoned rib of beef, served with roasted potatoes and a green pepper sauce.
The highlight of this dinner was the dessert, with a chocolate cake composed of creamy mascarpone, velvety dark chocolate mousse, crunchy feuilleté praline, and the almás pite, a caramelized apple tart on an almond shortbread crust with white chocolate, perfectly concluding this meal.
Anton Bar & Deli: From Morning Coffee to Nighttime Cocktails
Anton Bar & Deli is a dynamic place that evolves with the day, offering a unique haven in the heart of the city. In the morning, it functions as a café, serving coffee specialties and fresh pastries. At noon, it transforms into a bistro, perfect for a casual lunch with sandwiches and salads. In the evening, it becomes a lively bar with cocktails and DJ sets from Thursday to Saturday.
A Delicious Awakening at the Pavilon
Breakfast is a culinary experience in itself served in the elegant Pavilon restaurant. Guests can enjoy a hearty buffet, complemented by a selection of made-to-order dishes. The restaurant takes great pride in its responsible approach, favoring local products to support regional producers and ensure exceptional quality. The buffet incorporates Hungarian specialties, thus adding an authentic local touch to the traditional luxury hotel breakfast offerings.
Serenity and Luxury Care at the Dorothea Hotel Spa
Wellness enthusiasts will find their haven of peace at the hotel's Spa, a luxurious cocoon spanning 650 square meters. This sanctuary dedicated to relaxation is equipped with a 15-meter pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness center equipped with the latest Technogym equipment. The spa offers holistic face and body treatments with Babor cosmetic products in one of the three treatment rooms, one of which is specially designed for couples. We did not have the opportunity to test their treatments.
My Review
My stay at the Dorothea Hotel was a very beautiful experience. I was particularly charmed by the design of the establishment, a successful fusion between historical heritage and modern elements. Dinner at the Pavilon Restaurant was a highlight, offering local cuisine reinvented in an absolutely beautiful setting. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who appreciates architecture, combining luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion.
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Practical Information
A big thank you to the Dorothea Hotel for the invitation to discover their establishment. Needless to say, I remain free to express myself in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.