For over a century, the distinguished Matild Palace has been a bastion of grandeur in Hungary’s capital, overlooking the Danube River and the Elisabeth Bridge that connects the city’s two halves, Buda and Pest. Erected in 1902 at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s prosperity, the Palace stood as a testament to the power and accomplishment of the age.
Throughout the decades, the Matild Palace carved itself a reputation of charm and elegance, attracting attention from all corners of society. Originally a bustling venue for the rich, royal, and famous to socialize in its café, the Palace’s luster waned during communist rule and post-Soviet attempts to restore its former glory were largely unsuccessful.
Nonetheless, under the diligent protection and transformative vision of prominent interior designer Maria Vafiadis, alongside local architects Puhl Antal and Péter Dajka, Matild Palace reinvented itself as the crown jewel of Budapest’s social sphere once again. It was in 2021, following a five-year rejuvenation project, when the Palace took on a new avatar—a 130-room, five-star hotel under the esteemed Marriott brand.
Matild Palace’s evolution dates back to the 19th century when Princess Marie Clotilde of Austria, residing in Hungary, sought to infuse western European Belle Époque culture into the country. She commissioned the construction of the Matild Palace, mirroring her vision on the banks of the Danube. The Palace swiftly rose to fame amongst Hungary’s highest society, entertaining guests of prestige, from royalty, presidents, and high-ranking officials to international celebrities.
Over the years, Matild Palace and its thriving café became the centerpieces of Hungarian gastronomy and social culture. Despite the deterioration of its architectural splendor and artistic assets under the communist regime, the charm of Matild Palace remained. The establishment was granted UNESCO protection in 1977, underscoring its historic and cultural significance.
When the new millennium hit, Matild Palace readapted to the changing times with vigor. After undergoing an $80 million monumental transformation in 2017, the Palace once again projected the Belle Époque elegance and the iconic café returned to its original grandeur. The restoration prided in its commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the Matild Palace while infusing it with a modern flair.
Today, the Matild Palace hotel includes 111 luxury five-star rooms and 19 executive suites, which embody Budapest’s intricate artisanal work. It hosts the Spago by Wolfgang Puck, a Beverly Hills dining concept brought to Hungary. Other highlights comprise of Matild Café & Cabaret, with its vibrant yet elegant party ambience; The Duchess, a hidden luxury bar; and the Swan Spa, a boutique spa offering traditional Turkish-Hungarian-inspired baths.
Undoubtedly, the Matild Palace’s extensive transformation into a luxury hotel reimagines Budapest’s historic architectural landscape and bolsters its reputation as a destination for luxury tourism.
