The comprehensive renovation of Hotel Gellért in Budapest has officially begun, with the aim of preserving the building’s historical heritage and restoring the hotel’s former grandeur.
The complete restoration of Hotel Gellért, owned by BDPST Group, is underway, adhering to monument protection guidelines. The goal is to reopen the building as one of Budapest’s iconic hotels, and as the first Hungarian property managed by Mandarin Oriental.
According to preliminary plans, the hotel will feature 134 guest rooms, including 34 suites. Three key interior spaces – the Lobby, the Danube Room, and the Gobelin Room – will be largely restored to their original splendor, based on archival museum photographs and designs. The renowned London-based interior design studio, Alexander Waterworth Interiors Ltd, is responsible for the interior design. In addition to the full renovation of the building, the project aims to integrate new functions that will enhance the range and quality of services, bringing back the “golden age” of the property.
“The renovation of Hotel Gellért is both about preserving and creating value. This project is not only about safeguarding the past of an iconic building, but also about allowing the hotel to reclaim its rightful place in the heart of Budapest as a modern, world-class establishment. We are committed to respecting its historical heritage while enriching it with modern features and sustainable solutions,” emphasized Zoltán Kecskeméthy, CEO of BDPST Real Estate Development.
In the first phase of the renovation, DVM Group, as the general contractor, will handle non-structural demolition and foundation reinforcement works. A key factor in the selection of the contractor was the decision not to use tower cranes or external waste chutes, thereby protecting the building’s façade and the cityscape.
Before the renovation began, a preservation effort was carried out, with some of the furniture and coverings sold, donated to museums, or offered as donations to various institutions. All materials from the demolition are being processed in accordance with relevant regulations. Waste sorting is of utmost importance, and hazardous materials – such as asbestos – are being carefully filtered out and safely removed on-site before transportation.
The hotel will be operated by the internationally renowned luxury hotel brand, Mandarin Oriental Group, which was ranked first on CNBC’s list of Best Luxury Hotel Brands in 2023. BDPST Group’s goal is for the people of Budapest to once again take pride in the building, with its restaurants primarily catering to the needs of locals, just as it did in the past.
