Intercity Hotel Budapest

The hotel development realised on the southern side of Baross Square creates a new architectural emphasis at one of Budapest’s busiest transport hubs by reintegrating a gap site, left vacant for decades, into the urban fabric. Located directly next to Keleti Railway Station, the hotel project is based on a balance between sensitive integration with the historic surroundings and a contemporary architectural presence.

The development was realised on the site of a previously unfinished project, where only the substructure works had been completed as a result of the 2008 financial crisis. The project gained new momentum in 2015, when the site was acquired by an international developer and the concept for a 312-room urban hotel was developed.

The architectural concept of the hotel was created jointly by Hamburg-based PBP and Budapest-based FBIS Architects, while DVM was responsible for the detailed design and general contracting works. The building is organised around a large internal courtyard, which provides optimal natural light for the guest rooms. The hotel functions are structured around three circulation cores and a central corridor system, creating an efficient and clearly legible floor plan.

One of the defining elements of the project is the façade design. Set among the surrounding historicist buildings, the contemporary metal façade does not imitate the character of its neighbours, but instead establishes an identity of its own. The sculptural metal surfaces give the building a constantly changing appearance under varying light conditions, while reflecting the diverse architectural environment of Baross Square.

The hotel’s communal functions are located on the ground floor, including the lobby, bar and conference areas, creating an active connection with the urban environment. The interior design concept provides an international-standard guest experience, in harmony with the hotel’s contemporary architectural character.

The more than 14,500 m² development contributes to the urban renewal of Baross Square and the area surrounding Keleti Railway Station, completing a long-missing section of the streetscape and creating a new quality at one of Budapest’s most important urban gateways.