Piero Lissoni transformed three buildings to create one incredible architectural hospitality space in Budapest’s iconic District V.
Dorothea Hotel is the debut offering of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection hotel brand in Hungary. Housed across three historic buildings in Budapest’s iconic District V, the new hotel is named after Archduchess Dorothea, an influential character of the 1800s who brought significant cultural and economic development to the city alongside her spouse, Palatine Joseph.
Evoking the charm of Hungary’s golden age, Dorothea Hotel invites guests into an unexpected city centre sanctuary where the past seamlessly merges with the present.
Envisioned by acclaimed Italian architect and designer, Piero Lissoni, Dorothea Hotel is a melting pot of architecture and interior design, honouring history and modernity. The three buildings were established in different eras including Weber (1873), the neo-renaissance former headquarters of United Budapest Metropolitan Savings Bank; Mahart (1913), the art nouveau former headquarters of Hungarian River and Sea Shipping Company; and Munnich (1937), the modernist building with art deco and Bauhaus elements. Local historic preservation experts have worked with the hotel to bring key elements of each including a remarkable heritage staircase.
Dorothea Hotel features a stunning colonnade with an ornate ceiling and walls adorned by painting-like portraits by Hungarian art and fashion photographer Zoltán Tombor. The playful artwork of women features traditional attire with a modern twist. The exclusive works for the hotel are also found throughout the guestrooms. Entering the reimagined reception court, guests are greeted by the magnificent long drop glass chandelier and can catch a glimpse of the heritage staircase standing against the intricate, blue Zsolnay tile wall.
Dorothea Hotel’s 216 guestrooms and suites are split into two distinct design categories, contemporary and heritage, all equipped with modern amenities. Contemporary guestrooms feature furnishings in a soft beige colour palette with pops of orange, beautifully contrasting the dark wood flooring and peacock blue curtains. Next to Tombor’s fashion artwork guests will see the progression in history with photos representing urban developments initiated by Palatine Joseph. Located in the oldest Weber building, heritage guestrooms are identified by the doors with portraits of women from the 1800s, sourced from the Hungarian National Gallery. Inside are decorative cornicing around the large neo-renaissance-styled windows and soft furnishings with subtle floral embroidery inspired by local folk motifs.
At the heart of the hotel is the inner courtyard – home to Pavilon Restaurant & Bar, an airy, lush garden oasis, where guests are surrounded by nature and grandeur. Helmed by Chef Carmine di Luggo this restaurant brings a fresh take to dining in the city with locally sourced farm-to-table dishes.
Each Autograph Collection offers “The Mark” an experience unique to the hotel and within Pavilon guests will see a succulent herb wall that pays tribute to Palatine Joseph who had a deep fascination for botany. The herb wall and plants are the ingredients and inspiration behind the cocktails and dishes throughout the hotel’s dining venues.
Downstairs, Anton’s Bar & Deli offers an artisanal coffee experience alongside light bites and freshly baked pastries by day, while in the evenings it transforms into a dynamic bar and community space serving innovative cocktails. The hotel is anticipating a further two restaurant openings helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Dani García in 2024; BiBo, an Andalusian Brasserie on the rooftop offering panoramic views of Buda and Alelí, an authentic osteria brought from Italy on the ground floor.
