W Budapest is now open, marking the brand’s debut in Hungary.

Located on Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s most luxurious shopping street, the property is housed in the historic Drechsler Palace, previously home to the Institute of Ballet.

The building was carefully restored and reimagined by interior designers Bowler James Brindley (London) and Bánáti + Hartvig (Hungary), who drew inspiration from its rich cultural history and multiple identities as a café, social hub and Hungarian State Ballet Academy, to create captivating design narratives. Alongside the palace’s history, the hotel has a ‘second skin’ design story bringing together the two sides of the city, Buda and Pest.

These intertwining design narratives are present throughout the hotel’s 151 guestrooms, including 45 suites.

They are also apparent in W Budapest’s three drink and dine venues: Nightingale by Beefbar, the hotel’s signature restaurant; Society25, a speakeasy located in the basement; and W Lounge, the social epicenter of the hotel.

The new hotel also boasts several meeting and event spaces, including the Great Room, which is ideal for grand celebrations, and two Studio Rooms for business meetings and intimate gatherings.

Nestled next door to the secret speakeasy is W Budapest’s AWAY® Spa, which has five treatment rooms as well as a WET® pool inspired by Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths. In addition, guests can enjoy the FIT® fitness center, which offers daily fitness and wellbeing classes alongside a state-of-the art gym.

Following the 2021 opening of W Rome, W Budapest showcases the evolved direction of W Hotels.

“The debut of W Hotels in Budapest marks a monumental milestone and signals a new era of design ethos for our iconic brand,” said George Fleck, vice-president and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “We look forward to connecting our guests to this timeless and inspiring city through inviting yet unexpected design, imaginative dining and unparalleled guest programming.”