Chb yearbook 2015 final by Corinthia Hotels

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

2015 Yearbook

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Contents

Welcome to the Corinthia! illustrious history and new developments OUR HISTORY our history one big family

t is more than a decade since the legendary Grand hotel royal was reborn as the Corinthia hotel Budapest. after the most extensive hotel restoration in hungary’s history, and over this decade or more of development, our hotel has been reconfi gured as one of the true gems of the hungarian capital. opened in 1896, the Grand hotel royal was the biggest hotel in europe. it became a destination of choice, whether for the discerning traveller on a Grand tour or the hungarian poet working on his next verse. the royal, as it became known and revered, also housed hungary’s fi rst cinema and welcomed the world’s great stars of stage and screen. and now, a century later, its successor, the Corinthia hotel Budapest, is echoing that proud tradition.

YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF WHISKED BACK TO A TIME OF GLAMOUR, GRANDEUR AND PERSONAL SERVICE.” With its magnificent façade and statues of the four seasons, its stunning Grand Ballroom and the splendour of its royal spa, you will fi nd yourself immersed in a different world, whisked back to a time of glamour, grandeur and personal service. in addition, for the comfort and service of our guests and business partners, during 2015 we will be introducing an exclusive events lounge and many

4-11 4-8 9-11

OUR FUTURE our future the lap of luxury exclusively yours Ákos nonn Giving something back

12-19 12-13 14-15 16-17 18 19

OUR HOTEL our hotel sheer indulgence péter Bolyki Gastro boulevard stardust memories Zoltán tóth royal Catering

20-49 20-25 26-29 30-31 32-41 43-45 47 49

OUR GUESTS a celluloid century tibor Meskál eva Green all the president’s men

52-63 54-55 56-57 60-61 62

Thomas M Fischer

of our suites have been completely reconfi gured. among the technical advances, we are looking at enabling our guests to check-in by mobile device, speeding up the process for the time-poor traveller. let me, on behalf of all my colleagues, welcome you to the Corinthia hotel Budapest and wish you a pleasant and rewarding visit. enjoy all this magnificent city and our hotel have to offer. We are delighted to be at your service. Thomas M Fischer General Manager

AWARDS thank you!

64 64

2015 YEARBOOK

Our history

From 1896 to the present day

y the main entrance of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, two corridors are lined with a beautiful illustrative history of the establishment. And what a proud history it is. From its glamorous unveiling in 1896 to its grand reopening in 2003 and contemporary developments beyond, this landmark has always led the way. This history also reflects the changes and development of Budapest itself. As an imperial capital, Budapest was at its height in 1896, when celebrations took place across the city to mark the millennium of the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin. That same year, Parliament opened, Continental Europe’s first underground rail, the present-day Matthias Church – and the Grand Hotel Royal. Ten years earlier, spa baths had opened, beside the hospital and poorhouse that once stood here on the Nagykörút, the busy ring road that links the main districts of Pest. With Millennial celebrations being planned, originally for 1895, it was realised that a suitable – and suitably large – hotel was needed to accommodate the many diplomats and tourists expected to visit. These three plots of land were duly bought by Swiss-born architect Rezsö Ray and the Glück brothers. Around the same time, Baron Pierre de Coubertin announced the inauguration of the modern Olympic Games in Athens, scheduled for 1896. This would add extra stimulus to the hotel project. It was envisaged that tourists would make Budapest part of a grand tour that spring. Demolishing the existing buildings, the architectural team here created a huge hotel with a basic area of 31,500 square metres.

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THIS WAS THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY. FIVE FLOORS CONTAINED 350 ROOMS, 100 WITH THEIR OWN BATHROOM. LIFTS AND ELECTRIC LIGHTS WERE PROVIDED.” on april 30 1896, two weeks after the olympics, the royal was unveiled with a grand banquet. this was the height of luxury. europe’s largest hotel contained five floors of 350 rooms, 100 with their own bathroom. lifts, electric lighting and a telephone exchange provided the infrastructure, palm trees, a hairdresser, salons and a café offered style and comfort. Writers and artists gathered here during Budapest’s Golden era. early guests included the lumière Brothers, who showed their pioneering moving

pictures here, Budapest the third city to host this exciting new medium after paris and london. in 1915, the grand ballroom became a permanent 1,000-seat cinema, the royal apollo. after World War i, stars of screen and stage stayed here during the city’s silver age. actors, singers and writers all gathered here. in 1939 hungarian writer Jenő rejtő published the detective story ‘Quarantine in the Grand hotel’, set near Bali. in 1963, life imitated art when this hotel and all 800 guests trapped inside

were put under quarantine for a month. Fearing the worst, the guests organised balls to forget their predicament – until a medical error was spotted and the quarantine lifted. in between, the history of the hotel had taken several turns. partly destroyed during World War ii, the royal closed – although the cinema stayed open, renamed the red star under the postwar Communist régime. in 1956, the building suffered damage during the hungarian uprising. the following year, the authorities decided to rebuild the royal, a four-year process that culminated with its re-

opening in august 21 1961. hungary’s only luxury hotel, the royal contained 344 rooms, most with their own bathrooms, and 23 suites, served by 600 staff and ten lifts. television sets could be provided upon request. during its 30 years of service, the royal hosted concerts, conferences and celebrations, including the world chess championships and a congress for the World health organisation. sadly, by 1991, the hotel had fallen into disrepair and it was forced to close. the cinema remained open until 1997. Within a relatively short time, the Maltese Corinthia Group had bought

one big family Care is the Corinthia philosophy

the building and began a multi-million dollar restoration project, the largest hotel refurbishment in hungarian history. the façade was a protected monument and had to be preserved. Behind the structure was all but gutted – this was reconstruction from the ground up. With the slogan ‘a legend reborn’, the Corinthia Group built 414 rooms and reconstructed the Grand Ballroom. the Corinthia hotel Budapest was opened on april 30 2003 in the presence of the then presidents of hungary and Malta, Ferenc Mádl and Guido de Marco. shortly afterwards, the adjoining spa, abandoned in 1944, was rediscovered, rebuilt then reopened in 2006. recipient of many awards, the Corinthia hotel Budapest still strives to provide the same standard of hospitality as when it fi rst opened in 1896.

t Group Chairman Alfred Pisani

CORINTHIA HOTELS • • • • • • • • •

Corinthia hotel london Corinthia hotel st. petersburg Corinthia hotel Budapest Corinthia hotel prague Corinthia hotel lisbon Corinthia hotel Khartoum Corinthia hotel tripoli Corinthia hotel st George’s Bay, Malta Corinthia palace hotel & spa, Malta

he Grand Ballroom of the Corinthia hotel Budapest is lined with portraits of great hungarians. Within this illustrious company is one foreigner: Mr alfred pisani, founder and chairman of the Corinthia hotels international group. the Corinthia Group is a collection of unique landmark hotels founded by the pisani family in Malta in 1962. Family values have always underpinned company development. alfred pisani calls this the ‘spirit of Corinthia’, reflected in an exceptional level of hospitality he calls the ‘Craftsmanship of Care’. ‘like the care invested in creating the fi nest wine or the most beautiful furniture, caring for guests as we do is hard to achieve and expensive to de-

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Corinthia Hotel London

liver,’ says the Group Chairman. ‘But we hope that even during a brief stay at a Corinthia, our guests will discover that craftsmanship can shape caring for people as beautifully as it can shape a precious stone.’ The family opened its first restaurant in 1962, followed by its first accommodation, the Corinthia Palace Hotel, alongside in 1968. A second Maltese property, the Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, opened in 1995. The company acquired Budapest’s near-derelict Grand Hotel Royal in 1997, and land for the Corinthia Hotel Tripoli in 1998. In 2002, the Nevsky Palace Hotel was acquired in St Petersburg, and the Corinthia Budapest given its soft opening. Budapest and Tripoli

both opened in 2003. 2004 saw the unveiling of the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, 2006 the inauguration of Budapest’s Royal Residence and the Royal Spa. In 2008 the former Metropole Building in central London was acquired for redevelopment. In 2009 the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg opened, followed in 2011 by the Corinthia Hotel London. Set in exclusive Whitehall Place, Corinthia London is now the flagship of the fleet. Situated close to the Thames and within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, the Corinthia Hotel London has been finely created from a grand Victorian building dating from 1885. As in Budapest, here historic grandeur combines with state-of-the-art 21stcentury luxury in fine rooms, stylish suites and imaginative penthouses. They are complemented by ESPA Life, a four-floor, high-end spa complex with an indoor pool, 17 treatment rooms and a team of personal trainers.

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F Our future

Innovation is the key to success

rom airport arrival to checking out and heading home, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest will be using the latest in technology to make your stay as easy, swish and comfortable as possible. This is the task of MIS Director Ákos Nonn and his team – to keep abreast of the latest technological advances, develop these innovations and put them into everyday use. And the most immediate recent development is already in the pipeline. For maxium convenience, as soon as they touch down in Budapest, guests will be able to call on the services of a Corinthia representative, on hand to help them check in to their room via tablet – no need to attend at reception if they’re in a hurry. In fact, all areas of the hotel’s operations have benefitted from the innovations recently introduced by Ákos and his team. Even the maids have been equipped with mobile devices, to tick off, electronically, which rooms have been cleaned and which require certain supplies. They can also be instructed which rooms to prioritise in case of an earlier check-in. Table reservation by tablet is also being looked at, to allow guests to book for dinner at one of the Corinthia’s outlets – while breakfast service is already being conducted by tablet. Ecologically friendly charging points for guests’ devices are another idea. Perhaps the most radical innovations will be seen in the hotel’s newly reconfigured suites. Equipped with a media hub, allowing the TV to be used as a tablet or laptop screen, these will feature screen mirroring, allowing contactless screen use irrespective of the make of device.

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The lap of luxury Suites transformed for 2015

erhaps the most visual development at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest for 2015 is the complete renovation of its luxury suites. ‘The overall feel of these suites,’ states Corinthia General Manager Thomas M Fischer, ‘is one of 21st century elegance combined with the modern touches of luxury that one would expect of a five-star hotel’. These luxury suites, with fresh, spacious, elegant interiors, are the newest in Budapest. From the new lighting touches to the harmonic mix of materials and furniture, the reborn suites evoke a decidedly home from home atmosphere for their sophisticated guests. ‘We wanted to tip our hat to the rich, historic feel of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest,’ Mr Fischer continued, ‘but ensure that the new suites also have a con-

temporary feel. Our goal was to give guests the sense that while they are walking into a modern setting, they quickly understand that this is a timeless design’. Here vast living areas complement comfort-enhancing advanced technology. New timber floors and mirror walls combine contemporary design with natural light colours. Two 40-inch LCD TVs interact with the in-room media hub, allowing guests to use them as a laptop or tablet screen. ‘This major renovation,’ concluded Mr Fischer, ‘proves our dedication to the constant investment in guest comfort, so we are better able to provide our customers with a world-class and personalised service’.

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exclusively yours new events lounge opens

THE NEW EVENTS LOUNGE WILL BE RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR EVENT ORGANISERS AND MEETING PARTICIPANTS

ver the next coming months, the Corinthia hotel Budapest will unveil a unique new feature. a first for hungary, a purpose-built lounge will be dedicated for the exclusive use of organisers of conference events. a meeting room is being fully equipped with the latest in technology. ‘We trust that with this new development,’ said General Manager thomas M Fischer, ‘we are providing our organising partners with unique added value, guaranteeing them every condition necessary so that they can carry out their work without interruption and in comfort’.

Meetings, conferences and exhibitions – these are becoming a burgeoning market for international tourism. these days, hotels need to be geared to accommodate meticulously planned international meetings, requiring particularly high standards of organisation and hospitality. ‘the new events lounge,’ continued Mr Fischer, ‘will be reserved exclusively for event organisers and meeting participants’. Furnished in club style, its offices, boardrooms and rest sections will be fitted with the latest equipment to facilitate daily work and ensure the necessary comforts for relaxation. Clients

can be received and negotiations conducted in private, in meeting rooms fully equipped with digital technology and smart screens. the office of the Corinthia hotel Budapest event team is also located near the lounge area. ‘the royal salon will further enhance efficiencies by excluding all distractions and by ensuring that our team is constantly at their disposal,’ concluded Mr Fischer.

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Ákos nonn Making everything click

echnological innovation is essential to the development of any major hotel. in this field, the Corinthia hotel Budapest has long been ahead of the game, not only in hungary but in the region as a whole. and the man in charge of keeping abreast of these developments, and putting them into practice, is Mis director Ákos nonn. and if anyone knows about the technical side of operations at the hotel, it’s Ákos. ‘i arrived at the Corinthia right at the start, in 2002,’ he remembers. ‘We set up a whole infrastructure of the highest technical standards to ensure the maximum comfort of our guests.’ since then, not only has the hotel change dramatically, so has technology. ‘We used to have dial-up internet,’ says Ákos. ‘now, of course, it’s everywhere there’s WiFi.’ and not only in every room – the airport limousine is Wi-Fi-enabled. soon it is hoped that guests will be able to check in via tablet from the airport, in the taxi to town or in the lobby itself. ‘We call this opera table check-in, and we will be the fi rst hotel in the region to provide it,’ says Ákos. ‘We make arrival, check-in and check-out as seamless as possible.’ already the hotel maids are equipped with mobile devices to prioritise speedy room-cleaning. Further developments for guests’ convenience will allow online table reservation at the hotel’s restaurants and an ecological-friendly way of using solar cells to charge devices in public areas. Meanwhile, in the hotel’s newly reconfi gured suites, a media hub already enables guests to use the

Giving something back team activities benefit others

WE MAKE ARRIVAL, CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT AS SEAMLESS AS POSSIBLE.” fl at-screen tV as the screen for their laptop. this makes work, music-listening and fi lm-watching far easier and more pleasurable. ‘We are moving towards screen mirroring,’ says Ákos. ‘this will allow you to use the tV as your tablet or laptop screen wirelessly, and irrespective of the brand.’ near field communication, nFC, is another area for investigation, allowing for a whole range of contactless transactions. ‘industry often provides us with inspiration and ideas,’ says Ákos. ‘We are always looking at all areas of our operation to improve and develop.’

o care for guests is the duty of any five-star luxury hotel. But any modern-day business also has a duty to society as a whole. the buzzwords are Corporate social responsibility. away from the jargon, though, this means that team members at the Corinthia hotel Budapest has been eager to help in all kinds of activities to help others less fortunate than themselves. this has ranged from giving blood to trying out the winter sport of curling, and from granting wishes to sick children to being doused in iced water to raise funds for those suffering from als. Many altruistic activities have involved sport, whether a whole day of basketball, football and table tennis arranged by the american Chamber of Commerce or a staff evening on the curling sheet. one particular charity to have benefitted from the good works of Corinthia team members in recent years

IT COULD BE A TRIP TO EURODISNEY OR THE CHANCE TO DRIVE A TRAIN.” is Csodalámpa, the Magic lantern. With a volunteer network across hungary, the Magic lantern foundation enables thousands of children suffering from lifethreatening diseases such as leukemia or heart disease to see their particular wish come true. it could be a trip to eurodisney or the chance to drive a train – a magical break from the child’s everyday routine. Children are also the focus of the Mikulásgyár, the santa Claus Factory, the grotto set up every year on heroes’ square where we distribute food and clothes collected at the hotel to little ones in need.

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ungary’s oldest luxury hotel is also a 21 st-century technological wonder. steeped in history, the Corinthia hotel Budapest is today a deluxe landmark of the highest international standard. then again, as the Grand hotel royal, this venerable establishment always set the standard. opened with a banquet in 1896, the royal was the most luxurious of its kind in hungary. the Corinthia Group acquired it as a vacant building in 1997. the interior was gutted to make way for a 60,000 square-metre reconstruction that retained the historic façade and restored the 19th-century classical ballroom. the hotel was officially opened in april 2003. today, the hotel consists of 440 rooms, including 2,695 square metres of conference space with 31 breakout rooms, an exhibition centre, the fully restored ballroom, 26 luxury residences, a multi-storey garage with space for 250 cars and seven coaches, six dining and drinking outlets, and a luxurious spa. a 24-hour in-room dining service is available for guests in all rooms and residencies.

ROOMS AND SUITES

our hotel royal luxury since 1896

the 414 guest rooms, each with both a bathtub and shower, include a mix of 31 suites, all with complimentary WiFi and interactive flatscreen tVs. the junior suites measure 63 square metres –each with a luxurious king-sized bed, an expansive living area, and all the luxuries you would expect from a grand, five-star hotel. these include glorious marble bathrooms, comfortable sofas and top-of-the-range Bose audio systems. deluxe suites measure 69 square-metres. For more on new suites and the opulent presidential suite, please see pages 14-15 and 62-63 respectively. the 28 square-metre superior King and superior twin rooms are furnished with luxurious beds and marble bathrooms, offering exceptional comfort and tranquillity. the deluxe King rooms, at 34 square metres, contain king-sized beds, marble bathrooms and a

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spacious seating area for unrivalled relaxation. each has a view of the striking atrium. the 98 mahogany-decorated executive King rooms are the same size, and provide a comfortable retreat, with views of the atrium or Budapest’s grand cityscape, and grant exclusive access to the executive Club.

ROYAL RESIDENCE the 26 luxury serviced apartments have their separate building linked to the main hotel. they come in four types of lay-out, all with a well equipped kitchen, dining table, lCd hd tVs with an infotainment system, a dVd player and complimentary Wi-Fi. in addition, each residence also contains a washing machine, and there is complimentary access to the royal spa. the elegantly furnished 60 square-metre superior residences are light and airy. each one-bedroom apartment is furnished with a comfortable kingsized bed. Guests can also relax in a spacious living room. the 80 square-metre deluxe residences offer a spacious and comfortable base for a longer stay in Budapest. With two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, guests are guaranteed the utmost in comfort and style. one bedroom is furnished with a king-

THE MAHOGANY-DECORATED EXECUTIVE KING ROOMS PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE RETREAT, WITH VIEWS OF THE ATRIUM OR BUDAPEST’S GRAND CITYSCAPE.” sized bed, with a single, retractable bed in the other, making it multipurpose as an office and/or bedroom. the similarly sized and equipped Grand residences have the second bedroom set out as a twin room, offering families the ultimate in comfort. Finally, the stylish 130 square-metre signature residences offer larger families a comfortable base. they comprise three spacious bedrooms, two with king-sized beds, the third furnished with a retractable bed, and two large bathrooms.

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DINING AND DRINKING Dining at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is an unparalleled experience. Recently branded as Gastro Boulevard Budapest, this involves six outlets under one roof. The Brasserie & Atrium specialises in top-quality Hungarian cuisine, while pan-Asian dishes are the focus at Rickshaw. As well as cocktails, Le Bar provides upscale snacks. The Michelin-acknowledged Bock Bisztró offers high-end international dishes. Delicious cakes and pastries are provided at the Szamos Marcipan Royal Café, and late-night entertainment at the Orfeum. For more details, please see pages 32-41.

SPA AND WELLBEING The Royal Spa is one of Europe’s premier pampering facilities. While the centrepiece of this elegant Art Deco building is the 15-metre pool, originally opened in 1886, the exclusive selection of ESPA treatments and products is most certainly 21 st-century. Luxurious, results-focused full-body and face therapies and treatments are geared to suit the individual needs of the customer. The facility also features saunas, a steam bath and jacuzzi, together with a gym and relaxation areas. For more on the Royal Spa, please see pages 28-31.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS Whether you are planning a wedding, a conference or a business event, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest can meet your need. And whatever the occasion, your dedicated Events Planner will be on hand to help you find the perfect venue and guide you through every aspect of it. The crown jewel of the events spaces at the Corinthia is the 430-square-metre Grand Ballroom – for more details see pages 43-45. Accessed from the ballroom by a glass bridge, the Exhibition Centre is a counterpoint showpiece of 21 st-century architecture and technology, offering more than 740 square metres of superbly facilitated event or display space. The Valletta Conference Centre offers the largest, most flexible event space of all of Budapest’s hotels. The two centres can easily be linked to support a more imaginative, large-scale event. For more on events at Corinthia Hotel Budapest, please see page 49.

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personal service Concierge gives that special touch

Zsuzsa Banhidi

f all the positions in a modern five-star hotel, that of the concierge is indispensable. operating complementary to the reception staff, the concierge provides a more extensive service to hotel customers. this is the public face of the hotel – and to cater to every guest’s needs, the Corinthia hotel Budapest employs five, including two women.

THE COUPLE THANKED ME IN PERSON, SAYING THEIR ENGAGEMENT IN BUDAPEST COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCH A SUCCESS OTHERWISE.” as one, Zsuzsa Banhidi, explains, ‘i facilitate the comfort and convenience of guests and fulfi l any additional requests. Guests turn to us when they would like to tour the city, choose a restaurant or rent a car. We arrange transfers and taxis, train and plane tickets’. Just as Zsuzsa differs from the somewhat stern fi gure of hotel lore, so today’s concierge has a broad-

er agenda. Certain requests may vary from the norm. ‘a young english couple provided me with my most memorable experience,’ says Zsuzsa. ‘Before their arrival, the young man contacted us to ask for our help as he wanted to propose to his girlfriend while in Budapest. our luxury limousine was waiting for them at the airport. as a surprise, the hotel provided them with a room upgrade, and the room itself was decorated with roses. For the big moment, i recommended one of Budapest’s most romantic restaurants, set within its most spectacular historical monument. i booked the couple an intimate table by the window with a superb view of the city. afterwards, they returned to the hotel by our history limousine, which included a sightseeing tour by night.’ ‘the next day, the couple asked for my help again. to make their trip totally memorable, they crowned it with a fl ight in a hot-air balloon!’ ‘Before their departure, they thanked me in person, saying that their Budapest engagement could not have been such a success otherwise. since then, i have realised how important my job is.’ Zsuzsa and colleagues also belong to les Clefs d’or, the international concierge association, allowing them to develop high-level skills in the hotel industry.

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Judit Táborosi

sheer indulgence the pure pleasure of the royal spa

ombining a proud tradition dating back to the late 1800s with the very best and latest in 21st-century skincare, the royal spa is one of the Corinthia’s unique selling points. a spa was built here in 1886, ten years before the Grand royal opened alongside. Closed in World War ii, the spa was rediscovered and incorporated into the Corinthia blueprint for a luxury hotel. it reopened in 2006. With a pool bigger than in any of Budapest’s other fi ve-star hotels, the royal spa has recently been able to offer treatments and therapies thanks to partnership with uK skincare experts espa. ‘as of october 2013 we can call on the services of our own in-house espa trainer,’ explains royal spa manager Judit táborosi. surrey-based

THE SPA WAS REDISCOVERED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE CORINTHIA BLUEPRINT FOR A LUXURY HOTEL.” espa provided a training programme, obligatory for all of its professionals at more than 450 high-end spas in 55 countries around the world. Judit herself is well versed in the international hotel spa industry, having built her career around it in the uK before coming home to hungary to join the royal spa three years ago. ‘the sheer range of top-quality treatments we offer now cannot com-

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JUDIT AND HER TEAM CAN PROVIDE MASSAGES FROM AROMATHERAPY TO HOT STONE, ALONG WITH SEVERAL TYPES OF THAI AND INDIAN AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS.â&#x20AC;? pare to what there was here when i started,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she says. already the royal spa was a leader in the field, in a city known for being a major international spa destination. today Judit and her team can provide massages from aromatherapy to hot stone, along with several types of thai and indian ayurvedic treatments. these are for men and women, including pregnant women, in six pool-side treatment rooms, one especially designed for couples. as well as the pool, a luxurious 15 metres long, the treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms allow both customers and staff ample space to relax, move around and work tired muscles. in terms of treatments, full-body and facial, natural espa products

are used in anti-ageing techniques. a skinVision lamp uses long-wave uV light to indicate different skin problems or conditions. specific posttreatment products are then suggested at the end of the in-house session. the pool and treatment areas are located in the basement, the area accessed by its own designated lift. this allows guests to change in their rooms if preferred, comfortably descending to spa level in dressing gown and slippers. Beside the spa, a gym can be accessed 24/7, late-night use available by prior arrangement. the royal spa is also open to the general public, with a range of prices for various seasonal memberships. it also has its own separate entrance from the street for paying customers.

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péter Bolyki COSMOPOLITAN CUISINE, DELIGHTS OF THE FAR EAST AND A FULL BAR MENU ARE PROVIDED BY THE CORINTHIA ITSELF.”

Quality across the board

hen presenting the outlets in his charge, executive Chef péter Bolyki quickly names four. along with the Brasserie & atrium, rickshaw and le Bar, péter insists we include the high-quality roomservice cuisine offered 24 hours a day. ‘this has been the biggest area for recent improvement,’ explains péter, whose career in Vienna’s fi nest hotels brought him to the Corinthia in 2008. ‘raising standards for breakfast in the executive lounge, and in the Brasserie & atrium, has also been prioritised.’

high standards in the hotel’s three sit-down outlets haven’t wavered either. Whether the seasonally changing cosmopolitan cuisine in the Brasserie & atrium, Far eastern dishes in rickshaw or upscale burgers in le Bar, quality is paramount. ‘sunday brunches remain a speciality, tailored to a weekly changing theme, with a lava-stone grill and pancake station.’ all combines to create 6 in 1, the six outlets under the Corinthia roof, including the Bock Bisztró, szamos Marcipan royal Cafe and orfeum Music Club.

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Gastro boulevard 6 in 1

U Atrium restaurant

nder the proud banner of Gastro Boulevard Budapest, the Corinthia has pulled together the half-dozen outlets operating under its one roof to create a single, multi-faceted, dining-and-entertainment experience: 6 in 1. Comprising the three outlets in its charge, Brasserie & Atrium, Rickshaw and Le Bar, and the three operating on its building, the Bock Bisztró, Szamos Marcipan Royal Café and

Orfeum, five of them on the same ground floor, 6 in 1 provides guests and non-residents with a whole spectrum of gastronomic and after-hours possibilities. Cosmopolitan cuisine, delights of the Far East and a full bar menu are provided by the Corinthia itself – Michelin-shortlisted traditional and gourmet cuisine, exquisite pastries and late-night shows are offered in the adjoining venues only a few steps away.

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SUNDAY BRUNCHES REMAIN A SPECIALITY, TAILORED TO A WEEKLY-CHANGING THEME.”

Brunches, though, remain the Corinthia’s strong suit. Family-friendly sundays are big business in Budapest, and competition is strong at the best hotels for a slice of the weekend market. held in the Brasserie & atrium restaurant, sunday brunches at the Corinthia are unique in that each week’s is created around a different theme. ‘not only do we bring in a new topic week after week,’ explains executive Chef péter Bolyki, ‘but we are also the only high-end hotel with a lava-stone grill, pancake station and forest fruits!’the rest of the time,

Brasserie restaurant

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the Brasserie & atrium specialises in hungarian and international cuisine. ‘as much as possible, we change with the seasons,’ says péter. ‘i have a trusted network of small-scale local producers responsible for supplying us with the fi nest meat and freshest vegetables, all within easy reach of Budapest.’ When it comes to drawing up a new menu, péter gathers his experts around him, chefs, sous-chefs and Corinthia General Manager thomas M Fischer to sample the new dishes, garnishes and sauces being prepared and proposed. ‘Food testing is vital to the whole process,’ outlines péter. ‘and it’s a real team effort to get it right.’ the end result involves some of finest produce to be found in hungary – mangalica pork, trout from szilvásvárad, succulent veal. pastas or vegetarian choices are also offered, appetisers and soups may accompany. desserts are another speciality, prepared by péter. the creative force behind all desserts and pastries available at Corinthia outlets, péter is not afraid to experiment with age-old favourites if the fancy takes him. leaving europe behind, in a culinary sense at least, rickshaw brings together the many exotic fl avours of the Far east. Chinese, Japanese, indonesian and thai cuisines are brought to life here, in an authentically asian atmosphere. peking duck is a particular speciality, with fi sh and vegetarian alternatives also provided. if you’ve missed lunch at the Brasserie & atrium, don’t worry. the food selection at le Bar runs to far more than just nibbles. argentine beef tagliata with rocket, peppers and parmesan shavings or beef and foie gras burgers are just two items on the menu, book-ended by even more delicious desserts.

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THE CREATIVE FORCE BEHIND DESSERTS AND PASTRIES AT CORINTHIA, PÉTER BOLYKI IS NOT AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT WITH AGE-OLD FAVOURITES IF THE FANCY TAKES HIM.”

Le Bar

Rickshaw

After dark, Le Bar becomes a postwork lounge spot for an apéritif or cocktail, with a resident pianist and occasional live jazz or literary evenings. Recognised by the Michelin Guide and locally acknowledged as one of the top kitchens in Budapest, Lajos Bíró’s Bock Bisztró is a destination in its own right. Here contemporary bistro culture mingles with Hungarian classics – Hortobágyi-style catfish, veal paprikás – to create something unique. The Bock in question is József, a previous Hungarian Winemaker of the Year, whose complete selection is available here. Other renowned domestic labels – Légli, Nyakas, Dúzsi – can also be found.

Orfeum

Szamos Marcipan Royal Café

The Szamos Marcipan Royal Café allows you to indulge yourself in all manner of tempting sweet things. Some involve the signature marzipan created by the venerable, family-run Szamos confectioners – but Hungarian classics such as Dobostorta and Somlói galuska are also available. Finally, the Orfeum club evokes the cabaret glamour of Habsburg Budapest. Showtime varies, and admission is free for hotel guests.

Stardust memories The Grand Ballroom revived

, di

t is the point on the tour when the guide, hotel stalwart Tibor Meskál, goes misty-eyed. Twice a week, this Senior Duty Manager takes guests and interested parties for his fact-filled walk around the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. The grand lobby, the elegant R symbol, the history depicted in the entrance corridors, Mr Meskál describes them in engaging but matter-of-fact fashion. After all, he should know. Mr Meskál started here as an 18-year-old when the Grand Hotel Royal reopened in 1961 and returned for its contemporary transformation as the Corinthia in 2003. But when it comes to opening the doors to the Grand Ballroom, there’s a lump in his throat. It’s not just

Drink responsibly.

the magnificent Baroque furnishings, nor the portraits of Hungary’s illustrious personalities embellishing the coving – it’s the sheer historic force of the place. At nearly 11 metres high and 31 long, the lovingly restored Grand Ballroom retains the same dimensions of its Habsburg heyday – and still conveys that wow factor of fin-de-siècle glamour as when it opened in 1896. Diplomats and magnates glided across the dancefloor with their consorts as musicians played. Budapest was at the height of its power as twin capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Below, in summer, huge metal containers on casters were loaded with big blocks of ice to cool the ballroom through an ingenious

2015 YearBooK

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED AND MEN WERE SENT TO THE FRONT, MANAGEMENT CANCELLED BALLS AND INSTALLED HUNGARY’S FIRST CINEMA.” system of ventilation. in winter, redhot bricks provided rising heat in the same fashion. and when the music stopped and men were sent to the front during World War i, the management cancelled balls and installed a cinema, hungary’s fi rst, right here. already the lumière Brothers had been invited here to screen moving pictures, only the third such location after paris and london. the 1,000-seat royal apollo hosted fi lms and concerts as the silver age arrived. hungary’s greatest modern composer, Béla Bartók, even performed here.

after World War ii destruction, the hotel folded but the cinema survived, to be renamed the red star. it is now that Mr Meskál comes back into the story, for behind the Grand Ballroom stands the original mahogany staircase this young employee would have climbed to reach the balcony for matinee shows between shifts. today, the Grand Ballroom hosts gala nights, weddings, charity evenings and society functions, for up to 300 guests, 400 in theatre formation. the gallery, formerly the cinema balcony, may accommodate from 40 to 70 in banquet or reception setting.

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Zoltán tóth Banquets fit for a king

enowned for its gastronomic prowess at six outlets operating under one roof, the Corinthia hotel Budapest does not limit its culinary artistry to these venues alone. today high-end customised catering is a major area for expansion both in-house and out. With its royal Catering service, the Corinthia takes care of every aspect of hospitality, from delivery to waitstaff, and from furniture to entertainment. But none of these would hang together without the most vital element: food. Which is where senior Banquet Chef Zoltán tóth comes in. a member of the Corinthia kitchen staff since 2006, Zoltán gained his current position in 2010. ‘My duties involve groups and events of 25 people or more,’ says Zoltán. ‘i oversee everything from the

I OVERSEE EVERYTHING, FROM THE ORDERING OF INGREDIENTS THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE THE MEAL IS SERVED TO THE GUEST.” ordering of ingredients through to the point where the meal is served to the guest, whether buffet-style or plated. in the course of my work i have to satisfy everyone, from ministers and top international singers down.’ Zoltán and team provide quality cuisine for both in-house and external events. ‘We did an event at the hungaroring, promoting our royal spa to hungarian Ferrari owners. that was really something special – wherever i looked there were Ferraris, and their glorious sound got my heart beating. i was even taken round the track in the car of my dreams, a real Ferrari enzo.’

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2015 YEARBOOK

It’s your day

Royal Catering

Staging the perfect wedding

here better than the elegant, luxurious, historic Corinthia Hotel Budapest to stage your special day? Offering grandeur, tradition and contemporary comforts at the same time, the stunning jewel of the Grand Boulevard is the perfect setting to tie the knot. The breathtaking, Baroque-style Grand Ballroom is the ideal location for a fairytale wedding. Its high ceilings, elegant cornicing and sense of living history all add to the opulence and magic of this stunning space. The spacious Atrium, its soaring glass roof flooding it with natural light, makes the perfect backdrop for the wedding of your dreams. Here you find the optimal combination of modern elegance with historic grandeur and flexible event spaces. Under the motto ‘It’s your day’, the professional Royal Wedding team is perfectly placed to help you every step of the way. Careful attention to detail, meticulous planning, creative ideas and a passion for hospitality are the cornerstones of all these activities and preparations. A dedicated, highly skilled events team, and culinary and banqueting staff, work closely with each couple to ensure a truly memorable occasion, whether a lavish celebration or more intimate affair.

Making your event a success

iven the slogan ‘Because It’s Personal’, Royal Catering is a vital section within the hospitality operation of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. Here the key is personal service. Those looking to organise a product launch, a birthday party or a wedding can rely on the flexible, high-quality, one-stop service provided by the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. The organiser can set up their event, planning and booking with an innovative online tool, the Royal Catering configurator, devised for this purpose.

Not only does the Royal Catering service take care of every aspect of hospitality, from delivery to waitstaff, and from furniture to entertainment, but it looks after the organiser as well. A car with a chauffeur is made available, as well as a personal event assistant, for work around the venue and on the particular day itself. And as if this wasn’t enough, Royal Catering can also provide a Relaxation Package. This makes sure that preparations are smooth and trouble-free, and that any organisational stress is taken care of once the event is over.

2015 YEARBOOK

ooking after the leading personalities from the worlds of stage, screen and sport has been a speciality of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest since it first opened in 1896. First writers and artists, then stars of the silent screen, music-hall entertainers and singers, the original Grand Hotel Royal fêted and accommodated the biggest names of the day. Just as the nature of this fame has changed, so has the nature of the hospitality offered at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. Today security and discretion are considerations of paramount importance. An experienced Senior Duty Manager, such as the Corinthia’s Tibor Meskál, has been catering to the biggest stars in the business since his career began in the early 1960s. Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Tom Jones, they’ve all been served by this master of politesse and propriety. As for the accommodation itself, this now extends to the vast 240-square-metre Presidential Suite, with the guest’s own personal butler. With a view of the statue of Lady Liberty atop Gellért Hill, this is the largest of its kind in Hungary. Along with all these luxurious amenities, stars on tour love the personal touch when hopping from city to city. Missing the comforts of home, they thrive on the kind of genuine hospitality that the Corinthia Hotel Budapest has in spades. Today’s stars arrive and leave by their own separate entrance but, once inside the warmth of the Corinthia, they know they’re at the nearest place to home.

Our Guests Taking care of the famous

Thomas M Fischer General Manager, Corinthia Hotel Budapest, with movie star Rutger Hauer

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a celluloid century Cinema arrived here in 1915

ear the concierge desk of the Corinthia hotel Budapest stands a precious artefact, kept under glass for all to see. opened at an autographed photograph (‘Budapest 1928’) of Josephine Baker, the item is a guest book collated by Éva and istván Fejer. the children of then hotel manager leo, they collected the signatures of the stars of stage and screen who stayed at the Grand hotel royal. this link with cinema goes on until the present day. Just as Budapest is a favoured location for shooting modernday movies – ‘evita’, ‘astérix’, ‘War Z’ and ‘die hard 5’ – so the Corinthia is the hotel du choix for the stars who feature in them. not to mention the

royal apollo. a curtain still stretches over the wall where the screen once was – though the piano from the silent era has long gone. in the mornings, newsreels from the front attracted a mainly female audience, mothers, wives and sisters desperate for news of their loved ones. the evenings meant hollywood entertainment. though the hotel didn’t survive World War ii, the cinema did, as the red star. While today’s Corinthia no longer runs a cinema, it still lends itself to glamorous shoots – such as the recent one starring ex-Bond girl eva Green, now featuring on the 2015 Campari calendar.

THE CHILDREN OF THE HOTEL MANAGER COLLECTED THE SIGNATURES OF THE STARS OF STAGE AND SCREEN.” recent ‘Grand Budapest hotel’, fi lmed in Germany but inspired by a certain hotel not a million miles from here… it was in this hotel, in fact, that the lumière Brothers screened their pioneering moving pictures. in 1915, the hotel converted its elegant ballroom into Budapest’s fi rst cinema, the

2015 YearBooK

tibor Meskál

a legend among legends

hen legends arrive for a Vip stay at the Corinthia, they are customarily greeted by another: Mr tibor Meskál. now 72, this hotel legend has been serving the stars since beginning his career here as an 18-year-old room-service attendant. as senior duty Manager, Mr Meskál has an office behind the concierge desk. awards and certificates decorate its walls, telling the story of the trainee waiter who joined the Grand hotel royal before its post-war re-opening in august 1961, later took his skills abroad, then came home for the reopening of his alma mater as the Corinthia hotel Budapest in 2002. ‘Back in 1961, everyone pitched in, carrying mattresses, plates, everything into the hotel,’ reminisces Mr Meskál. ‘i like to say that i helped open this hotel twice – and i’m not looking to do it a third time!’

From rome to sydney to london, on cruise ships across the south pacific and beyond to Bermuda, Mr Meskál has served, waited and invariably been fêted in all fields of the hospitality industry. room service, though, underscores Mr Meskál’s remarkable career. Frank sinatra, Marlene dietrich, Mikhail Gorbachëv, all received that delicate tap of the door and discreet delivery of their request. accompanying it may have come a well chosen comment, a delicate but fitting observation, just the right touch for the right moment. From a locked glass-fronted bookcase in his office, Mr Meskál produces a weighty tome, its cover thick blue leather. Within, signed dedications testify to the discreet yet touching service provided by Mr Meskál – and by the Corinthia staff who now learn from the master.

STARS FIND A HOME FROM HOME AT THE CORINTHIA – AND IN THE PERSONAL TOUCH PROVIDED BY MR MESKÁL AND TEAM.“

‘i am kneeling in front of this book,’ writes actor donald sutherland, ‘such is the honour of signing it, and of being part of this extraordinary tradition’. ‘he was so tall,’ chuckles Mr Meskál as he fl icks through the pages, past signed photos of oscar winners, rock stars and presidents, ‘that he had to kneel down to write! a real gentleman…’ Forever touring and so rarely domiciled, stars fi nd a home from home at the Corinthia – and in the personal touch provided by Mr Meskál and team. ‘i was from a lucky generation,’ recalls Mr Meskál, of his in-house education in the 1960s. ‘i got to learn from the masters of the trade.’ the royal, as was, still echoed its pre-war golden age. old-school hospitality was paramount – and handed down as a rite of passage. and, from shifting tables as a boy in 1961 to thrice serving Queen elizabeth ii, for Mr Meskál this passage could surely not have been better scripted. today, Mr Meskál gives twiceweekly tours of the hotel, its history entertainingly related, its secrets never revealed. as always, just the right touch.

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our Vips

the stars just love the Corinthia hotel Budapest

Jean Reno

elebrity has practically been synonymous with this hotel since it fi rst opened in 1896. after inviting the lumière Brothers to screen their pioneering moving pictures, the hotel opened a hungary’s fi rst cinema, the royal apollo. then came the silver age. Film stars boosted the hotel’s reputation as the residence of choice for a new kind of Vip, one recognised by cinema-goers the world over. in 1928, exotic american entertainer Josephine Baker stayed at the royal, signing the visitors’ book with a familiar flourish. Vilma Bánky, the hungarian-born great of hollywood’s silent era, played opposite rudolph Valentino in his last two fi lms. in 1933, she stayed at the royal, before deciding to retire to enjoy the quiet life. after the royal’s reopening in 1961, the big names kept on coming – jazz singers, tV personalities – but today’s hotel has become a real haven to the stars. Football teams liverpool and real Madrid, fi lm personalities sean Connery and isabella rossellini, singers José Carreras and George Benson, all have enjoyed a luxury stay at the Corinthia hotel Budapest in recent years. the proof? the Vip visitors’ book, a beautifully bound testament to the highend hospitality that has celebrities coming back here, time after time.

Gerard Depardieu

Sergio Mendes

David Coulthard

Kobayashi Kenichiro

Alecia Moore, “Pink”

Donald Sutherland

George Benson

McFerrin Bobby

Branford Marsalis

Franco Nero

2015 YearBooK

eva Green

Corinthia hosts Campari star

he Corinthia hotel Budapest recently rubbed shoulders with the fi lm world again when ex-Bond girl eva Green posed around the hotel for the Campari calendar 2015. if you can take your eyes away from the stunning red dress worn by Green for the photo shoot, easily recognisable in the background are the hotel’s lovingly restored Grand Ballroom, le Bar, the Brasserie and atrium restaurant and lobby in front of the hársfa hall. ‘it was a great experience to work there,’ said Green, currently starring in the showtime tV series ‘penny dreadful’. ‘although earlier i said that the photo sessions were like being on holiday, the truth is that they were five very intensive days.’ photographed by the internationally recognised Julia Fullerton-Batten, the series of 12 photographs feature in the limited-edition calendar, this year

IN THE BACKGROUND ARE THE LOVINGLY RESTORED GRAND BALLROOM, LE BAR, THE BRASSERIE AND ATRIUM RESTAURANT AND LOBBY.” entitled ‘Mythology Mixology’. it is distributed to trusted clients and not put out for general sale. each photograph, and each month, represents a different classic drink integral to the 150-year-old history of the legendary Campari brand. recent Campari calendar girls have included penelope Cruz, uma thurman and Mila Jovovich. Green shot to fame when cast in Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘the dreamers’ in 2002. she later starred as Vesper lynd alongside daniel Craig in the 2006 remake of Bond fi lm ‘Casino royale’. in 2014, she appeared in ‘sin City: a dame to Kill For’, along with Bruce Willis, Mickey rourke and ray liotta.

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all the president’s men Where world leaders and film stars stay

he title of ‘presidential’ almost doesn’t do it justice. Yes, presidents have stayed here, as well as prime ministers, opera singers, oscar-winning actors and pop stars. But the presidential suite of the Corinthia hotel Budapest is, at 240 square metres, more palatial than presidential. to put this in perspective, a smallish fl at is 60 square metres, a reason-

ably sized one 80-90 square metres. any property measuring 240 square metres is, simply, vast. and this is just one suite on a fi fth floor containing three, each named after a hungarian composer. this one, the Franz liszt, alongside Bartók and Kodály, is not only the biggest in the building but the biggest in hungary. even its doorway is different, a single marble step symbolising superiority.

the presidential suite runs across the entire width of the top floor of the middle section of the hotel. From the outside, this central part features a cupola either side: each is a separate bedroom, with luxurious king-sized beds. stretching across the frontage are nine large windows. Coupled with high ceilings, they give the suite an incredible airy feeling, and flood it with natural light. these windows also offer wonderful views of the boulevards below, panning out across the rooftops as far as Citadella atop Gellért hill and the liberty statue. it makes the perfect spot for the annual august 20 national day fi reworks

THE VIEWS PAN OUT FROM THE BOULEVARDS BELOW, ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS AS FAR AS CITADELLA ATOP GELLÉRT HILL AND THE LIBERTY STATUE.” display. people even hire out the suite to watch the show with friends. Back inside, you fi nd a jacuzzi in one of two marble bathrooms, those two huge bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen – for the chef also at your disposal. perhaps the most notable space is the study – ideal for the signing of contracts between political leaders, or fi lm directors and movie stars, pop stars and promoters.

2015 YearBooK

thank you!

the Corinthia hotel Budapest would like to thank everyone for being part of our success â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we look forward to your custom and support in 2015.