A once forgotten 19th-century mansion situated in the beating heart of Budapest has had new life breathed into it by designer Marcel Wanders. With halls, walls and coves decorated in bespoke Newmor Wallcoverings creations, this striking hotel invites visitors on a charming tour of Hungarian folklore…
A Brit List Awards 2024 Public Area of the Year shortlistee, the 127-key Kimpton BEM Budapest is a luxurious ode to Hungary’s rich ancient and contemporary history; nestled along the picturesque banks of the Danube River, near to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castle District.
Image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
The hotel’s design, curated under the experienced eye of Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, borrows from native folklore and the vibrant energy of modern day Budapest, melding whimsical accents with enchanting patterns to entice guests on a journey that pays homage to Hungary’s unique mythologies and native flora.
Beginning in the hotel lobby, guests are met by a large-scale golden stag sculpture showcased in a stained-glass atrium. This same golden stage can be seen proudly presented upon the bespoke Newmor-designed walls of the entrance hall, where the stag stands upon a gold and emerald green hillside, backdropped by zodiac-like diagrams and folk symbols mounted in the sky.
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- Image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
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- Image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
The fable-inspired story-telling continues in the design of the elegant guestrooms and 11 suites, which each convey Budapest city’s ever-changing panorama. Three rooms host gastronomic concepts, but all rooms are home to bespoke Newmor wallcoverings that reference native culture and represent Hungary’s mystical heritage.
Image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
Some areas of the hotel have take more literal inferences from native mythology, such as the hotel’s Bar Huso which is inspired by the legend of Huso Huso the beluga sturgeon — a mystical denizen of the Danube.
While decorated floor to ceiling with Newmor wallcoverings representing folkish depictions of mythical animals and ancient landscapes, the Bar Huso keeps up with the modern day by hosting weekend live DJ sessions and offering an exceptional array of Hungarian and international wines.
Image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
Moray Forrest, Newmor Sales Director, said of the project: “Kimpton BEM Budapest is a celebration of Budapest’s cultural history and Marcel Wanders imagination. Newmor is honoured to have supplied bespoke wallcoverings throughout the public areas, guestrooms and suites.”
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Main image credit: Kimpton BEM Budapest
