Párisi Udvar Hotel - Budapest's Moorish/Art Nouveau Palace

Budapest is a city full of stunning buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Párisi Udvar, built in 1912, is arguably the most beautiful hotel in the city, inside and out.

The Párisi Udvar is an amazing building in every sense: it's a journey through time, blending various eras and styles, fantasy and reality, craftsmanship, and modern technology in a breathtaking mix.

One of the most distinctive buildings on Ferenciek Square in the heart of Budapest has a fascinating story: the country's first modern department store underwent many transformations before reaching its current splendor.

The palace that stands today was designed by the renowned architect Henrik Schmahl. He preserved the ground floor of the original structure from 1817 while the remainder was demolished. This decision allowed it to continue functioning as an open passageway with shops inside.

The beautifully decorated building showcases a blend of Moorish and Art Nouveau architectural styles. It features works by some of the most influential industrial artists of the time. Gyula Jungfer designed the wrought iron elements, Miksa Róth created the glass dome and mosaics, and Zsolnay ceramics are prominently displayed on the facade.

After decades of post-war decay, a complete renovation of the building finally began in 2016. This comprehensive restoration revitalized every part of the structure, both inside and out, returning it to its original splendor.

It is almost impossible for modern man to imagine how the builders, carpenters, joiners, masons, and other artisans could have produced these fine details in such a huge mass on this scale throughout an entire building.

The facade of the five-story, 41-meter-high shopping arcade, featuring two inner courtyards, is a rare sight in Europe. The structure is adorned with 3,000 square meters of continuous ceramic cladding made up of 250,000 (!) individual pieces.

Today, the Párisi Udvar Hotel operates within its walls, and the Párisi Passage Café & Restaurant welcomes visitors looking to enjoy a delicious coffee or a unique lunch in the historic former passage area.

The brown and gold interior design extends several stories high, naturally drawing the eye toward the magnificent glass dome. The opulent effect results from a 4.5-year renovation that demanded 85,000 hours of work by the restorers alone.

The name "Párisi Udvar" derives from "the Passage des Panoramas," a shopping street in the 2nd district of Paris that inspired the long shopping corridor inside the building.

The luxurious hotel is housed inside the former Downtown Savings Banks building.

The hotel offers 110 rooms, 18 suites, and two residences to choose from, depending on your needs and budget.

The furnishings are timelessly elegant, and according to the strict hotel rules, everything is made of natural materials.

There is a small gym and spa where you can relax in an infrared sauna, a traditional Finnish sauna, and a small relaxation pool. You can also request various massages.