In a City of Bridges, Kimpton BEM Budapest Links Modern Hungary With its Historical Past

Fortunately for visitors to the Hungarian capital, and for the city itself, this is not even slightly the case at Kimpton BEM Budapest. The hotel, which opened in July 2024, doesn’t just occupy the former 19th-century mansion on Buda's elegant Bem József Square - it honours its history. At the same time, it captures something of the city’s broader ability to marry a storied past with dynamic reinvention. 

And then there’s its proximity to that view of the Parliament building - by night, laid out like a glittering bracelet along the opposite side of the Danube - a worthy reason to leave the hotel for a pre-nightcap stroll. 

Because, despite Budapest’s many appeals, a stay at Kimpton BEM does indeed make leaving its walls difficult. As I entered its towering double doors - the building was once home to the Radetzcky Barracks, and proud horses would have strutted through this archway - it was impossible not to be struck by the seamless blend between heritage architecture and playfully contemporary design.

Glass mosaics, in shades of lilac and moss, cover the two reception desks. Blonde parquet flooring cuts a path between them, leading to a sculpture of a stag in an open cage. The mosaics are the work of Italian luxury design brand, Sicis, but the tiles were made by the Zsolnay ceramics factory in Pécs. Established in 1853, their presence in the lobby area is part of a commitment to celebrating Hungary’s past throughout the hotel’s decor. 

The interiors reflect the richly imaginative world of acclaimed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, and references to Hungary’s vibrant folkloric traditions are visible at every turn. Botanical motifs, such as sunflowers and poppies, are coupled with custom-made wallpaper - gold on black, and patterned with riddles: pentagrams interspersed with flowing text spelling out ‘The Keeper of Secrets,’ and decorated eggs against the words ‘Who is hatching?’ Along with the hotel’s heady signature scent - an impossible-to-define blend of musk, clove and black pepper, enlivened with bright citrus notes - the effect is otherworldly and enchanting; as though you’ve stepped into a magic spell. 

Despite this, the welcome is overwhelmingly warm and human. I was offered a glass of Champagne at check-in, staff seemed to instantly remember my name, and the service struck a welcome balance between attentiveness and discretion. At breakfast, gluten-free bread was brought to my table before I could even request it; likewise at dinner. 

A signature event across the Kimpton brand is evening social hour; here, it’s held between 5pm and 6pm in Bar HUSO, which is designed to feel like an underwater room, complete with fish scale tiling in a range of blues. Complimentary Hungarian wines are served, enhancing the sense of place. 

In fact, the hotel also serves as an excellent introduction to Hungary's increasingly vibrant wine culture. As well as the emphasis placed on the country’s varietals and vintages in the hotel’s restaurant, AGOS, weekend tastings in the tasting room just off Bar HUSO explore the country's 22 wine regions. 

I meet with Tibor Meskál, the hotel’s Duty Manager. With twinkling blue eyes under a mop of white hair, this 83-year old powerhouse is described by staff as a ‘national treasure.’ He has had a long history of working in the luxury hotel industry, both in Europe, and in Australia, where he gained citizenship after escaping Soviet rule. 

“Hungary’s history of viticulture goes back thousands of years,” he says, “but it suffered a setback during the Soviet era, when the emphasis was on quantity over quality.” While Tokaji, in Hungary’s northeast, might be the region best known to international visitors, lesser-known varieties have gathered pace in recent years - including those from Lake Balaton. With Hungary having recorded a record-breaking year in 2025, the hotel is actively encouraging guests to venture beyond the capital, and this region, just 135km away, is a good place to start. A hop-on, hop-off wine bus - the Balaton Borbusz - has made the area even more accessible to visitors, especially those who want to sample its bounty while exploring.  

Choose to stay close to the hotel, in Buda’s gracious streets, or to venture beyond the city limits - either way, Kimpton BEM Budapest welcomes you back with open, soothing arms. The petite spa area offers an opulent wellness space that acknowledges, but doesn’t pretend to compete with, Budapest’s long spa history, while the bedrooms - calm medleys of forest green, cream and soft gold, illuminated by natural light via pocket balconies - are perfectly geared towards unwinding. Marble bathrooms, Balmain toiletries and thick bathrobes only add to the experience of having your every need looked after. 

It’s a telling admission: the only time I wished that Kimpton BEM Budapest's service standards were not quite so excellent was when staff at the front desk called my taxi to the airport. It arrived far too punctually. 

Sarah was a guest of Kimpton BEM Budapest. Rates start from € 200 per night, based on double occupancy without breakfast.

Kimpton BEM Budapest