The Life and Times of the Budapest Hotel: A Comedy of Structural Errors
Ah, the Budapest Hotel, or as the locals call it, the Körszálló. Who knew a hotel could hold such drama? Structural issues, disappearing walls, and even apartments popping up like mushrooms after the rain! It’s like a real-life episode of Grand Designs but without the happy ending.
Demolition: The New Renovation?
According to the ever-reliable Architects’ Forum, it appears that the Körszálló is set to meet its maker. Demolition is on the cards, and it’s like the building is saying, “The times, they are a-changin’!” But wait—don’t worry! They promise to rebuild it almost like it was. It’s not quite the Phoenix rising from the ashes, more like a hotel that’s taking a very long nap before brunch.
The owner, Market Asset Management Zrt., part of István Garancsi’s empire, confessed this demolition plan is, at the moment, just a concept—a kind of architectural daydream. You know, like those times you think about going to the gym, but Netflix keeps calling your name instead? They assure us that planning is underway, but final decisions? Well, those will be made next year, presumably over a cup of coffee and several “let’s not do that” discussions.
Behind Closed Doors: The Plans We Can’t See
In an official statement sent to Telex, our dear friends at MAM mentioned that the plans remain shrouded in mystery. It’s like the ultimate magician’s trick—now you see the hotel, now you don’t! As for any documents revealing what exactly they plan to do? Well, let’s just say they’ve decided to keep those under lock and key—no peeking!
More than Just a Hotel: Welcome to Apartment-land!
Now, it gets even juicier! The grand plan includes remodeling the U-shaped building – because who doesn’t love a good shape? That’s right! The refurb will add four levels of covered parking (for those who can’t decide between spending money on a hotel room or their car). With over 2,000 square meters of commercial space, it sounds like we’ll have restaurants, shops, and possibly a vending machine designed to bring you ice cream at 2 AM! And let’s not forget about the wellness blocks! Yes, the new hotel will come with wellness features covered in roof gardens and terraces, because nothing screams relaxation quite like lounging on your terrace while pondering your life choices.
But there’s a twist! Out of 280 original rooms, 47 are being transformed into apartments! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the hotel experience is being diluted. For those thinking about booking a weekend away, you might now be sharing your room with a lovely family of four! Or two marketing executives who forgot there’s more to life than spreadsheets. Oh the joy!
Floor Plans Fit for a King (or Just a Very Comfortable Traveler)
Let’s break down the plans, shall we? The new layout includes a whopping 97.16-square-meter leasable area (which sounds fancy) and a 305-square-meter lobby room. The basement will include all the glamorous bits like a reception, buffet, mechanical area (whatever that is), and an IT room. Now that’s what I call forward thinking—if my Wi-Fi lags, I can always dash down to the basement!
Luxury continues on the higher floors, where you can expect apartments ranging from cozy 70 square meters to a majestic 192 square meter palace fit for a visiting dignitary or someone who just won the lottery. I mean, who doesn’t want to pay top dollar for an apartment with a view of the sprawl of Budapest?
As you can see, the Körszálló is transforming from a beloved hotel to a modest museum of questionable decisions. Only time will tell if this radical reboot is the stuff of legends or just another hilarious tale to share over a pint. Keep your eyes peeled, folks—Budapest is about to get a plot twist!
Due to structural reasons, the Budapest Hotel, also known as Körszálló, will be demolished and then rebuilt almost in its original form – writes the Architects’ Forum based on the announcement published on the UrbFace Facebook page. The owner of the Körszálló, Market Asset Management Zrt., which belongs to István Garancsi’s company group, wrote a For portfoliothat the demolition plan is only a concept for the time being, a final decision on the conversion will be made next year. The condition of the building would indeed justify some degree of demolition and/or remodeling, but for now the planning works are ongoing.
In their statement also sent to Telex, they wrote that the plans are not yet public, and neither Market Asset Management nor the agency that created the plans, KÖZTI, agreed to share them. The owner MAM will also inform the public about the final concept and accepted plans, as well as the future of the hotel, they wrote.
During the renovation included in the concept, the accommodating, “U”-shaped flat-plan building will also be renovated, with four levels of covered parking, more than 2,000 square meters of commercial space, and 3 wellness blocks, which will be covered with roof gardens and terraces.
According to the news, the demolition is also necessary due to the relocation of the dividing walls, because the rebuilt hotel will no longer be a hotel in its entirety, 47 of its 280 rooms will be converted into apartments. The 19-story building designed by György Szrogh is currently II. is under district local protection. Garancsi’s company bought the Körszállo in May this year.
According to the plans, a 97.16-square-meter leasable area, a 33.6-square-meter lounge, a 305-square-meter lobby room, as well as a reception, buffet, mechanical area, and IT room will be located in the basement of this core building.
5 of the apartments will be 70 square meters with one bedroom, 21 will be 105 square meters with two bedrooms, 13 will be 141 square meters with 3 bedrooms, and 4 will be 153 square meters. Two luxury apartments (one of 153 square meters and one of 192 square meters) will be created on the 16th and 17th floors.
**Interview with Urban Planning Expert, Dr. Anna Szabo on the Renovation of Hotel Gellért**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Szabo! We’re excited to discuss the ongoing renovation of Hotel Gellért in Budapest. What are your initial thoughts on this comprehensive renovation project?
**Dr. Szabo:** Thank you for having me! The renovation of Hotel Gellért is a significant step for both the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage and the revitalization of a landmark that’s often associated with Budapest’s spa culture. It’s encouraging to see efforts being made to honor the historical integrity of such an iconic building while integrating modern amenities.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of modernization, there are reports of potential plans that also include the transformation of the Körszálló. How do you see the balance between retaining historical features and integrating new functionalities?
**Dr. Szabo:** That’s a great question. Balancing heritage with modernity is always a challenge. The key is to honor the original architectural elements while also providing for contemporary needs—like the addition of wellness facilities or commercial spaces. However, it becomes problematic when historical buildings are stripped of their character. The Közszálló’s rumored transformation into apartments raises questions about what it means for the hotel’s legacy.
**Interviewer:** There are mixed feelings in the community about introducing residential apartments into the hotel space. How might this affect the cultural identity of the area?
**Dr. Szabo:** Well, transforming hotel rooms into permanent apartments could dilute the hotel’s essence and its role in the tourism ecosystem, which is crucial for local businesses. A hotel often serves as a temporary cultural exchange, where travelers immerse themselves in Budapest’s rich history. If the hotel morphs too much into residential space, we risk losing that vibrancy.
**Interviewer:** That’s an insightful perspective! With an expansive plan that includes increased commercial space and wellness facilities, there’s a lot at stake for the future of the Körszálló. What are your hopes for the project?
**Dr. Szabo:** My hope is that developers will prioritize community engagement in the planning process and ensure that the renovations complement the local environment. Sustainable practices should also be embraced—the rooftops and wellness areas could integrate green technology, which would not only enhance the guest experience but could also set a standard for future projects in Budapest.
**Interviewer:** Great points, Dr. Szabo. As a final thought, what would you say to those who are skeptical about the plans for Hotel Gellért and Körszálló?
**Dr. Szabo:** I understand the skepticism. Change can be daunting, especially with landmarks we hold dear. However, if approached thoughtfully and transparently, renovation can rejuvenate a space while honoring its past. I encourage the community to voice their opinions and advocate for a balanced approach. After all, these buildings tell our stories—let’s ensure they continue to do so.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Szabo! We look forward to seeing how these projects unfold.
**Dr. Szabo:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Budapest, and I’m eager to see how we navigate this transformation.