Come March 2015, musically-themed properties such as BPM, Hotel da Música and Hard Rock destinations, will be adding another member to their hip posse with the opening of Aria Hotel Budapest. Library Hotel Collection founder Henry Kallan will debut the property in a reimagined 1870s building with a classical yet contemporary style crafted by local interior designer Zoltán Varro.
Aria sits beside the famous St. Stephen’s Basilica and is located in the historic city center on the Pest side of the Danube River. Only a five minute walk away, guests can venture to Chain Bridge, walk through Andrássy Avenue or visit Budapest’s Opera House. Nearby is also the quaint pedestrian plaza featuring shops, cafes, restaurants and musical entertainment.
Boasting a seven-story Neoclassical façade, the historic building was rebuilt in limestone to replicate 19th century architecture. Aria's chief architect Zsolt Szécsi also made sure to mimic the exact look imagined by the original architect for the refurbishment. Kallan shared that his vision for the project would be to create a hotel that feels like a home but with a unique personality and culture experience.
Separated by four wings with their own elevator bank, only two to four guestrooms will sit on each wing floor for added privacy. As guests come and go, they will be greeted by caricatures of music legends as depicted by Czech artist Joseph Blecha. All of the 49 guestrooms and five suites will have one of four décor and sound themes: jazz, contemporary, opera or classical. Standard in all rooms will be guest access to a music library via iPads and flat screen televisions, and many will include a private terrace.
In the 485-square-foot Liszt Studio Suite, the room was inspired by the legendary Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and features a sun-room wall, marble bistro table and chairs, a large sofa and a lacquered French Style writing table. Inside the sun-filled blue granite bathroom sits a freestanding soaking tub with separate onyx shower stall, bidet toilet and heated towel racks.
The pièce de résistance will be the glass-enclosed Music Garden courtyard where guests and locals can enjoy cocktails and beverages while listening to live music. Spiraling downward will also be an LED piano imaging screen that will flow through the space. And, because of its glass ceiling, visitors can get a clear view of the sky and stars at night.
Nightly, the property will offer entertainment curated by the hotel’s Musical Director at Teatro Aria, such as ballets, concerts, operas and musicals. Doubling as a meeting and events space, the room can be transformed for private affairs and screenings. Aria will have two main restaurants—a bistro and casual dining venue—as well as the High Note Skybar, a year-round rooftop garden terrace that is the only one of its kind in the city.
In keeping with their musical theme, therapies at the Harmony Spa will be set to music playlists customized to each guest’s preferences. Along with three treatment rooms (one just for couples), there will be a Jacuzzi, Swedish sauna, indoor pool and a fitness center.
Commencing on March 15, 2015, guestrooms will start at approximately USD $410 and includes complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, tea and coffee service, and afternoon wine and cheese receptions.
