The grand opening event took place at the hotel’s location on Erzsébet tér in the heart of Budapest.
Al Habtoor Hospitality’s journey began in 1979 with the opening of the Metropolitan Hotel in Dubai, marking the beginning of the UAE’s domestic hospitality industry. As Dubai evolved into a global hub for luxury, innovation, and unique experiences, Al Habtoor Hospitality expanded, setting new standards for excellence and sophistication. Over the decades, the group has played a key role in shaping Dubai’s hospitality landscape, with properties such as Al Habtoor Palace Dubai and Al Habtoor Grand Resort.
Today, Al Habtoor Hospitality operates 14 hotels worldwide, spanning the UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States, Austria, Hungary, and Lebanon.
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman of Al Habtoor Group, emphasized the significance of the launch: “The opening of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is not just the debut of a new hotel—it marks a bold new chapter in the expansion of our hospitality brands across Europe and beyond. This is a strategic step that reinforces our long-term vision to expand the global presence of Al Habtoor Group and introduce our legacy of excellence to new markets.”
He added: “For over five decades, we have not just built businesses; we have created institutions that set new benchmarks. The launch of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a testament to our commitment to representing Arab excellence on a global scale. This is only the beginning, as we continue to explore new investment and expansion opportunities in Budapest and beyond. The Al Habtoor Palace Budapest represents a milestone in the evolution of our hospitality operations and reflects our belief in growth, innovation, and uncompromising luxury. This is the dawn of a new era for Al Habtoor Hospitality, and I am excited to see our vision come to life in the years to come.”
Mohammed Al Habtoor, vice chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group, underscored the hotel’s significance: “Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is not just a luxury hotel—it represents a new standard of hospitality, blending the finest elements of our Dubai heritage with Budapest’s historic charm. Our mission has always been to provide exceptional experiences, and with this launch, we are bringing Al Habtoor Hospitality’s world-renowned service and hospitality from Dubai to Europe. This is a defining moment for our hospitality division as we introduce a brand that embodies personalized service, world-class comfort, and a dedication to excellence. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the pinnacle of luxury at Al Habtoor Palace Budapest.”
To establish itself as a world-class luxury destination, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest has officially joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection—the highest category within the brand’s portfolio, featuring some of the world’s most sought-after independent hotels. This exclusive partnership allows guests to join the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, the largest loyalty program for independent luxury hotels worldwide, offering exclusive benefits, room upgrades, and VIP services at Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties globally.
Rahim Abu Omar, general manager of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, stated: “Joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection is a testament to the unparalleled quality and experience offered at Al Habtoor Palace Budapest. This partnership allows us to connect with discerning travelers seeking the highest level of luxury and personalized service. We are proud to be part of this prestigious collection and look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the sophistication and hospitality of our brand.”
Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the partnership: “We are honored to welcome Al Habtoor Palace Budapest as the newest member of the esteemed Legend Collection, following the addition of its sister property, Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, last October. This marks the continuation of a successful partnership driven by our shared passion for exceptional, independent hospitality experiences.”
Brenda Collin, executive vice president of Europe at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, added: “This partnership further strengthens our expansion in Central Europe, seamlessly blending the region’s rich heritage with Al Habtoor Group’s world-class services, setting a new benchmark for luxury. Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a valuable addition to our global portfolio, enhancing the travel experience for discerning guests worldwide.”
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