BBJ: Kimpton BEM Budapest has built a strong international presence in Budapest in a short period. What was the vision and strategy that enabled the hotel to establish itself so quickly in the city’s luxury hotel market?

Attila AE Domby: A huge thank you goes to the team, the owners, IHG management, and everyone who contributed to our achieving the Michelin Key award, the TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2026 award, and the title of 6th Best Luxury Hotel in Europe in the first year following our opening.

From the very beginning, our vision was to create an iconic destination that would be a travel destination in its own right for international guests. We were given an exceptional foundation to build on. Marcel Wanders designed a building and interior concept with extraordinary character, which Sándor Scheer and Market Építő Zrt. brought to life with outstanding quality.

However, a beautiful building alone is not enough for success. Our strategy is built on three pillars. The first is international visibility. Even before the opening, with the support of IHG’s central team, we began building relationships with key players in the premium travel market, media partners, influencers, journalists and luxury travel advisors. The second pillar is the guest experience. Our goal was not merely to meet luxury hotel standards, but to consistently exceed them. The third pillar was positioning. It was a conscious decision on our part not to follow the path of traditional downtown luxury hotels.

For me, the challenge lay not only in demonstrating how to open a luxury hotel in Budapest, but also in creating a new luxury destination in Buda. While there are numerous excellent hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Chain Bridge and the city center, Bem József tér was not previously considered a tourist hub. We set out to change that. Our rapid integration into the market is due to a strong international brand, a unique design, a consistent strategy, and a team that focuses on the guest experience every single day.

BBJ: Compared to traditional luxury hotels, the Kimpton brand places a strong emphasis on lifestyle, design, and local experiences. How successful has this concept proven to be in the Budapest market, and what business advantage does it offer in the face of international competition?

AD: Over the past 10 years, the luxury hotel market has undergone a significant transformation. Today, guests are no longer looking merely for high-quality rooms, but for character, history, and authentic experiences. Alongside traditional luxury, lifestyle, and design, a connection to the local community has become increasingly important. The Kimpton brand is particularly strong in this regard. The essence of Kimpton’s philosophy is that a hotel should not be an isolated world but should be closely connected to the city, its culture, and its community. This approach has proven extremely successful in Budapest as well.

At Kimpton BEM Budapest, Marcel Wanders’ unique design created an exceptional foundation. The building, interiors, dining concepts, and guest experience collectively form a distinctive world that differs significantly from what traditional luxury hotels offer. Our goal is for our guests not only to stay with us but to leave with lasting memories. The Hungarian public is particularly receptive to this approach. It is a special pleasure for us to welcome an increasing number of local visitors.

Our business lunch, available Monday through Friday, is popular, as is our breakfast, which is also available to non-hotel guests, the vinyl nights at Bar HUSO Open Deck, the sunset DJ nights at feNNen Skybar, and our event and community spaces. The hotel has truly become an integral part of Budapest’s vibrant life.

BBJ: The hotel caters not only to tourists but also to business travelers and events. What role do the corporate and MICE segments play in Kimpton BEM’s business, and what trends do you see in this area?

AD: Business travelers and the MICE segment play a key role. Although Budapest remains a popular leisure destination, the presence of the corporate and events market is also essential for a balanced business model. This segment is particularly valuable on weekdays and during periods of lower occupancy, as it provides the hotel with predictable revenue.

We host a variety of events daily, ranging from business meetings for 5–10 people to corporate events for 20–100 people, and up to events with several hundred attendees. We are particularly proud of the BEM LED Hall, which, thanks to its 42 square meters built-in LED wall, is one of Budapest’s most modern hotel event venues. Smaller events are just as important to us. Local law firms, consulting firms, embassies, and multinational corporations regularly use our meeting rooms for business breakfasts, lunches, and executive meetings. These local corporate relationships are an important part of our long-term business strategy.

We see that companies are no longer simply looking for conference rooms. There is a growing demand for venues that offer an inspiring environment, exceptional culinary offerings, and modern technology. Events are becoming increasingly experience-driven, which is particularly beneficial for lifestyle hotels.

BBJ: Budapest’s luxury hotel market has undergone significant developments in recent years, and more premium projects are on the way. What factors will determine whether a hotel can truly stand out from the international competition?

AD: Budapest’s luxury hotel market is becoming increasingly competitive. The emergence of new developments and international brands is a positive trend, as it further strengthens Budapest’s position in international tourism. In the coming years, success will no longer be determined solely by who has the newest building or the largest investment. Today, most new five-star hotels offer high-quality rooms, sophisticated design, and modern technology. The real difference, therefore, increasingly lies in character, the guest experience, and the culture of service.

Guests today are no longer just booking a room. They are looking for a story, an atmosphere, human connections, and authentic experiences. The hotels that will succeed are those capable of forging genuine connections with their guests while consistently delivering high standards. Another key factor is a connection to the local community. The successful luxury hotels of the future will not be isolated buildings, but integral parts of the city. The local community, gastronomy, cultural connections, and unique programs are playing an increasingly important role.

Of course, international visibility is also key. A digital presence, guest reviews, Michelin and other prestigious international accolades, and participation in premium travel networks now represent a significant competitive advantage. At Kimpton BEM Budapest, all these factors are present: world-class design, a unique location in Buda with parking, a lifestyle approach, strong ties to the local community, and international accolades that together create a position we can build on in the long term.

BBJ: Is there anything else you’d like to add about Kimpton BEM Budapest’s recent history or its future?

AD: Looking ahead, our goal is to consistently provide our guests with the high standard of service that earned us these accolades in the first place. Ultimately, what matters most to us is operating a hotel in Budapest that our guests, employees, owners, and the city itself can all be proud of. I want to add just one thought: Everyone knows what they’ve done to contribute to this shared success. And for that, I offer my sincere thanks.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 3, 2026.