BBJ: Congratulations on the official grand opening. How did you celebrate the event?

Cameron McNeillie: We held an official Grand Opening Party, which was well attended by current and future customers as well as senior members of Marriott International leadership, all of whom were treated to a spectacular show from Recirquel and Győri Ballet, held in the Pavilon Restaurant, while enjoying wonderfully crafted food and beverage delights. Guests took the opportunity to see the unique design of the hotel by world-renowned Italian designer Pierro Lissoni, and then they danced to the tunes of DJ Georgia from Brazil. Overall, it was a fantastic and very successful event.

BBJ: Is it usual to have such high-profile guests as chairman David Marriott and president Satya Anand at an opening like this?

CM: David was on a tour of Europe and visited many Marriott International hotels in several European destinations along with Satya, and we were delighted that our Grand Opening coincided with his visit to Hungary, where he saw several other Marriott International properties.

BBJ: In the pictures from the event, you are in Highland dress. The Hungarians pride themselves on their hospitality. Is this something they hold in common with the Scotts?

CM: Absolutely! Perhaps it is the reason I feel very much at home here in Hungary. Hospitality is a passion, and entertaining is something myself and my teams do well and enjoy. Making people feel welcome, the experiences you provide and that people remember, is as important, if not more so, than the product you offer.

BBJ: How has the market received the Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection since your soft launch?

CM: Exceedingly well, being a brand within the Marriott International portfolio provides Bonvoy customers more opportunities to stay in more hotels and the local market has undoubtedly enjoyed and given us wonderful feedback on our food and beverage outlets, from the “Farm to Table” experiences in the Pavilon restaurant to the superbly crafted cocktails among our Anton Bar offering.

BBJ: What are your targets and plans for the hotel moving forward?

CM: We look to offer guests great experiences during their stay and to ensure we not only provide outstanding services in the hotel but also help promote the city of Budapest and, of course, Hungary as a destination. We continuously seek new customer demographics and look to develop new opportunities to grow our business year-on-year.

BBJ: Finally, how have you found Budapest since you moved here? What has surprised you most?

CM: What a brilliant city it is, with so much to offer in the way of culture, cuisine, and diverse landscape (Buda vs. Pest sides). My family and I enjoy living in Budapest and have met such great people and such an ease of life. The best surprise for me since coming to Budapest is how many good golf courses there are: I am a fan!

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 28, 2024.