XpatLoop Interview: Krisztina Asztalos, Co-founder & Managing Director Of In-room Spa in Budapest
- 25 Feb 2013 11:00 AM

Born in Transylvania, but raised in Budapest since the age of 4. After earning the University degree spent 2 years in Vienna, where she started working for an Austrian company dealing with customer relations and event organization with F1 and major festival events in Hungary.
In Vienna she met her future business partner and friend at an event, where the common threads and interest brought them together– two Transylvanian - Hungarian girls living in Vienna.
However, she has always dreamt of an own company. After moving back to Budapest from a sudden thought the idea of In-room Spa was born in 2011. Previous experiences helped to set up the range of mobile beauty and wellness services which were missing still in Budapest. Developing the new project and launching a complex spa are the future goals.
1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Oradea (Transylvania), but I´m living in Budapest since I was 4.
2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Probably somewhere in Italy or Spain. I like the language, the food, the people and their temperament.
3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
I would miss my family and friends most. Living somewhere else would make me feel a bit lost. I feel more independent and self-confident if I can take care of my issues without any help.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Besides all the typical sights in Budapest I would suggest them to drive through Elisabeth Bridge from Pest to Buda. That view is just fantastic and unique. When spring/summer comes go round the ruin pubs in 7th district, I love the atmosphere of the area and these places.
5. What is your favourite food?
Steak :) Medium-rare. Or any kind of pasta - I can eat a lot of it.
6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
I've been going to Holmes Place for 2 years now. I like tough workouts.
7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
I don´t really have one particular favourite. I like visiting new places.
8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Something connected to architecture or interior design. I´m fond of old buildings.
9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
Ticket inspector. It must be one of the most stressful jobs.
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Paris. That was my first time there and it was even more adorable then I expected.
11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I don´t have plans yet, but I´m dreaming of a seaside holiday in these cold winter days.
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
U2, Romeo & Juliet, playing volleyball.
13. Apart of temptation what can’t you resist?
Macaroons.
14. Red wine or white?
It depends on the season. In wintertime I prefer red wine. With a friend we already developed a weekly based programme, like: choosing a good movie, baking cupcakes and drinking red wine. Summertime calls for a good white fröccs.
15. Book or movie?
Movie. And after the movie a good book in the bed before going to sleep.
16. Morning person or night person?
Neither early bird, nor night owl.
17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Social awareness. Showing more empathy towards the others would make things work better.
18. Buda or Pest side?
I´m completely bound to Pest. living, working and going out here. Maybe later I would settle down on the Buda side.
19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
I´m really grateful because I can deal with more professions at the same time. Always learning new things, being part of exciting projects while working on my own dream come true - makes me feel contented and successful.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.









