BBJ: The hotel had its grand opening party on Sep. 12. What reception have you received?

Attila AE Domby: It has been overwhelmingly positive. We extended the celebrations over three days to ensure we could host everyone we wanted to invite, with close to 1,000 guests in total. The events were spectacular, showcasing the Kimpton BEM brand’s luxury ethos with a touch of playfulness.

Highlights included a White Party with DJ Dimitri from Paris to honor the colorful design by Marcel Wanders. Guests have praised the hotel’s design, which balances elegance and bold creativity, as well as the quality of service, drinks, and meals. Both local and international guests are excited about this fresh, modern take on luxury in Budapest. The feedback has been fantastic, and we look forward to maintaining this momentum.

This is the first Kimpton brand hotel in Eastern Europe. Is there greater pressure when you are not just opening a new building but debuting a brand?

Absolutely, there’s an added layer of responsibility when introducing a luxury lifestyle brand like Kimpton to an entirely new market. We’re not just opening a hotel but setting the tone for the Kimpton experience in Budapest, Hungary and Eastern Europe. It’s about translating Kimpton’s ethos (bold design, heartfelt service, and an approachable luxury experience) into a new cultural context. The pressure is there, but it’s also incredibly exciting to be the ones setting that standard.

What brought Kimpton to Budapest, and why now?

Budapest has grown as a cultural and tourism hub, attracting diverse travelers, from leisure to business guests. The city has a vibrant energy, and it’s a destination that blends history, innovation, and creativity, qualities that align well with the Kimpton brand and IHG / Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts. The market is ready for a brand that offers luxury with a personal touch and unique local experiences.

Will you cooperate with other IHG hotels in the capital, or is it “every brand for itself?”

While each IHG brand has its unique identity, there is always room for collaboration. We work closely with other IHG properties in Budapest, such as the InterContinental Budapest and Crowne Plaza.

I would like to express my gratitude for their continued support in ensuring that we collectively meet the needs of a broad range of travelers. However, Kimpton’s distinctiveness lies in its personalized service and creative flair, which means our approach to the market will remain unique and tailored.

What guest sectors are you targeting? And given that the best hotels become part of their community, what about locals?

We’re targeting a mix of business, leisure, and bleisure travelers. Budapest is a key business destination, but it’s also rich in culture, so we anticipate a strong leisure segment as well. Regarding locals, we’re making a concerted effort to ensure that Kimpton BEM Budapest becomes part of the community.

We’ve already hosted private events and CEO conferences from the Middle East and Asia and welcomed staycation guests from other parts of Hungary and Budapest. Our restaurant, rooftop bar, and events are open and welcoming to locals, creating a vibrant space that encourages interaction between international guests and Budapest residents.

The Kimpton brand is a relative newcomer, founded in 1981, but has a reputation for combining luxury and the avant-garde. What will make the brand stand out in Budapest?

Kimpton’s strength lies in its ability to deliver luxury that is approachable, with a playful, avant-garde twist. In Budapest, we stand out by offering not just a place to stay but a full sensory experience, from Marcel Wanders’ imaginative designs to our unique culinary offerings and personalized guest services.

We are also pet-friendly (very friendly, in fact), which is rare for luxury hotels. This combination of quirky luxury, heartfelt service, and an inclusive atmosphere sets us apart in the market, with a prime location near historic baths and the proximity of Margaret Island. There’s simply no other hotel like it in Budapest!

The hotel itself is a restored 19th-century building. What is its history, and did Kimpton pick it for its potential or the rather splendid surroundings?

The building holds rich historical significance, which the developer Sándor Scheer recognized as an exciting opportunity for the transformation of the entire area. IHG and Kimpton eagerly embraced this once-in-a-lifetime project, where a top construction company partnered with the brilliant designer Marcel Wanders to create something unique.

We are proud of preserving the building’s historic character while incorporating modern, creative elements inspired by Hungary’s mythology and history and impeccable service. The result is a stunning blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair right in the heart of Buda.

Budapest doesn’t just represent Kimpton’s first steps into the region; it was also the first time the brand had worked with designer Marcel Wanders. How would you describe his approach to this project?

It was truly a dream come true. Marcel Wanders is an incredible person and a visionary designer with a breathtaking imagination. I believe IHG, the Kimpton team, and the owners are incredibly proud of the Kimpton BEM Budapest. Sándor Scheer, the owner, is one of the most forward-thinking individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

The hotel only just opened, but you came on board as pre-opening GM about a year ago, so you must know the building pretty much as well as anyone. What’s your favorite spot, and why?

This pre-opening journey has been one of my favorite experiences. Our owner, along with the pre-opening team, the IHG team and the Kimpton BEM Budapest team, were all incredibly forward-thinking and proactive during the process. Managing this project felt like steering a “flying dragon.”

Of course, I became intimately familiar with every concrete wall, bare column, and hidden pipe in the building. My favorite part, however, might be the craftsmanship you don’t see but is present throughout the entire Kimpton BEM Budapest.

What are your targets for the run-up to Christmas and next year? How will we be able to judge success?

The festive season is right around the corner, beginning with Halloween, followed by Christmas parties, Christmas itself, and New Year’s Eve. Halloween, NYE, and the carnival parties will be fun and vibrant with live DJs.

We’re also planning a special Christmas tree contest, which we hope will become a Budapest Art moment in the city. Luxury is both an experience and a state of mind, and we measure our success by how much our guests feel seen and how their lives are enriched during their stay at Kimpton BEM Budapest.

Source: 
BBJ