Returning to his native Hungary, Attila serves as the Opening General Manager of Budapest’s newest luxury hotel.

He relocated from London to successfully open the first Kimpton in Eastern Europe - IHG’s boldest and most design-driven property.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

Was born in Budapest, and by the age of four, already living between Vienna, New York, and Budapest.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Uh, far too many places: Vienna, Los Angeles, Bali, Maldives, Bangkok, Samui and London.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

How much it changed since the late 90’s. Where did the expats go please?

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Lanchid, Castle, Dohanyi Synagogue, Gellert Bath, bank of Danube walk both sides, gralic-langos then chimney-cake.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Tojásos nokedli vastagon cukrozott ecetes fejessalátával!
(Hungarian egg dumplings with generously sugared vinegar-dressed lettuce salad.)

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Bottarga.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Szeretlek.

8. What do you miss most from home? 

Nothing. Home is where my family is — and they’re all here with me in Budapest, having moved from London.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Being a diplomat — entrusted with the responsibility of building and preserving world peace.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Hard to say — but probably working in a morgue.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Menton and Monte Carlo.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Bali, without question. We lived there for 6 years, and it’s a place we all long to return to — year after year.

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

My wife’s deadly chocolate cake — absolutely irresistible. Never say no to a cake, by the way.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

You can loop Prince as the musician, and La Notte by Antonioni as the film — timeless, both.

15. Red or white?

Red please.

16. Books or films?

Both — book first, then the adaptation on the big screen, please.

17. Morning person or night person?

Depends entirely on what the business, the luxury hotel or resort - requires.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Saving our planet for our children — nothing more urgent, or important.

19. Buda or Pest?

As we say, there are two types of people living in Budapest: Those who wish they lived on Buda, and those who actually do. And where is Kimpton BEM Budapest? Naturally — on Buda side.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

“Change is good.”

21. How will you incorporate local culture into the guest experience in the hotel?

At Kimpton BEM Budapest, local culture is not added — it’s embedded. From Marcel Wanders’ interior design inspired by the mythic journey of the Hungarian tribes, to AGOS Restaurant’s refined take on Modern, Mediterranean, and Magyar cuisine, every detail reflects the richness of our heritage.
 
22. What special features will make the hotel stand out in Budapest?

Kimpton BEM Budapest stands apart through its bold identity as a living art piece, designed by Marcel Wanders to tell the legendary story of Hungary’s origins. Located on the Buda side with direct views of the Danube and Parliament, the hotel blends heritage with contemporary design, creating an atmosphere both dramatic and deeply rooted.

Its standout features include feNNen, the panoramic rooftop skybar; AGOS Restaurant, already recognised for its exceptional Modern-Mediterranean-Magyar cuisine; and a curated guest experience that balances local culture, sustainability, and international luxury standards. As one of IHG’s Top 10 Low Carbon Pioneer Hotels, it leads the way in responsible hospitality in the region.

23. How will your past roles prepare you for managing a hotel in Budapest?

Previous roles across luxury hotel and resort properties in both established and emerging markets have provided a deep understanding of brand positioning, team culture, and owner relations — all essential in a vibrant and competitive city like Budapest.

A journey that has taken me from Vienna to Bali, the Maldives to London has shaped a well-rounded, globally attuned leadership approach. There is also a strong personal connection to Budapest’s rhythm, expectations, and elegance. This cultural fluency, paired with hands-on experience in launching and repositioning hotels, offers the perspective required to lead Kimpton BEM Budapest with both global excellence and local authenticity.
 
24. How will the hotel's dining options reflect Budapest's culinary scene?

The hotel’s dining concept was designed to be a true reflection of Budapest’s evolving culinary scene, with a Modern, Magyar, and Mediterranean identity crafted by our Executive Chef, Attila Feher, who once attended primary school in this very building.

After years of experience in London, including working as Sous at The Savoy London, he returned with a clear vision for 2025: to bring together authentic local roots and international flair, creating a dining experience that is refined yet approachable, innovative yet grounded.

From thoughtfully curated tasting menus to a 2–3 course Business Lunch that’s fresh, modern, and accessible, the culinary journey invites local businesses and global guests alike to gather under Marcel Wanders’ vibrant aesthetic, for food that is both memorable and meaningfully connected to its setting.

25. How will the hotel engage with and support the local community? 

Kimpton BEM Budapest is committed to being an active and thoughtful part of the local community. The hotel engages with neighbourhood artisans, producers, and creatives, sourcing local ingredients, collaborating with Hungarian wineries and distilleries, and showcasing regional craftsmanship through both design and guest amenities. ts signature dining venues - AGOS Restaurant, Bar HUSO, and feNNen Skybar - actively welcome local residents, with accessible pricing strategies like the business lunch concept, ensuring the hotel remains a part of daily Buda life, not apart from it, and sourcing very very locally.

The team also supports local talent and hospitality education, offering shadowing opportunities and mentoring to students from nearby institutions, while participating in sustainability initiatives and cultural partnerships that align with Kimpton’s global ethos of responsible luxury and community connection.

26. How will the hotel cater to both business and leisure travellers in Budapest?

“Bleisure” travellers appreciate the hotel’s unique ability to over-personalise each stay, blending the efficiency and convenience required by business travel with the comfort, creativity, and warmth expected of a leisure stay. From intuitive in-room workspaces with lots of built-in USB/USB-C plugs, dynamic meeting areas, to wellness options, rooftop relaxation, and curated local experiences, every touchpoint is crafted to offer the best of both worlds. It’s a win–win: business covered, Kimpton BEM memories made.

Breakfast before service? We have Morning Kickstart set up if you are jetlegged or craving before your running. Social Hour is well known in Kimptons, offering drinks for house-guests daily at sunset in HUSO. We are opening an additional meeting room in late May, with a wall-to-wall built in LED wall to cater the new bleasure corporate clients. XpatLoop will be invited when we will showcase the room.
 
27. What technology and innovations will enhance guest services at the hotel?

Kimpton BEM Budapest was designed from the ground up with innovation and sustainability at its core. The hotel operates with no gas infrastructure, relying entirely on state-of-the-art electric systems and appliances, ensuring full compliance with the latest environmental standards.

A portion of the property’s energy is generated by solar panels installed on the rooftop, contributing to reduced carbon output and long-term operational efficiency. These sustainable choices, combined with smart room technology, individual climate controls, and a Building Management System (BMS) for energy optimisation, ensure guests enjoy both comfort and conscience.

As one of IHG’s Top 10 Low Carbon Pioneer Hotels, Kimpton BEM stands at the forefront of responsible hospitality, offering a guest experience enhanced by cutting-edge solutions and a commitment to a greener future.

28. How will the hotel provide personalized experiences for guests in Budapest?

Personalisation is part of Kimpton’s DNA — and Kimpton BEM Budapest takes this to heart. Renowned for its overpersonalised guest service, the hotel surprises and delights through thoughtful touches tailored to each individual.

From something as intimate as embroidered initials on your pillow, to curated in-room amenities, bespoke itineraries, or a favourite wine waiting on arrival, every stay is made to feel truly unique. Of course, the best of these touches remain trade secrets — because the magic lies in the unexpected.

29. How will the hotel celebrate Budapest's rich heritage?

Kimpton BEM Budapest celebrates the city’s rich heritage through every layer of its design, storytelling, and guest experience. The interiors, envisioned by Marcel Wanders, are inspired by the legend of the Hungarian tribes, who followed a golden stag from Northern Asia to the Danube — creating a living tribute to national mythology.

The hotel’s location on the historic Buda side, within walking distance of the Castle District and overlooking the Parliament and Danube, immerses guests in the city’s architectural and cultural legacy from the moment they arrive.

Locally sourced materials, Hungarian wines, curated neighbourhood guides, and AGOS Restaurant’s interpretation of Magyar cuisine ensure that tradition is not only honoured — but lived and shared with each guest.

30. How will the hotel contribute to Budapest's tourism landscape?

From the very beginning, the mission was clear: to stand out. Kimpton BEM Budapest brings a distinctive, design-led, lifestyle experience to the city’s luxury hotel scene — one that celebrates bold individuality, overpersonalised service, and meaningful cultural connection.

By combining sustainability leadership (as one of IHG’s Top 10 Low Carbon Pioneers), locally rooted gastronomy, and Marcel Wanders’ vibrant storytelling, the hotel redefines what modern luxury can look like in Budapest. Its presence not only elevates the Buda side as a premium destination, but also contributes to Budapest’s global profile as a creative, design-forward, and culturally rich city for discerning travellers.

31. How does the hotel balance luxury with sustainability? 

Kimpton BEM Budapest strikes a careful balance between luxury and sustainability by embedding environmental responsibility into every detail of the guest experience.

From the absence of gas across the building to the exclusive use of electric systems, from solar panels on the rooftop to fully sustainable in-room amenities, the hotel is designed for conscious luxury without compromise. Thoughtful material choices, energy-efficient technologies, and low-waste operational practices allow the hotel to remain in the Top 10 Low Carbon Pioneer Hotels within IHG’s global portfolio, proving that refined hospitality and environmental integrity can — and must — coexist.

32. Share lessons from your travels that shape your approach to managing this hotel.

Travelling and living on different continents so much has shaped a deep appreciation for cultural nuance, adaptability, and emotional intelligence — qualities that are essential in luxury hospitality. Each destination taught the value of listening first, whether to a guest, a partner, or a team member.

Bali instilled the power of gracious, anticipatory service, London refined an eye for precision and efficiency, while the Maldives highlighted the importance of creating magic through simplicity. These lessons come together at Kimpton BEM Budapest, where the goal is not just to manage a hotel, but to curate a guest experience that’s thoughtful, distinctive, and truly memorable.