Budapest’s luxury hotel scene is about to gain one of its most talked-about names. Mandarin Oriental is coming to the Hungarian capital, and it is doing so in spectacular fashion — inside the legendary Hotel Gellért, the 1918 Art Nouveau landmark at the foot of Gellért Hill on the Buda bank of the Danube.
Set to open in 2027, the Mandarin Oriental Budapest will bring the group’s celebrated Asian-inspired service to one of Europe’s most iconic thermal-bath buildings. Here is everything we know so far about this eagerly awaited opening — and how to arrive in style.
A Landmark Reborn: The Gellért Becomes Mandarin Oriental
Few buildings capture Budapest’s Belle Époque spirit like the Gellért. Opened in 1918 and famous for its adjoining thermal baths, it has hosted royalty, artists and travellers for more than a century. Now owned by Hungary’s BDPST Group and operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the property is undergoing a meticulous restoration that will preserve its Art Nouveau soul while introducing the comforts of a modern five-star hotel.
The transformation is being led by the London-based interior design studio Alexander Waterworth, working closely with Hungarian artisans to honour the building’s original craftsmanship, decorative tilework and stained glass.
143 Rooms and Suites in Art Nouveau Style
The hotel will offer 143 guestrooms and suites, each designed to blend the building’s early-20th-century elegance with contemporary luxury. Expect high ceilings, restored period detailing and the refined, understated comfort Mandarin Oriental is known for around the world.
Speaking about the project, Mandarin Oriental CEO Laurent Kleitman said the Budapest hotel will join the group’s properties in Prague and Vienna to form “a compelling trinity of destinations for our fans in central Europe.”
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A Spa Worthy of the Gellért’s Thermal Legacy
Wellness has always been central to the Gellért’s identity, and Mandarin Oriental is leaning into that heritage. The new spa will feature seven experiential areas, combining the group’s signature Asian therapies with Eastern European spa and beauty traditions.
Facilities are set to include an indoor pool with a retractable glass ceiling, a vitality tub, sauna, cold plunge pool, a fitness studio and an outdoor relaxation area — a serene retreat in the heart of the city.
Dining, Drinks and a Restored Ballroom
The culinary line-up promises to be a destination in itself. Plans include:
- An indoor-outdoor specialty restaurant with city and Danube views;
- A patisserie and café celebrating Budapest’s rich baking heritage;
- A beautifully restored Art Nouveau ballroom for events and celebrations;
- A rooftop bar with panoramic views over the Danube.
When Does Mandarin Oriental Budapest Open?
The hotel is scheduled to open in 2027. Reservations are not yet available, but given the interest surrounding the Gellért’s revival, we expect strong demand from the moment booking opens — particularly for summer and the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Getting There in Style
A hotel of this pedigree deserves an arrival to match. Rather than navigating taxi queues after a long flight, let Pickup Hungary handle your journey from the moment you land.
We offer premium Budapest airport transfers for the discerning traveller. Your professional chauffeur will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and take you directly to your door in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class or V-Class — luggage handled, stress-free.
Skip the taxi queue — book your private airport transfer.
Explore Budapest and Beyond
The Gellért’s location — beside the Liberty Bridge and the Danube, minutes from the Central Market Hall and Buda Castle — makes it a perfect base for exploring. At Pickup Hungary, we go beyond the airport run with private day trips and experiences.
Featured Budapest experiences
From private wine tours to Tokaj, Eger and Villány, to Danube cruises, thermal-bath visits and even helicopter tours, we help you make the most of your stay. Explore our full range of Budapest experiences and day trips.
The Bottom Line
The arrival of Mandarin Oriental in the historic Gellért is more than a new hotel — it is a sign of Budapest’s growing status as a top-tier luxury destination. When it opens in 2027, it will offer a rare combination of Art Nouveau heritage, world-class wellness and Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service.
Planning ahead? Book your premium airport transfer and browse our premium experiences with Pickup Hungary — so your arrival is as memorable as your stay.
Note: Details are based on announcements from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and are subject to change ahead of the 2027 opening. Photographs show the historic Hotel Gellért and its thermal baths and are used under Creative Commons licences with attribution as credited above.
