A Hungarian Boutique Hotel Gets World's Best Hotel 2017 Title
January 30th, 2017In Hungary demand has increased expediently for land plots suitable for construction of residential properties, in addition to intensive interest in hotels. Condé Nast has just named Budapest as a Hollywood referring to the combination of an attractive Hungarian tax rebate scheme for movie projects, Budapest’s eclectic architecture, including hotels and a thriving film industry. Budapest’s Aria Hotel was chosen the best hotel of the world, according to Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
719 five out of five reviews
The luxury boutique hotel located in the near of the St Stephen’s Basilica in the heart of the Hungarian capital, has received more votes than hotels such as Florence’s Portrait, Turin’s Palace Hotel or the Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Indonesia. The online review and booking site released the winners of their 15th annual Travellers' Choice Awards for Hotels Tuesday, based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected from travellers for more than 7,610 properties in 117 countries and regions worldwide. The Aria Hotel received a five out of five bubble rating among its 719 reviews.
Music all around
The Aria Hotel was opened in 2015 and it has become known for its exquisite design inspired by music. The concept was set in form visually by interior designer Zoltán Varró, whose vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence. The originally neoclassical building in the Hercegprímás street had been empty for decades before Henry Kallan, Hungarian-born owner of the Library Hotel Collection, acquired it. Two guests can spend a night in the hotel for 221-833 Euros, depending on the room and services. Each of the four wings is dedicated to classical, opera, contemporary or jazz music, and décor is a playful mix between luxurious modern and classic design.
"This hotel was absolutely beautiful. The staff was amazing. Check out the rooftop bar for a fantastic view. The breakfast and happy hour are fabulous. Absolutely stay at this hotel when traveling to Budapest," wrote one satisfied customer. ”Name another hotel that has a music director, on hand to curate your stay or guide you through the hotel’s extensive music library. I didn’t need his services; I was happy to select my own soundtrack from my TV and provided iPad, whose offerings veered from Mozart to Amy Winehouse. Unable to resist blasting Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as the sun set, I was relieved to learn that all rooms are, fittingly, triple soundproofed.” reported about her visit the Forbes’ columnist a year ago.
A Hungarian's Realization of the American Dream
Henry Kallan, president and owner of the Library Hotel Collection, is regarded as one of the most innovative and successful independent hoteliers in New York. His story is a prime example of the American Dream. He left Hungary at the age of 21 without any foreign language knowledge. When he arrived in New York City his first hotel job was a busboy at The Gotham Hotel. With hard work and dedication, Kallan quickly rose through the ranks into management roles at various hotels. At the astonishing young age of 28 he became the general manager of the Gotham Hotel, (today Peninsula Hotel). Throughout the 1990’s, Kallan grew The Library Hotel. With the success of his U.S. hotels, Kallan returned to his European roots and opened the doors to Aria Hotel Prague in 2003 followed by Aria Hotel Budapest in 2015.
Here are the winners of the 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards for Hotels:
1. Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection - Budapest, Hungary
2. Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Ubud, Indonesia
3. Turin Palace Hotel - Turin, Italy
4. Hotel The Serras - Barcelona, Spain
5. BoHo Prague Hotel - Prague, Czech Republic
6. Portrait Firenze - Florence, Italy
7. Shinta Mani Resort - Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
8. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa - Hanoi, Vietnam
9. Tulemar Bungalows & Villas - Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
10. JA Manafaru - Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives
(Source: http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/aria-budapest.hu.html)