This week we have the pleasure of sitting down with Andrea Schwindt-Kiss, the insightful General Manager of the esteemed Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, as she unravels the story behind this exquisite gem nestled in the heart of Budapest. In this exclusive interview, Andrea offers a personal perspective on the hotel's unique fusion of historical charm and contemporary luxury. Delve into our candid discussion with Andrea as she shares her journey and strategies employed to preserve the hotel's classic allure while meeting the ever-evolving expectations of today's travellers. This revealing conversation uncovers the vision and passion behind the timeless sophistication of Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest.

PÁRISI UDVAR HOTEL BUDAPEST CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A CLASSIC IN THE HEART OF BUDAPEST. CAN YOU SHARE SOME PERSONAL INSIGHTS INTO WHAT MAKES THIS HOTEL TRULY TIMELESS?

Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, part of ‘The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’, symbolizes the rebirth of Budapest’s Golden Age. This unparalleled building, painstakingly and lovingly restored, will deliver a memorable experience with the perfect fusion of old-world charm and pure luxury, all within an atmosphere of exquisite sophistication. We encourage guests to discover this architectural gem and the stories it unfolds, whilst creating their own tales in Budapest.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME THE GENERAL MANAGER OF SUCH AN ICONIC ESTABLISHMENT, AND HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE IN PRESERVING ITS LEGACY?

Joining Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest as its General Manager was a deeply personal decision for me. First, I was offered the position of Project Director. It was then that I truly got to know the building and had the opportunity to delve deep into its captivating history. Although the establishment's rich background and timeless elegance have always captivated my imagination, my inspiration comes from a genuine passion for hospitality and the desire to immerse myself in an environment that radiates charm and sophistication. As the caretaker of this iconic facility, my role is to ensure that its unique heritage is not just maintained but cherished and celebrated. Collaborating with a dedicated team, we focus on delivering exceptional service, attention to detail, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that echoes the spirit of the past. Our goal is to provide our guests with an experience that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

CAN YOU SHARE SOME PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR JOURNEY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY THAT HAVE LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT PÁRISI UDVAR HOTEL BUDAPEST?

Certainly, my journey in the hospitality industry has been both enriching and diverse, paving the way for my current role. I had the opportunity to manage several hotels which offer high standard quality and central locations, allowing guests to explore the heart of Budapest with ease and comfort. Opening those hotels was quite a challenging journey while leading innovative guest experience initiatives. I not only led a team dedicated to creating personalized services, but also established efficient operational procedures, and created a distinctive guest experience to establish a strong reputation in the competitive hospitality industry.

MANAGING A CLASSIC HOTEL LIKE PÁRISI UDVAR HOTEL BUDAPEST COMES WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY STRATEGIES YOU EMPLOY TO MAINTAIN ITS CLASSIC APPEAL WHILE MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS OF MODERN TRAVELLERS?

We are dedicated to providing our clients with the opportunity to savour life's moments in a safe haven, with unparalleled hospitality that offers respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Other than that, we actively seek feedback from our guests, valuing their opinions and suggestions. This engagement helps us understand their evolving preferences, allowing us to tailor our services to meet modern expectations while preserving the classic charm. Offering a culinary journey that caters to both traditional palates and modern tastes also enchants modern travellers. Our restaurants feature classic Hungarian cuisine, allowing guests to savour authentic flavours, while also offering globally inspired dishes prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

AS A LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE SETS PÁRISI UDVAR HOTEL BUDAPEST APART FROM OTHER CLASSIC HOTELS IN EUROPE, AND HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO INNOVATE WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS HERITAGE?

What sets Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest apart from its counterparts lies in its ability to seamlessly blend historical grandeur with modern innovation, creating an unparalleled experience for its guests. It lies in our unwavering commitment to preserving the rich heritage while embracing innovative approaches that cater to contemporary travellers. The hotel is housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building - once a luxury shopping arcade - and has managed to retain its original charm and elegance. This deep-rooted connection to the past provides guests with an immersive experience, allowing them to step back in time and appreciate the cultural and historical heritage of Budapest. We successfully integrated modern amenities and world-class services into a classic ambience. Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest offers luxurious accommodation, exquisite dining and wine options, and personalized services that cater to the evolving needs of travellers. By striking a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, we ensure that guests can relish the grandeur of the past while enjoying the comforts of the present. We also actively collaborate with local artisans, suppliers, and craftsmen, showcasing their work and using their products within the hotel premises. This commitment not only supports the local community but also enriches the overall guest experience by providing an authentic taste of Hungarian art and culture.

THE HOTEL'S DESIGN IS A BLEND OF OLD-WORLD CHARM AND MODERN LUXURY. HOW DO YOU STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE IN PRESERVING THE HISTORICAL ELEMENTS WHILE PROVIDING CONTEMPORARY COMFORTS FOR GUESTS?

The appearance of the building and its architectural structure are qualities that, in themselves, create a truly unique experience for guests. We strive to keep the interior and exterior of the hotel in the style of the last century, as it was restored after a four-year-long restoration, while providing our guests with the highest and most modern services available.

In today's travel landscape, the emphasis is increasingly on experiences rather than material possessions, and travellers are eager to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel journeys. This becomes possible through the resolute commitment of our expertized staff, who ensure that our guests enjoy exceptional services. I hold the conviction that luxury goes beyond mere extravagance; it encompasses exemplary artistry and craftsmanship, precise attention to detail, and the crafting of enduring memories. It involves appreciating the subtleties of a location, engaging deeply in its culture, and enjoying the outstanding service that distinguishes our establishment.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE ASPECT OF PÁRISI UDVAR, SOMETHING THAT RESONATES WITH YOUR OWN JOURNEY AND PASSION FOR THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?

My personal favourite aspect of Párisi Udvar is deeply intertwined with my lifelong passions for art, fine arts, history, and architecture. As someone who has always been fond of the beauty of artistic expression and fascinated by the maze of history and architectural wonders, Párisi Udvar resonates with me on a profoundly personal level. The hotel, with its magnificent blend of artistry, historical significance, and architectural brilliance, serves as a canvas that captures my love for these areas.

THE HOTEL OFFERS A RANGE OF AMENITIES AND SERVICES. COULD YOU SHARE YOUR PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUESTS SEEKING AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE DURING THEIR STAY?

We indeed provide a great selection of amenities and services. For guests seeking a memorable and unparalleled journey, starting every day with a delightful breakfast at Párisi Passage Restaurant is the perfect choice. The elegant venue offers a range of delectable options from gourmet coffee to delicious á la carte or buffet breakfast, providing a casual morning ambience. The restaurant’s culinary philosophy revolves around creating Hungarian authentic dishes and international classics that incorporate cutting-edge culinary techniques while utilizing the highest-quality local ingredients.

When guests need relaxation, Zafír Spa is the place, where they can pamper themselves with rejuvenating spa treatments, massages, and therapies designed to provide a complete sense of well-being. Our skilled therapists and serene ambience ensure a truly tranquil experience. We mostly recommend guests opt for a personalized spa experience, combining treatments and therapies tailored to their preferences. This ensures a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating time at the spa, leaving them refreshed and revitalized. We invite you to explore our other facilities: steam bath, Finnish sauna, infrared cabin, and relaxation pool.

For lively conversations and evenings, our hotel wholeheartedly recommends ÉTOILE Champagne Bar, where every sip is a celebration of life’s finest moments. With a carefully curated selection of the most exquisite champagnes, we invite guests to embark on a journey of taste and luxury like no other. Whether it is a special occasion, or they are simply seeking a respite from the ordinary, our champagne bar offers an unparalleled ambience that exudes glamour and refinement.

MANAGING A CLASSIC HOTEL REQUIRES AN UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORY AND TRADITION. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THE STAFF AT PÁRISI UDVAR IS WELL-EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH A SEAMLESS CLASSIC EXPERIENCE?

We have implemented a comprehensive training program that delves into the rich heritage of the property. Through in-depth sessions, our team learns about the historical significance of Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, embracing its architectural marvels and cultural heritage. Our staff members are trained in the art of personalized service, drawing inspiration from the hotel's storied past to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for our guests. We emphasize the importance of attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the elegance and sophistication associated with classic hospitality.

We additionally provide a unique service called "Time for Tales" for our esteemed guests and partners to create a truly classic experience for them. The aim is to show the hidden gems of our hotel, telling the extraordinary stories that Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest holds in itself. We showcase the hotel, once home to Budapest’s first modern shopping mall, inspired by the Parisian 'Passage des Panoramas’, as a one-of-a-kind building that has continuously evolved. At the turn of the 20th century, Budapest’s Central Savings Bank built its iconic headquarters in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, featuring Gothic and Moorish elements. This magnificently renovated hotel revived the vibrant atmosphere of the early 20th century. In 2019, when we opened our doors to the public, we joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, to offer uncompromising quality of luxury to our guests.

WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING HOTELIERS WHO AIM TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS AND MANAGE ICONIC CLASSIC HOTELS IN EUROPE?

Diving deep into various aspects of hotel operations and gaining extensive knowledge about them is incredibly valuable. To truly grasp the intricacies of how a hotel functions, one must be well-acquainted with every facet of its operations. Hotels, particularly luxury establishments, operate within a complex framework. Starting from the foundational roles and gradually climbing the professional hierarchy provides a robust and comprehensive understanding of the industry. This hands-on experience, coupled with the right academic background, ensures a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise in the realm of hotel management.