Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest

One of the most beautiful Art Nouveau gems of the capital, the Párisi Udvar (Paris Courtyard) on Ferenciek tere, has been given a new lease of life as a five-star hotel following a complete renovation. Originally designed by Henrik Schmahl and completed in 1913, the eclectic building combines Arabic, Moorish and Gothic elements, making it one of the most unique art-historical and architectural treasures in Budapest. The renovation resulted in the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, a five-star complex belonging to Mellow Mood Hotels, which, as a member of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel chain, has joined the ranks of unique hotels that are exceptional in terms of their architecture, history or location.

During the reconstruction, which is associated with the name of Market Építő Zrt. as the contractor, special emphasis was placed on preserving the original building, with particular attention to the street façade, the passageway, the ornate double staircase, the three-way main staircase, parts of the polygonal courtyard, and the glazed ceramic roofing. During the restoration works, damaged or missing elements were replaced and restored, while the primary goal was to respect the original style and choice of materials.

The building was constructed with early reinforced concrete structures, which contained a mixture of traditional masonry and reinforced concrete elements. The basement, ground floor and first floor were supported by reinforced concrete pillars, while the upper floors were dominated by traditional brick masonry. The horizontal load-bearing structure was formed by closely spaced reinforced-concrete ribbed slabs, connected with ring beams, ensuring stability.

During the reconstruction, significant structural reinforcements became necessary due to changed load conditions and contemporary fire safety, structural and engineering requirements, which we implemented in such a way that they were integrated without dismantling or damaging the historic elements. As a special technological solution, we used JET Grouting underground construction technology to reinforce the substructures, which involved complex construction tasks in the confined working area in the city centre.

In line with the hotel’s new function, the interior spaces of the building also underwent a significant transformation. The patinated passageway, one of Budapest’s iconic architectural gems, now serves as a heated, enclosed interior space for the hotel lobby and public functions. The glass domes and beams of the arcade were reinforced with a steel structure, while the covering of the inner courtyard created a high-ceilinged lounge area, which was complemented by a crystal skylight that is both modern and in keeping with the spirit of the original building.

The hotel rooms are mainly organised around the courtyard, which also houses unique hexagonal suites. A recessed extension was built on the top floor to house modern mechanical units and luxury presidential suites, while the new glass and ceramic façades were complemented by sunshades reminiscent of the building’s historical design.

During the design works, it was a major challenge to harmoniously combine the historic value of the building with 21st-century hotel requirements. The renovation not only preserved the past, but also created a modern building offering luxury services worthy of the name and history of the Párisi Udvar.

The reconstruction of the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest is an exemplary demonstration of how a building that is more than a hundred years old can be renovated with the utmost respect for its historical value, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and modern functions. The building has not only been revived, but also enriches the architectural heritage in Budapest and is now a significant tourist attraction on its own.