Aria Hotel Budapest to Open in March 2015

Like every Kallan-developed hotel, such as the Library Hotel and Casablanca Hotel in New York and the Aria Hotel Prague, the Aria Budapest will have a distinctive concept: in this case the universal love of music. The 1870s building, which has been beautifully reimagined by young Budapest interior designer Zoltán Varro, captures a breathtaking blend of classical and contemporary styles.

Each of the 49 guestrooms and four parlors will feature a jazz, contemporary, opera or classical music theme through décor and sound. Guests will access the music library via iPads and flat screen televisions elegantly presented within a marble fireplace-style mantelpiece. Options for one or two bedroom suites are available, but the favorite choice is the extraordinary studio suite dedicated to Hungarian composer and virtuoso Franz Liszt.

The seven-story Neoclassical facade has been painstakingly rebuilt in limestone to replicate the beauty of the 19th century architecture and designed to look exactly as the original architect intended under the direction of Aria's chief architect Zsolt Szécsi.

“I wanted to design for Budapest a hotel that felt like a private home with a distinctive personality and cultural experience along with the personal care for which we’re known,” said Kallan, who is of Hungarian descent.

Located in the historic city center on the Pest side of the Danube River, Aria is situated beside famous St. Stephen’s Basilica. The hotel is steps from a charming pedestrian plaza featuring shops, restaurants, cafes and musical entertainment, and within a five minutes’ walk to the renowned Chain Bridge, the elegant tree-lined Andrássy Avenue and Budapest’s Opera House. The city’s fairytale-like Parliament and endless palaces surrounding Szabadság tér (or “Freedom Square”) are also a short walk from the hotel.

Aria Hotel Budapest will consist of four wings, each with its own elevator bank, which will allow for the ultimate in privacy with only two to four guestrooms per landing. Czech artist Joseph Blecha was commissioned to provide caricatures of music legends who will greet guests in and outside of the rooms. Many rooms will offer a private terrace with a view overlooking the streets leading to the pedestrian plaza. Most accommodations will offer an open-air balcony overlooking the stunning glass-enclosed Music Garden courtyard. Its seamless all glass enclosure is an architectural marvel and the only one in Europe without any steel support. This marvel in engineering will allow guests to enjoy natural lighting and a magnificent view of the Aria's architectural beauty as well as the sky above. From the balconies, onlookers can also gaze onto the artistically designed Music Garden courtyard with its tiled piano path and social scene below.

The High Note Skybar – the only year-round rooftop garden terrace in Budapest – will offer unparalleled views of the city. The two love nests, which are upper level perches offering 360-degree views, are perfect for couples or small groups of up to 20 people. Other dining options for guests and locals will include the street-level Stradivari, a bistro style restaurant, and Satchmo’s Bar and Lounge.

Adjacent to the Music Garden Courtyard is Teatro Aria, a beautiful space featuring nightly entertainment curated by Aria’s Musical Director. Guests may enhance their stay by stimulating the senses with great video performances including ballets, concerts, operas and musicals. The space may also be transformed for intimate, memorable private events from private dining and screenings, to fashion shows and recitals.

The Harmony Spa will offer three treatment rooms, one specifically for couples, along with an indoor pool, private pool cabanas, an advanced fitness center, a Swedish sauna, a Turkish steam room, and a Jacuzzi. Signature treatments will be set to music playlists customized to each guest’s preferences.

Following the Library Hotel Collection’s philosophy, Aria offers its guests a wealth of complimentary amenities including high-speed WiFi, a breakfast buffet, tea and coffee service as well as afternoon wine and cheese receptions. Guestrooms start at €325, or approximately $410 USD. Reservations are currently being accepted for stays commencing March 15, 2015. For reservations and additional information, please visit www.ariahotelbudapest.com.