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Our Story

Where Eras Converge In Budapest

In homage to to the influential rute of Archduchess Dorothea and Palatine Joseph, Dorothea Hotel is a celebration of innovation and positivity where history and present converge; harmoniously evoking the Golden Age of Hungary. In every aspect we honor their the legacy. Within Pavilon Restaurant & Bar, guests can admire a living herb wall, a tribute to Palatine Joseph's favorite pastime, botany. This monumental piece not only enhances the space but also provides fresh ingredients for our kitchen and bar, inspiring each dish and cocktail with nature's finest. 
Story Of Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Hungary

The Story

The beginning of Dorothea’s story

Inspired by the 19th century, our hotel is named after Archduchess Dorothea, one of the most influential characters of the 1800s, who brought immense cultural, social and economic development to the city alongside her husband, Palatine Joseph.

Our unique design

Both the mesmerizing architecture and the sophisticated interiors were designed by the renowned Milanese company, Lissoni & Partners. Dorothea Hotel was an eight years long project for the Italian studio. With offices in Milan and New York, Lissoni & Partners has a thirty-year history in developing international projects in the fields of architecture, landscape, interior, product and graphic design, in addition to being responsible for the art direction for some of the most influential design companies.

2024 AWARDS

We are beyond delighted to have received the honor of winning multiple prestigious awards in our inaugural year. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our passionate team. Thank you to everyone for making the first year of Dorothea truly exceptional! We look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled luxury and exceptional experiences Exactly Like Nothing Else.

The Art

To reflect the architecture, one of the most well-known Hungarian photographers, Zoltán Tombor created thousands of photos exclusively dedicated to the hotel, out of which 499 are visible in Dorothea. The artist's thought-provoking photos tell the story of reinterpreted traditions and values as he seamlessly unites the classic and the modern, the antique and the contemporary reviving the charm of the past while celebrating the present. Around the public areas guests can admire his painting-like photos of "Dorothea" with an indicative modern twist, while in the rooms his exciting photo pairings offer a new perspective on the heritage of the buildings.

Our three historic buildings

Housed across three historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries in Budapest's iconic District V, Dorothea Hotel is a blend of architecture and interior design that honors both history and modernity, envisioned by acclaimed Italian architect and designer, Piero Lissoni. The three heritage buildings, forming a single entity, were established in different eras and styles. Local historic preservation experts have worked with the hotel to retain the key elements of each era.

A botanic infusion

Conceived as a tribute to Palatine Joseph's love of gardening, a living herb wall creates a rich, green oasis in the heart of the city. Planted with beautiful regional vegetation and an array of herbs, the wall sits at the entrance of Pavilon Restaurant & Bar where its produce is used to complement our signature cocktails concocted by the team. An intriguing conversation starter, its use extends to the welcome signature soda drinks served in a soutache-inspired coupe glass, signature scents of the hotel and spa and the delicious special teas served after each treatment as part of our wellness care.