Meliá Hotels International has officially entered the Hungarian hospitality market with the addition of Hotel President Budapest to its Affiliated by Meliá network. The move marks the Spanish hotel group’s first property in Hungary and represents another step in its ongoing expansion across Europe.
Located in the heart of Budapest, the four-star Hotel President offers 152 rooms and sits close to several of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The central location places the hotel within one of the city’s most active tourism districts, providing convenient access to cultural attractions, government institutions and business hubs.
The property occupies a building distinguished by its Art Deco façade and combines historical architectural elements with modern interior design. Inside, the hotel features contemporary spaces designed to offer a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, while several rooms and suites provide views of Budapest’s skyline and major landmarks.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views over the Hungarian capital. From this vantage point, guests can see the Parliament building, the Buda Hills and other architectural highlights that define the city’s skyline. The rooftop also houses the Intermezzo Restaurant and Café, where guests can enjoy dishes inspired by Hungarian culinary traditions with a modern twist.
Beyond leisure travel, the hotel also caters to corporate guests and event organizers. The property includes approximately 267 square meters of meeting space divided into three multifunctional rooms, allowing it to host conferences, meetings and private events.
A Strategic Entry Into Central Europe
The Budapest opening reflects Meliá Hotels International’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in culturally significant European destinations. The hotel has joined the company’s Affiliated by Meliá network, a model that allows independent properties to maintain their identity while gaining access to the company’s global distribution channels and loyalty programs.
According to Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, the company sees Budapest as an important addition to its European portfolio. “Opening our first hotel in Budapest is a milestone for Meliá as we continue to expand into destinations that inspire today’s travelers,” he said.
The property is owned by hospitality operator 1912 Hotels, which manages a portfolio of hotels across several European destinations. Through the partnership with Meliá, the group aims to combine the property’s local character with the advantages of an international hotel brand.
Audun Lekve, CEO of 1912 Hotels, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. “The upcoming conversion of the hotel to INNSiDE by Meliá is a very important step in the evolution of our portfolio. This alliance with Meliá allows us to combine a strong local character with a globally recognized lifestyle brand, driving our growth ambitions and elevating the experience for our guests,” he said.
Future Conversion Into INNSiDE by Meliá
While the hotel currently operates under the Affiliated by Meliá label, the property is expected to undergo a major transformation over the next three years. The hotel will gradually reposition and convert into INNSiDE by Meliá, one of the group’s lifestyle-focused brands aimed at urban travelers.
The conversion will introduce updated design concepts, flexible social spaces and new guest experiences inspired by local culture. INNSiDE by Meliá properties are known for their modern aesthetic and creative atmosphere, often targeting younger travelers and those seeking lifestyle-oriented city stays.
Meliá’s arrival in Budapest also comes at a time when the Hungarian capital is seeing increased interest from international hotel brands. Several global operators have recently announced projects in the city as tourism in Central Europe continues to recover and attract investment.
With its central location and planned transformation into a lifestyle property, the future INNSiDE Budapest is expected to strengthen the brand’s presence in the region while offering travelers a new option in one of Europe’s most dynamic urban destinations.