Beautiful art nouveau hotel of Hungary is finally being renovated

It’s no secret that the Hotel Palatinus in Pécs is breathtaking in its beauty. It’s a widely renowned establishment that has been graced by the likes of Béla Bartók and the Habsburg family. Now, the current owners have decided it’s time for a renovation.

Read more about renovations happening around Hungary HERE and HERE.

How it all began

Over a century ago, in the heart of Hungary’s most Mediterranean city, Palatinus opened its doors. Back then, it bore the name Pannonia Grand Hotel. The hotel was Imre Hamerli’s idea, who came from the famous “Pécs gloves” dynasty and was quite affluent, a stroke of luck given the grand scale of the hotel. The architectural plans for the hotel were crafted by Andor Pilch, often regarded as Pécs’s answer to Gaudí.

The hotel found its place on Király Street, where the dynasty’s house once stood. It was demolished in 1913, and by 1915, the Hotel stood in its place. This was wondrously fast work considering the country was embroiled in World War I during that period.

The Hotel quickly became one of the most elite spots in Pécs. It boasted a grandiose ballroom, a cigar room and 70 spacious guest rooms, not to mention the elegant café and restaurant. The hotel, with its eccentric Art Nouveau style, attracted a diverse array of high- end personalities. In 1923, Bartók graced the impressive ballroom with a concert, and Habsburg royalty stayed in the luxurious guest rooms. But it wasn’t just royalty; among other notable guests, the Palatinus welcomed José Carrera and Plácido Domingo.