Castle like urban hotel with modern design in downtown Budapest
Kozmo Hotel / Budapest / Hungary
If there is one thing that makes me sad or borderline angry (when talking about hotels), is when old buildings are mistreated or abused. When someone thinks it is a good idea to just gutter a structure with a rich history and fill it with random design that feels totally disconnected to the look and/or the feel of the place. And equally, there are few things that make me happier than seeing the opposite, when a re-design is done with care, with sensibility, with thought and with the right amount of ”fingerspitzgefühl”. This is what is the case with Kozmo Hotel in Budapest.
This beautiful 19th century building which looks like a mix between an urban castle and an old factory, was created by architect Ray Rezsö. His work was taken to the next level by Spanish firm GCA Architects where they managed to create a design with one foot firmly rooted in the past and one in the here and now. The hotel is spacious with tall ceilings, beautiful floors and there are a lot of different rooms and corners to hide in when you need to recharge.
The statement piece of this 84-key hotel (according to me) is the grand staircase. This marvelous structure would look right at home in any James Bond movie. I can totally see Bond leisurely stroll down the stairs in an impeccably looking tux with a vodka martini in hand.
What else to share about the hotel? There is a secluded courtyard where you can relax with a drink and what should not be missed is the spa and wellness area in the basement with saunas and two pools. I love urban hotels that work as a sanctuary, where you can retreat when the noise and the action of the city is enough.
Welcome to Kozmo Hotel!
The lobby is a grand space with tall ceilings and beautiful herringbone parquet floors.
Heading up to my room in a very muted corridor.
The view from my room.
I love to walk around exploring hotels I stay at.
This path of red tiles led me to the most beautiful part of the hotel…
…this majestic staircase.
Right next to the reception there is a library where you can find a calm corner to relax in after having explored Budapest.
Downstairs in the basement is where you’ll find the spa and wellness area.
The design is very sleek and contemporary.
The bar/restaurant area is…
…also where the breakfast is served.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…like hotels with a past where a kind of grandeur has been combined with modern design. If you are looking for an independent urban hotel that is a tranquil contrast to the busy streets of Budapest, I am positive you will appreciate the Kozmo.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the space. It is so unusual for city hotels to have this much space. Often every single square meter is used for something but here it is possible to find a quiet corner where you can sit by yourself with a book and a glass of wine, recharging before it is time to hit the streets of Budapest again.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to bring your swim suite. There is a great spa and wellness centre located in the basement. It is a beautiful space with a pool and saunas.
If you like this hotel you might also like:
Wilmina / Berlin, Germany
Sommerro / Oslo, Norway
August / Antwerp, Belgium
St George / Helsinki, Finland
