The luxurious Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor and the Novotel Budapest Centrum may not target the same clientele, but they do share a rich past, the Accor group as chaperone and, above all, a strong sense of community, the same recent trajectory. Closed for extensive enhancement work, they will have seen little or none of the gloomy period experienced by world tourism, and both will be reopening their doors this summer.
Cambodia is preparing to lift most of its travel restrictions before the summer, the "Great Lady of Angkor - as the palace, which has seen celebrities visit the historic Khmer city since it opened in 1932, is known, will be offering guests a refreshed look from 1 June. Rooms and suites with lighter, brighter interiors, renovated bathrooms, desks in all rooms now, but still the same ceiling fans: the facelift has consisted in a meticulous update while respecting the identity of the site.
Similarly, the original teak and wrought iron lift is still there, as is the large swimming pool, and the Elephant Bar has retained its vintage atmosphere. The façade, on the other hand, while retaining its colonial architecture, has been tinted white, abandoning the creamy-beige colour used since the days of French Indochina. " It's a wonderful feeling to bring this enchanting hotel back to lifesaid Managing Director Dennis de Groot. The Grand Hotel is a national treasurel, and its legendary history bears witness to Cambodia's colourful past. "
In addition to its 63 rooms, the hotel offers guests a new restaurant, 1932, named after the year it opened, which features traditional royal Khmer cuisine. Another development, which is of direct interest to business tourism, is the creation in the 15 hectares of lush gardens of thean events centre. Called the Raffles Marquee, its air-conditioned marquee is ideal for chic receptions, fashion shows and business conferences.
From Angkor to Budapest, a story of transformation
From this Grand Hotel to Budapest, the link could have been made by Wes Anderson. But on this occasion, it is also a story of transformation that links the Novotel Budapest Centrum and the historic Cambodian palace. Closed two years ago, Novotel Budapest Centrum prepares to welcome its first guests this summer and revisits a Secession-style establishment, the Palace Hotel, which dates back to 1911. Located in the 8th district of the Hungarian capital, in the Jozsefvaros district, the hotel will have 227 rooms, a restaurant, a bar and conference and wellness facilities.
This new development is the fruit of a franchise agreement between Accor and the Baltic hotel group Mogotel, a partnership which should result in the opening of other mid-range and top-of-the-range establishments in Central Europe. As for Novotel Budapest Centrum, its future trajectory is already mapped out, sinceit will evolve to become part of the Movenpick brand from spring 2025.
