Four Seasons Hotel Budapest now open

Four Seasons Hotel Budapest now open
Restored Art Nouveau Palace Sets Stage for Unique Travel Experience 


TORONTO, June 21  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is
pleased to announce the opening of its first property in Hungary, in the
historic Gresham Palace on the banks of the Danube River in Budapest. Located
at the foot of the Chain Bridge, the property is the rebirth of a century-old
palace, acclaimed as one of the world's finest Art Nouveau buildings. After a
$110-million restoration, the 179-room Hotel is a prominent landmark in the
city that combines the luxurious comforts of the 21st century with the
meticulous craftsmanship of yesteryear. A spa and fitness centre, an indoor
pool, two restaurants plus bar and lounge, and meeting space round out the
guest experience.

"Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a significant addition to our
growing portfolio of distinctive European properties," said Wolf Hengst,
president worldwide hotel operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "Guests
of the Hotel will experience the art and culture of Budapest from a luxurious
home base, with the best location in the city."

From its birth in 1906, the Gresham Palace has intrigued residents and visitors
alike for its magnificence as one of the world's finest Art
Nouveau/Secessionist structures. Originally built as the lavish head office of
the Gresham Life Assurance Company, in the early days, the building was also a
prestigious residence for aristocracy. Following the war and throughout the
Communist era, the building gradually fell into disrepair, but it got a new
lease on life in the late 1990's when Four Seasons agreed to participate in the
restoration and conversion to a luxury hotel.

In addition to the history and architecture of the building, Four Seasons
welcomes guests to enjoy modern spa treatments in a country renowned for its
rich spa heritage. The Hotel features a 12 m (39-foot) infinity-edge lap pool
as well as massage and treatment rooms, sauna, whirlpool, steam rooms and
exercise room.

Four Seasons staff has been working closely with local food producers and
wineries to develop a unique dining experience that ranges from light Italian
cuisine to new interpretations of traditional Hungarian dishes, served in an
elegant Art Nouveau setting. Sure to be a favourite meeting place of local
residents and travellers alike, the Hotel can also accommodate meetings and
special events for up to 100 people.

With the opening of the Budapest Hotel, the Four Seasons European collection
will include 10 properties. Multi-destination packages will combine Four
Seasons properties in Budapest with nearby Prague and Berlin.

With a history spanning four decades and a portfolio that extends worldwide,
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the world's leading operator of luxury
hotels, currently managing 62 properties in 29 countries. Earlier this year,
the company opened its first resort in Costa Rica, and its first European
resort at Terre Blanche in Provence. Four Seasons continues to be the most
honoured luxury hotel company in the world, expanding its brand to exciting new
destinations around the globe. The company's second mountain resort opens this
summer in Whistler, Canada, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Later this
year, Four Seasons will open new properties in Langkawi, Malaysia and
Hampshire, England. Information on the company and its 43 years of achievement
in the hospitality industry can be accessed through the Four Seasons Web site
at http://www.fourseasons.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts



CONTACT: Nicola Blazier or Aynsley Wintrip, Four Seasons

Hotels and Resorts, [phone], ,

; Gayle Conran or Jenny Matrosovs, Conran

PRCo, [phone], , 

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