"Following a meticulous five-year renovation, the Belle Epoque–era Matild Palace in Budapest, used for royal functions at the turn of the 20th century, has been transformed into a 130-room luxury hotel. The architectural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage landmark was preserved while interior designer Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design created beautiful spaces that celebrate Hungarian culture. Guestroom walls feature prints by Hungarian artists while headboards have been handcrafted by national artisans. Within the hotel, one of Eastern Europe’s most historic coffee houses, the two-story Art Nouveau Belvaìrosi Kaìveìhaìz, has been reimagined as Matild Café & Cabaret with menus curated by chef Wolfgang Puck. The hotel occupies an enviable location with views of the Danube River, ideal for waterfront strolls to reach iconic sites like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica." - Paul Rubio