The aim of the major investment was to renovate the most important commercial accommodation establishment in Pécs, preserving the building's historical and architectural values while meeting today's technical, functional and tourism expectations.
Preparations for the renovation began in 2020; construction started in 2023 and lasted two years. The investor laid the foundations of the design process with detailed architectural-historical research and an inventory of heritage values, which served as a compass throughout construction. The goal was not merely preservation, but to ensure sustainable operation in the long term, for at least the next half-century.
General design was carried out by Horváth és Patartics Építész Iroda Kft. (lead architects: András Horváth and Zorán Patartics), the interior design concept was developed by P8 Műhely Kft. (contributing designers: Péter Gubik, Dóra Szatori and Kata Tóth), and the main contractor was Ypsylon Vállalkozási Kft. The interior design was based on the existing architectural structures and proportions: the aim was to create a clean interior expressed through contemporary means, yet evoking the spatial experience of the grand bourgeois era, with premium materials and understated elegance.
“For us, the major reconstruction of the Palatinus was not simply a property development, but a responsibility for a century-old city icon. We wanted to create a building that both respects its past and can serve its future in a modern way for the long term,” said Dr Márk Czéh-Tóth, managing director of the investor, Hotel Palatinus Kft.
During the renovation, all existing architectural ornamentation was preserved, both on the façade and in the interiors. The plaster stucco, leaded glass surfaces, gilded decorations and original chandeliers were all restored; in addition, new elements identical to the originals were made in collaboration with craftspeople and applied artists. Unique pyrogranite elements and mirrors were created together with the Zsolnay factory specifically for this project.
Hotel facilities and services
Palatinus Grand Hotel has reopened with 85 rooms in the four-star superior category.
The hotel's facilities include a restaurant and bar, a wellness and massage area, event and social spaces, a business centre, a playroom, and bicycle and e-bike hire. The rooftop terrace hosts a seasonal pop-up bar which, as an exclusive event venue, offers a new perspective on hospitality in the city centre.
“Our hotel aims to be an active player in the professional and business events scene of Pécs and to help the city become the venue for more and more national and international events,” said general manager András Bojcsev.
The hotel also places a strong focus on MICE tourism. Five conference rooms are available, with a total event capacity of 600 people. The centrepiece of the event offering is the time-honoured Art Nouveau Bartók Room, one of the most elegant event venues in the county seat, which can accommodate up to 300 people. The historic spaces provide a perfect backdrop for weddings, balls, conferences and large professional events. The hotel's venues offer a professional setting for professional and business events of every scale, from meetings and private events for 10 people through celebrations for 120 to major events for 300.
Source: Turizmus Online
