Have you ever wondered what the interior of a Masonic Palace looks like? Well, you have the opportunity to admire it while you are actually staying in it! Of course, we are referring to the Mystery Hotel, the Masonic Palace of Budapest that was turned into a 5-star hyper lux hotel!
The history of Mystery Hotel Budapest
One of the main reasons to stay at the Mystery Hotel is the myths and secrets surrounding the original use of the building. Its history begins back in 1886 when two different Freemasonry groups (the Blue Lodge and the Scottish Ritual Grand Orients) merged together creating the first headquarters of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungary. In 1896, the construction of the Masonic Palace was completed. In the following years, the organization became popular, gathering more than 11,000 members!
During World War I, the building was used as a military hospital, provided by the Masonic administration. However, in 1920 Masonic activity was banned in Hungary and the building was occupied by the government until the end of World War II.
After the end of the war, the Grand Lodge became active again for 2 more years, until the communist regime prevailed. The building was used by the government until its fall in 1989.
In 2018, the hotel was redesigned by the well-known designer Varro Zoltan. The building was expanded by 3 floors and reconstructed externally to its current aristocratic appearance.
Mystery Hotel opened its doors in 2019!
The identity of Mystery Hotel Budapest
At the Mystery Hotel, you will find many elements from the history of the building mixed perfectly with the modern luxury aesthetics.
We can say for sure that the hotel is designed to impress at the first glance. Undoubtedly, it’s considered to be the most instagramable hotel in Budapest!
However, except for its impressive design and architecture, Mystery Hotel provides every comfort that a modern traveler needs, making it suitable for tourists, and business travelers! The staff is well trained and very helpful at anything you request!
It offers 82 rooms and suites, 3 meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar, and spa!
The location of Mystery Hotel Budapest
Mystery Hotel Budapest is located in a quiet neighborhood of the 6th District in the center of Budapest. It is next to Nyugati Railway Station and Andrassy Avenue, one of the largest streets in Budapest, where you can find many restaurants, cafes, and luxury clothing stores. It is located very close to the largest shopping mall in Budapest, Westend.
You can discover Pest on foot. Local transportation, such as the metro, tram, or city buses are also easily accessible.
The hotel also provides luxury car transfers to and from the airport.
The lobby of Mystery Hotel Budapest
Entering the Mystery Hotel’s lobby, you will notice that it’s a great spot for photoshooting! The reception of the hotel is on your right-hand side. Looking at the ceiling you can see a red carpet, like the one at your feet, but that’s not a real one, it’s a design illusion! After that, you can see directly the main staircase of the building, with a classic Masonic black and white pattern designed on the floor.
If you follow the corridor to the right of the stairs, you will find yourself in the spa area. From the left side of the entrance, you can reach the hotel elevators, which form is like opening curtains! Their interior looks like you are living in another era, having wall paintings of historical figures.
The Great Hall Restaurant & Lounge
This room used to be the most important room in the masonry era. It was hosting the Temple, where many tectonic rituals were taking place. Even today, many elements of that time have been preserved.
It’s located on the 4th floor and it’s the place where you can eat breakfast or any other meal you may wish. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the best restaurants in Budapest and it’s also open to non-hotel guests.
In the breakfast menu, you will find a great variety, while it has many vegan and gluten-free options!
The Secret Garden Day Spa
The name of this place could not be more accurate. It really looks like a garden and is “hidden” at the back of the ground floor. Relax under the palm trees hearing the sound of small fountains all around. The decoration of this space, in combination with its excellent lighting, creates a summer scene at the center of Budapest!
It offers a jacuzzi, a Finnish sauna, and a steam room. In addition, you can enjoy massage services and other body treatments. There is also a room with fitness equipment for physical exercise.
The facilities are open from 08.00 to 20.00, available also for non-hotel guests. Reservation is mandatory.
This is undoubtedly our favorite spot at the Mystery Hotel and one of the best spas we have ever been to!
The Sky Garden
Mystery Hotel rooftop bar is located on the 7th floor of the hotel. Decorated with ancient Greek Doric columns, it’s a popular cocktail evening choice in Budapest, available also for non-hotel guests. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset! However, it’s not open all year due to local weather conditions.
Our stay at Mystery Hotel Budapest
Organizing our stay in Budapest, we were looking for a hotel in a central location, with distinctive decoration and a spa area, in order to avoid overcrowding in the public baths of Budapest. Mystery Hotel beat our hearts immediately.
We stayed in the signature suite called DaVinci, inspired by the famous movie. It’s located on the 4th floor next to the Great Hall Restaurant. It is very bright and spacious (60 sq.m.).
The interior of the suite is luxuriously decorated. Upon entering you will see the living room with vintage furniture, large windows, velvet curtains, and impressive chandeliers.
On the left side of the living room, there is a large dining room. On the other side of the suite, the rest of the rooms are located, such as the bedroom and the bathroom.
There is a painting in the bedroom that stands out, inspired by the DaVinci movie. The bed is large enough (1.80m x 2m) and a “tranquility menu” is also available. You can select pillow types, and request earplugs or eye masks.
However, there are many beautiful details in this bedroom, such as the curtains that hide the closet, the vintage minibar, and the phone on it!
You will immediately notice the bathtub next to the window. There you can relax using the various salts provided.
The main bathroom is located at the end of the hall, fully equipped with everything you may need. You can also access the suite from the second entrance, located next to the bathroom.
The rest of the rooms
Mystery Hotel has 9 types of rooms or suites at various prices. All of them are spacious, they have a special decoration, and come with lots of amenities! Also, some of them are suitable for families or groups of 3 people!
Whichever room you choose, it is assured that your stay will be an unforgettable experience!
Rewards and scores of Mystery Hotel Budapest
Mystery Hotel is the only hotel in Budapest that is a member of Preferred Hotels! It’s also a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Here are some of its scores:
- Google 4.8/5 (300 reviews)
- Trip Advisor 4.9/5 (172 reviews)
- Booking 9.1/10 (664 reviews)
- Hotels 9.4/10 (172 reviews)
Is Mystery Hotel suitable for you?
If you are looking for a hotel with a luxury design that really stands out, best comfort, and great status, Mystery Hotel is right for you. Whether you are in Budapest for tourism or business travel, the location and the facilities of the hotel will leave you overwhelmed!
Discover more about Mystery Hotel on the website or on social media.