The Budapest Grand Hotel – Is it real or fake?
If you wanted to stay in the mysterious Budapest Grand Hotel I have got bad news for you.
- • The Grand Budapest Hotel from the 2014 Wes Anderson film is fictional and not located in Hungary. The exterior of the movie’s hotel was inspired by several European grand hotels, while the filming took place primarily in Görlitz, Germany. However, Budapest offers several real-life ‘Grand Hotels’ that capture the same historic luxury.
- • Real-life alternatives to the Grand Budapest Hotel in the city include the Corinthia Hotel Budapest (formerly the Grand Hotel Royal), the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget on Margaret Island, and the Iberostar Grand Budapest. These hotels offer the opulent architecture and high-end service seen in the film.
- • While you can’t stay at the exact hotel from the movie, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is often cited as a key inspiration for the film’s aesthetic. It was built in 1896 and restored to its original glory, making it the perfect destination for fans seeking the Wes Anderson vibe in Budapest.
What exactly did you expect when you searched on the Budapest Grand Hotel? Were you looking for the movie released in 2014? Or were you looking for overnight accommodation in Budapest? If you wanted to stay in the mysterious Budapest Grand Hotel I have got bad news for you.
The Truth
Do not be deceived, the Budapest Grand Hotel that you may know from the film does not exist. Originally the Corinthia Hotel Budapest (as it is named now) was called the Budapest Grand Hotel but it does not look like the hotel on the screen at all…
…and there have been a couple of other hotels as well that were run under the same or similar name (e.g. Grand Hotel Gellért). The good news is that there are 3 hotels that are located in Budapest and contain the Grand Hotel in their name but keep in mind that they have nothing to do with the hotel in the film!
Read the article and learn more about the namesakes of the hotel and about the movie too!
Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget
There is a 4* superior hotel, named the Grand Hotel in Budapest which is located on the picturesque Margaret Island. The hotel was built in 1873 based on the plans of the famous architecture Miklos Ybl and although it has been renovated since then several times, the building still has got its original style and atmosphere. This is a typical example of the mixture of old times and modern comfort. The hotel is connected to the Health Spa Resort hotel through a heated underground tube. Eat a hearty breakfast on the lovely terrace of the hotel and relax in the thermal pool of the Spa Resort.
In case you have decided to stay in the hotel:
- You should take your swimming costume with you if you want to enjoy the gorgeous spa services offered in the neighbouring hotel. (massage, thermal bath, beauty and medical treatments etc.)
- If you have made the choice to stay in the Grand Hotel in Budapest, do not miss the opportunity to discover Margaret Island. The island houses various sports establishments and renting a bringo cart is a must-do activity.
- Watch this video about the hotel.
Verdi Grand Hotel
The newly built Verdi Grand Hotel is a 4* property located in Budapest’s famous District 9 which is one of the most dynamically developing districts in the Hungarian capital. If you wish to breathe in the real Budapest as well and you are not interested only in the touristic spots, this is a good choice for staying overnight. It has got a small gym, 198 rooms and several meeting and conference rooms.
Iberostar Grand Budapest
This is probably the poshest hotel out of the 3. The 5* super elegant accommodation is located in the very heart of Budapest near Szabadság square. A lot of attractions are by walking distance from this place. Just leave the hotel lobby behind and you will find yourself in the buzzing city of Budapest. Fitness room, meeting rooms and massage are some examples of the services on the list of the hotel.
The Grand Hotel Budapest – The Movie
If you haven’t had a chance to watch the movie yet, it is highly recommended to do so. The film was released in 2014 and had become an instant box office success. Wes Anderson directed the film based on the script by Stefan Zweig. The movie has been shot in the Grand Budapest Hotel, which had been one of the most popular hotels during the World Wars. The comedy-drama won 4 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe Awards.
The plot in a nutshell The Grand Budapest Hotel tells the story of the adventures of the legendary concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, Gustave H. The other main character of the movie is Zero Mustafa who has become a trusted friend of Gustave H. during the years. The plot would not be complete without a murdered hotel guest, an invaluable painting, considerable family inheritance and a love story. The film is about friendship, promises and honour. Watch the trailer for more:
The male actors of the movie were asked to grow facial hair (beard and moustache) before they went on the movie set and their facial hair was carefully designed by professionals to look lifelike and original. It has been revealed that the original Grand Hotel Budapest refers to a hotel, that still exists today but under a different name, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest and the comparison dies here since the former Grand Hotel Budapest does not look like the film’s namesake at all.
Summary
I hope now all your questions have been answered considering the Budapest Grand Hotel and your curiosity has been raised to come and visit Budapest. Why don’t you come to Hungary and watch the movie here? Would not that be very classy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay at the Grand Budapest Hotel from the movie?
No, the Grand Budapest Hotel seen in the film is a model, and the interior scenes were shot in a department store in Germany. However, you can stay at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, which is a real grand hotel that shares much of its history and style.
Which real hotel inspired Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel?
The film was inspired by various European hotels, most notably the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary and the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, known for its iconic yellow and pink facades and grand ballroom.
Is there a Grand Hotel in Budapest?
Yes, Budapest has several prestigious 'Grand Hotels', including the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget and the Verdi Grand Hotel, along with luxury establishments that use 'Grand' in their name like the Iberostar Grand Budapest.
