House of Coco’s head stylist and travel writer, Taheed Khan, has a flair for uncovering the heart of a place through its design and culture. With an eye for the extraordinary and a passion for storytelling, Taheed invites readers to step into Budapest’s brand-new Dorothea Hotel—a haven where historic charm meets the luxe standards of today.

A Grand Entrance at Dorothea Hotel

From the moment I walked into the Dorothea Hotel on its grand opening night, I knew this place was more than just a stay. Picture this: three legendary Budapest buildings joint together thanks to Milanese star architect, Piero Lissoni, meticulously restored to keep its original grandeur while welcoming every modern luxury. The night’s festivities were buzzing — a light cirque performance by a world-class Hungarian artistic collaboration between Recirquel and City Ballet of Győr, a silent fashion photography auction of Zoltán Tombor and, yes, a dance floor where the DJ’s beats pulled guests into the early hours. But for me, the highlight was simply soaking in Dorothea’s vibe: timeless yet fresh, where Budapest’s character radiates from every corner.

Layers of History, Styled to Perfection

Dorothea’s design is a love letter to Budapest’s rich history, but let’s be clear — it’s anything but stuffy. This hotel knows how to honour its roots while staying fresh and chic. Each space feels like an adventure, from the opulent lobby, adorned with Hungarian motifs and timeless marble floors, to the guest rooms where sleek, modern comfort mingles with historic charm. Walking down the hallways, I kept stopping just to soak it all in: deep, jewel-toned fabrics that begged to be touched, curated artwork that felt like whispers from Budapest’s past and lighting so perfectly moody it could only have been designed by someone with an eye for drama.

By the time the performers took the stage that evening, I was fully entranced. Their graceful movements, set against Dorothea’s warm, artful backdrop, captured the city’s essence perfectly — an elegant balance of old-world romance and bold, new-world flair. It’s as if every inch of this place was designed to charm you, whispering, “Welcome to Budapest, darling.” The Dorothea doesn’t just pay homage to Budapest; it gets Budapest, blending history with style in a way that feels authentic and impossibly chic.

Budapest’s Cultural Playground

On our final day, returning to Dorothea felt like a warm hug with a luxurious twist. Every experience at the hotel, from exploring high-end designer boutiques to indulging in sommelier-selected Hungarian wines, felt effortlessly elevated. It’s clear that Dorothea was made for those who want to dive deep into Budapest’s creative pulse. Exploring local fashion showrooms and savouring the city’s gourmet highlights made me feel like I’d been given the keys to Budapest’s cultural heart, with every detail tailored to bring out the city’s best.

Food, Glorious Food

If there’s one thing not to miss at Dorothea, it’s dining at the Pavilon restaurant. Here, meals aren’t just served —they’re crafted to tell a story. Each dish nods to Hungarian tradition with a modern twist, like the smoked duck breast with Tokaji wine reduction, where rich flavours mingle with subtle sweetness. And the pan-seared pike-perch, a celebration of the Danube’s finest, is served alongside herb-roasted vegetables for a perfect harmony of flavours. Dessert is equally magical: lavender honey panna cotta — a light, floral indulgence that captures Hungary’s natural beauty in every spoonful. Dining at Pavilon isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavour packed journey through Budapest.

An Invitation to Fall in Love with Budapest

Dorothea Hotel reminded me why Budapest is a city for aesthetes and lovers of all things beautiful. History here isn’t something to be observed from a distance; it’s woven into every space, every interaction. Dorothea isn’t just a place to stay —it’s a piece of Budapest’s soul, ready for travellers who are as captivated by inspiration and elegance as I am.