Interview with András Lakézi, Cluster General Manager, Unione Hotel Management

12 Jun Interview with András Lakézi, Cluster General Manager, Unione Hotel Management

Can you share how Hungary’s tourism and hospitality, especially Budapest, compare to other Central European countries? What are the main advantages?

I was born and raised in Budapest, so I am deeply passionate about the city. It’s a fantastic destination, easily accessible from across Europe and soon direct flights from the US, it is once again a key international hub. Culturally, Budapest is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with something new always happening. Every year, we host Sziget — one of Europe’s largest music festivals — on an island in the Danube, attracting nearly a million visitors and top global performers. The city also comes alive during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, creating a buzz throughout town.

No matter your age or interests, Budapest offers something for everyone. Budapest is just the right size: home to over 2 million people, yet compact enough to explore over a long weekend. It offers a unique mix of rich architectural heritage, a rising culinary scene and famous thermal spas rooted in centuries of tradition. Tourists often enjoy a cultural evening followed by a relaxed day at the spa. It is a safe, vibrant and affordable destination, even for luxury travelers. On the Buda side, where Hotel Clark is located, the atmosphere is calmer and greener, while Pest is more dynamic and lively.

Hotel Clark Budapest has become a staple of design-forward hospitality in the city. Can you briefly introduce Hotel Clark, Unione Hotel Management Group and their key selling points?

Hotel Clark was the first in our portfolio and remains our flagship since opening seven years ago. Its location is unbeatable, right at Budapest’s zero-kilometer marker, the city’s most central point. From the start, our vision has been to create a five-star hotel known for outstanding, personalized service. With just 79 rooms, it offers a vibrant city atmosphere while allowing us to tailor every guest experience. The hotel is also home to the city’s top rooftop bar, designed from the outset as a key attraction. Overlooking the Danube, it combines breathtaking views with a lively ambiance, making it a true highlight of the Clark experience.

Hotel Clark may be just seven years old, but its design strikes the perfect balance: modern, elegant and luxurious without being over the top. Guests often comment on its calm, refined atmosphere. What I am most proud of is the service. Clark has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, Forbes US and TripAdvisor, consistently ranking among the top hotels in Budapest and even Europe. These accolades reflect our core focus: putting the guest experience at the heart of everything we do.

Soon, we will open Clark’s “little sister” hotel just 200 meters away, continuing the same commitment to excellence. Our next property, the 48-room Leon Hotel & Lounge, is set to open this September. The website is live and bookings are already open. Though construction is still underway, it will be a luxury boutique hotel with a stylish café inspired by current gastro trends, also serving as the breakfast area. Leon will feature a full floor of conference facilities and is designed to complement Hotel Clark. Between the two, we have also just opened an Italian restaurant led by Hungarian Michelin-starred chef Olivér. It has been fully booked since day one and has received fantastic feedback. With Leon, we are evolving from a single-property operation into a multi-property hotel management company, marking a new chapter for Unione Hotel Management.

Beyond our city hotels, we also support Melea, a five-star medical resort in the countryside focused on health and longevity. It combines luxury wellness facilities with a strong medical component, offering a holistic approach to well-being. Launched last year, Melea completes our current Unione Hotel Management portfolio. For now, our focus remains on excellence, especially at Hotel Clark, where we continually challenge ourselves and the team to raise the bar for guest experience every day. Leon Hotel & Lounge will be adult-oriented in style and atmosphere, though not officially labeled as adults-only — families are still welcome. It is located just 100 meters from Hotel Clark, with a new restaurant in between. We are also in talks with the mayor to transform the adjacent green space into a large summer garden, complete with a bar, outdoor kitchen and ample seating — a vibrant addition to the area.

How did the idea of Hotel Clark as an adult-friendly hotel start? How satisfied are you with Q1 occupancy and the outlook ahead?

The idea behind making Hotel Clark adult-oriented comes down to three things. First, we wanted to offer a sophisticated, high-end experience without the stiffness of traditional five-star service — more lifestyle luxury. Second, the design features dark tones, bold artwork and a culturally rich atmosphere, which naturally appeals more to adults. Third, the rooftop bar focuses on evening entertainment. Altogether, it creates a relaxing, refined space.

We are always aiming for higher occupancy. After the golden year of 2019, the pandemic hit, but Budapest’s hospitality quickly rebounded. In 2024, we finally surpassed all previous records in revenue, average daily rate and occupancy. We are on track to break those records again in 2025.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect a major boost with big events like the Champions League final and the Athletics World Championship, plus at least six new direct US flights. This should drive tourism and hotel demand significantly. I am optimistic about strong growth and a real step change for the city’s hospitality industry.

Can you tell us about Hotel Clark’s rooftop and other facilities? Do you host events like business meetings or weddings?

We offer classic group options with boardrooms and meeting facilities at Hotel Clark and soon the sister hotel will allow for larger events or combined use. For individual travelers, we provide a full concierge service, arranging everything from helicopter tours to exclusive reservations and personalized experiences. Our concierge team knows the city inside out and can quickly fulfill any request, big or small. For groups, we organize tailored meetings and private art tours, often with exclusive access. We also arrange luxury transfers, including limousines and private boats. With the right contacts and dedication, no request is too big or too small — we make it happen.

What is the Unione Group’s approach to digital technology and how important is investing in it for marketing, reservations and internal communication?

The hospitality industry has changed dramatically in the past 3-4 years. No leader can afford to ignore these shifts. We use the latest technologies for marketing, distribution and guest management. Recently, we activated an AI-driven revenue management system to optimize pricing. Across our hotels, we heavily reinvest in technology and upkeep. Soon, we will launch a new TV system with advanced features and upgraded key systems. Our newest property features cutting-edge digital keys and fully mobile check-in/check-out — guests can do everything from their phones. We are deeply committed to staying at the forefront of innovation.

Budapest is an incredibly clean city focused on sustainability and heritage while modernizing. What is the Unione Group’s approach to sustainability?

Sustainability is very important to us. We partner with eco-friendly suppliers for laundry, kitchens and use environmentally friendly key cards and materials. We also work with a sustainability advisor to continuously improve. Long-term, sustainability is crucial for our entire industry.

What is your main market and how do you plan to attract more visitors from the US?

Our main markets are the US and the UK, often competing for the top spot. Securing direct flights would be a major milestone for us. Both Hotel Clark and the new Leon Hotel benefit from prime locations — everything is within walking distance. Safety is key for our guests; Budapest’s First District, where we are based, is a highly secure area near the prime minister’s office. English is widely spoken, making communication easy. Budapest offers a perfect balance for US travelers: a safe, convenient city with both international brands and authentic local experiences, all at excellent value for money.

What are the Unione Group’s goals and vision for the next 3–5 years?

Our goal over the next three to five years is to grow into a top-tier international hotel management company, maintaining high standards across our current portfolio while carefully expanding with new projects that deliver great success for both guests and owners. Hungary, especially Budapest, offers endless opportunities to enjoy life in a safe, vibrant and exciting environment. Tourism is growing rapidly and is a national priority, attracting significant investment. Investing in Hungary now is wise. Properties are still affordable but high quality and their value is expected to rise with increasing tourism and government support.