Interview with Tamás Fazekas, General Manager of Anantara New York Palace Hotel

08 May Interview with Tamás Fazekas, General Manager of Anantara New York Palace Hotel

BF: Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel stands as an iconic symbol of timeless elegance. How does the leadership team balance preserving its historic charm while meeting the evolving expectations of modern hospitality?

Fazekas: The hotel was built in 1894 by the New York Life Insurance Company, which is where its name originates. They established their headquarters here as part of their European expansion. Last year, we celebrated our 130th anniversary with a special event honoring the building’s history.

As a protected monument, any restoration or renovation requires approval from local authorities and must align with the original design. The hotel’s architectural grandeur is a key part of the guest experience, and many visit specifically for its palace-like ambience. While we enhance our services to meet modern expectations, structural elements like room sizes remain dictated by the historic design. This results in the largest hotel rooms in the five-star deluxe category in Budapest. We offer 185 rooms, including 41 suites—the largest in the city—along with tailor-made experiences. One unique touch is our signature welcome drink, served in a handmade cup inspired by the building’s architectural details.

BF: What unique experiences can American visitors and business travelers expect when staying at your hotel, and how does the hotel position itself as a gateway for discovering Budapest?

Fazekas: Our location on Elizabeth Boulevard is ideal, connecting the Danube from one bridge to another and placing guests within walking distance of key attractions like the synagogue, Jewish Quarter, and Opera House. Budapest offers much more beyond these landmarks—visitors can explore its famous ruin bars, thermal baths, and cultural sites like Heroes’ Square, Gellért Hill, Castle Hill, and Fisherman’s Bastion.

For a truly unique experience, we offer an exclusive Samba Tour for Anantara guests. It features a 63-year-old Volkswagen Samba minivan that seats eight to ten people, complete with a picnic stop on a scenic mountain while visiting Budapest’s top sites. Another highlight is our Behind the Scenes Tour at the Hungarian State Opera House, available only to our guests. Additionally, we offer private box rentals at the Opera House for two to four guests, where they can enjoy a performance with a glass of champagne in an intimate setting. We also provide seamless transfers and tickets to one of Budapest’s most renowned thermal baths, ensuring a luxurious and authentic local experience.

BF: Since becoming part of the Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand in 2021, what upscale features, services, or operational improvements have been introduced to enhance the guest experience?

Fazekas: Since joining Anantara in 2021, we’ve elevated the guest experience with renovations, team restructuring, and enhanced service standards. Anantara focuses on more than luxury—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.

Everything is personalized, from the pre-arrival letter to room escorts and tailored services. Our approach is to make guests feel at home—while helping them fully disconnect. A key part of Anantara’s philosophy is ‘Namjai,’ a Thai concept meaning ‘a gift from the heart,’ which defines our commitment to warm, intuitive hospitality. We don’t just meet expectations; we anticipate and exceed them, ensuring every stay is truly special.

BF: What nationalities make up the majority of guests at Anantara New York Hotel?

Fazekas: The majority of our guests are from the U.S., followed by the U.K., with Spain ranking third.

BF: Would you describe the hotel as family-oriented?

Fazekas: While we don’t have a kids’ club since we’re an urban hotel rather than a resort, we do cater to young guests with a dedicated check-in process and a specially curated children’s menu.

BF: Guest relaxation and wellness are key pillars of the hotel’s offerings. What specific wellness experiences and services do you provide to create a memorable and rejuvenating stay for your guests?

Fazekas: Anantara has a strong focus on spa and wellness, and we’ve infused these elements with Hungary’s rich thermal traditions. Our spa features five treatment rooms, including a double treatment room with a private Jacuzzi, creating a complete wellness experience. We’ve also incorporated Hungarian mud treatments, sourced from a thermal lake 200 kilometers from Budapest, blending Anantara’s spa philosophy with local elements.

BF: Ranked 2nd on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Hotels” list with a 96.3 score, what strategies does your team implement to maintain service excellence, and what do you believe contributed to achieving this prestigious ranking?

Fazekas: Personalization is the key. We strive to treat every guest as they want to be treated, ensuring each stay is unique and memorable. Anantara’s signature experiences, such as Designer Dining and Signature Sunrise Breakfast, elevate the guest experience—one example is our private butler-served breakfast in an exclusive space above the café. This award is a reflection of our commitment to excellence. It’s not just about achieving recognition but continuing to uphold the high standards that earned it.

BF: In response to evolving trends in tourism, How is the hotel embracing sustainability and digital innovation to enhance operations and guest experiences?

Fazekas: Sustainability is a core focus for both Anantara and our hotel. We’ve integrated energy-efficient chillers and LED lighting, and eliminated plastic, replacing it with glass alternatives. We also work with suppliers to adopt eco-friendly practices, from farm-to-table sourcing (where possible) to sustainable laundry operations. To tackle food waste, we use a food composter that reduces waste by 80%, converting it into briquettes for agriculture.

On the digital side, we prioritize seamless, paperless services. Guests can check in and out online and use our ‘Stay App’ to request services, ensuring both convenience and sustainability.