In conversation with Tamas Fazekas, General Manager, Anantara New York Palace, Budapest (Exclusive Interview)

How is Anantara New York Palace Budapest positioned in Budapest’s luxury hotel sector? including USP’s and comp set.

After rebranding to Anantara and after the renovation of the hotel, we are well positioned among the luxury hotels in Budapest, competing with Ritz Carlton, Luxury Collection, Four Seasons. In 2023 the grow and development of our hotel was visible, and we are very proud to have one of the highest guest satisfaction index in the capital of Hungary.

What is the guest profile? Which are the key feed markets? – do you see opportunities for new markets – we have quite a mix of guest profile including romantic travelers, elderly couples, “digital Nomads” and of course business people.

Our main feeder markets are USA, UK, France, Spain and Italy, however more and more guests are coming from Middle East. Emerging market is definitely India and the Far East.

Do you also attract locals / non-hotel guests? What about events? – The most famous New York Café, which was voted more times as the Most Beautiful Café in the World is located in our hotel, which attracts a lot of locals too. Apart from that at least 50% of the events are organized by local companies.

Post pandemic, has the perception luxury changed? – expectations, time of booking, type of accommodation, length of stay

After almost 2 years of the pandemic, we can say that business get back to normal flow, on the other hand we realized a higher demand for luxury service and unique experience. The mix of our guests moved more into this direction, which is absolutely in line with the position and perception of the Anantara Brand

How important is the affiliation to Anantara Hotels?

Change to Anantara was a milestone in the history of the hotel. Not only due to the renovation, but Anantara has very high standards for guest service, and a very high focus on guest experience. Anantara is focusing on offering local, authentic and indigenous experience with the luxury service

What is your view on achieving and maintaining both desirability and relevance?

We are lucky at the moment, since “desire is close to relevance” … we have a strong Team, which helps to make desires to happen

Is there a recipe for maintaining consistency in service?

I would mention three things: Continuous training, continuous control in a good sense, and a constant well recognized Team. One has to find the tool to maintain all three criteria’s

Luxury hotels around the world in the most diverse destinations are still challenged about staffing? What has been your case? 

Indeed, after pandemic we were suffering both in terms of quality and quantity of staffing. First half of 2023 quantity was not a problem anymore, but quality!! Luckily 2^nd half of 2023 we also managed to find great talents and therefore main focus is further training and recognize these people

Tell us about your view on the evolution of rates, especially considering the new players in the market.

I am glad to say that we are one of the hotels in Budapest who could increase their ADR the most in 2023. This however could not have happened without improving all services mentioned above. New players are of course a challenge at any time, however we believe that guest experience make the difference and we crate our unique points to have the edge over our competitors

What novelties are planned for 2024?

We would like to launch new services in our Anantara Spa, we just developed a new concept in our White Salon Restaurant and of course find new activities within and outside of the hotel in order to enhance guest experience

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