Originally Posted by
arlflyer
Hot take: Interesting that the W brand continues to persist for new openings, and that this property in particular will be branded as such. When I think of W, I think of intentionally over-the-top, garish attempts to be avant-garde (bright red everything, sensualized artwork, etc), usually located in “party” locations and attracting a corresponding clientele. This…is not that, and I feel like it deserves something better.
I agree with this take, and believe that this building and location [particularly with the Hungarian State Opera right in front] deserved something with more dignity than a W. I would have loved to see this as a flagship St. Regis if it were within Marriott, or a Park Hyatt or Waldorf Astoria - much more stately and fitting a location and building of this nature… but alas, the owners get what they’ll pay for, and by gum they want a W on that awning.
Fun fact: this building was initially signed as The Regent Budapest back when Rezidor/Carlson briefly owned the Regent brand. Would’ve also been quite fitting, so it’s a shame it never materialized.
khabah