Hotel Royal Spa

The swimming pool at the Grand Hotel Royal was part of a magnificent spa facility originally designed by architect Vilmos Freund in 1886-88. This historic pool featured an impressive glass dome that was mechanically adjustable, allowing guests to bathe in the open air during fine weather. After suffering damage during World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the hotel underwent various renovations, but the spa remained closed and forgotten until its rediscovery in 19834. In 2001, when the Corinthia Group acquired the property to transform it into the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, plans were made to restore the historic spa to its former glory as part of a €100 million restoration project - the largest hotel refurbishment in Hungarian history at that time

For this historically significant project, we created detailed 3D renderings that visualized how the abandoned swimming pool would be restored to its original splendor. Our visualizations highlighted the planned reconstruction of the pool's distinctive features, including the ornate architectural elements and the famous adjustable glass dome that once allowed for open-air bathing.

We developed a short animation that took viewers on a virtual journey through the restored spa facility, showcasing how the space would transition from its abandoned state to a luxurious wellness center. The animation highlighted the careful preservation of historical elements while incorporating modern amenities expected in a five-star hotel.

Our visualization work required extensive research into historical photographs and architectural plans to ensure accuracy in representing both the original design and the planned restoration. We worked closely with chief architect Miklós Marosi from KÖZTI Plc., who was instrumental in the decision to restore the long-forgotten pool as part of the hotel's rebirth. These visualizations played a crucial role in helping stakeholders understand the historical significance of the spa and the value of its restoration, contributing to the successful revival of this important piece of Budapest's architectural heritage.