Art Nouveau – Nouveau Concept

Located in the vibrant Jewish Quarter on Nagy Diófa Street, the Equity Point Hostel Budapest project transformed a five-story Art Nouveau building, originally built in 1912, into a modern and welcoming hostel. Formerly operating as the three-star King’s Hotel, the property’s interiors and services had become outdated. Responding to market trends, the new operator, Equity Point, decided to undertake a full renovation and change of concept. The aim was to ensure that, from 2022 onwards, the building could serve nearly twice as many guests while preserving its historic character.
According to Hostelworld Group, the world’s largest online hostel booking platform, the European hostel sector is experiencing dynamic growth, with Prague and Budapest ranked among the most popular destinations for hostel travellers worldwide. With only a few international brands currently present in the city, Budapest offers an attractive opportunity for hostel operators.

Meeting Challenges with Care

Realiscon joined the project in early 2020, providing design management, project management, and technical supervision. Our work began with a technical due diligence (TDD), than assessing the operator’s requirements and defining project goals, followed by conducting a market demand survey and preparing phased cost estimates to guide the design process. Once the design was finalised, we coordinated its integration into procurement procedures and then managed the entire construction process through to commissioning and handover — all while the hostel remained operational, adding an extra layer of logistical complexity.

Our responsibilities included:

Preparation and management of renovation works
Supervising the installation of modern mechanical and electrical systems, including an upgraded electrical network and a refurbished cargo lift
Managing the refurbishment of interiors: modern bathrooms, refreshed surfaces, USB charging points, and new service areas for staff
Construction was completed by the end of 2022.

Opening a new chapter

Spread over five floors, the hostel now offers 290 beds across 79 fully renovated rooms, ranging from shared dormitories to private ensuite rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, secure lockers, and modern amenities. Guests enter through the beautifully restored Art Nouveau façade into a bright, welcoming lobby. On-site facilities include a bar, beer garden, social common areas, and laundry services — all designed to enhance comfort and foster a vibrant community atmosphere.

This project stands as a prime example of how Budapest’s architectural heritage can be harmoniously combined with functional, modern hospitality — a transformation delivered with elegance, precision, and a commitment to guest experience.