An International Brand in the Heart of Debrecen

Just steps from the city’s iconic Great Church, Hilton’s Garden Inn brand has made its debut in Debrecen with a new four-star hotel developed on a vacant infill site in Darabos Street. The project sits within the historic city centre, in close proximity to two national monuments—the Great Reformed Church and the Reformed College—offering a rare opportunity to create a contemporary landmark in a protected urban setting.
The seven-storey building with two underground parking levels serves both the city’s growing business tourism market—driven by major international investments in the automotive and manufacturing sectors—and leisure travellers seeking high-quality, centrally located accommodation. A rooftop Skybar crowns the property, offering exceptional views of the Great Church and the surrounding historic streetscape. The net floor area of the hotel is 5.200 sqm.

Managing Complexity with Precision
Realiscon joined the project from the earliest stages, first advising on design management and recommending that the developer pursue a green building certification—a forward-looking step still uncommon in the hotel sector. This recommendation led to the adoption of the LEED certification process, fully aligned with Hilton’s global standards, including enhanced safety, fire protection, and compliance with ASHRAE requirements.
Our role expanded to include full project management, LEED assessment, and technical supervision. The construction required advanced engineering solutions from the outset: with the high water table just 1.5–2 metres below ground, two basement levels were realised using continuous diaphragm walls and staged excavation down to 12 metres. Above ground, the structure was assembled from prefabricated reinforced concrete elements, allowing the shell to be completed in just over five months.
The bespoke façade system—featuring alternating aluminium composite and fibre-cement panels, including curved and folded elements—demanded precise coordination between designers and specialist contractors. Parallel to construction, we managed the complex LEED documentation process, ensuring that sustainability goals were met without compromising schedule or budget. This included responsible waste management (70% of construction waste recycled or reused), VOC-free interior materials, controlled site emissions, and the installation of an extensive green roof planted with native, drought-resistant species to enhance biodiversity.

A Sustainable Landmark for Debrecen
The completed Hilton Garden Inn offers 101 guest rooms, event and conference spaces, lounges, a wellness area, and a panoramic Skybar. The building’s restrained monochrome façade respects the height and rhythm of the surrounding architecture while expressing its contemporary identity.
Achieving LEED Gold certification, the project demonstrates how heritage-sensitive urban development can embrace cutting-edge sustainability practices. Beyond its architectural contribution, the hotel activates a once-quiet side street, adding vibrancy to the historic centre and setting a benchmark for future hospitality projects in Hungary.