C O R I N T H I A H O T E L B U D A P E S T

c o r i n t h i a . c o mJULY | 2014

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INTROWelcome words from the General Manager, a

photo what we love, and a prominentensemble whom we have hosted recently.

INTERVIEWInterview with Mónika Tumbász, our hotel’s

Assistant Executive Housekeeper on her dutiesand her favorite hobby.

PROGRAMSPlan your programs with us!

We have listed a number of events for you to enjoy.

NEWSJust recently, we have launched our brand newsleep and nutrition wellness practices for our

event services.

WelcomeFROM THEGENERALMANAGER

> Summer in Budapest is always an exciting seasonfilled with countless opportunities to enjoy thiswonderful city. At the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, we aretaking advantage of the spectacular weather to cheer onour favourite football teams at our very own FIFA 2014World Cup Sky Terrace. With seven LCD screensdedicated to live coverage of the games, we havetransformed our roof terrace into the ultimate WorldCup fan lounge. We look forward to welcomingeveryone, from the avid fan to the novice spectator, toexperience the premier World Cup venue in Hungary.We are also enthusiastic about the recent launch of‘Sleep to Perform’ and ‘Food For Thought’, two newcomponents to our Event at Corinthia services that focuson guest wellness. By promoting healthy sleeping habitsand introducing balanced, nutritional catering menus, ourhotel has set forth to enhance the heath and success ofour business guests and conference organizers.There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Budapest’sfantastic weather and take part in its many seasonalevents. In the summer months, visitors and locals alike,flock to the many open-air theatres, street fairs andoutdoor festivals throughout the city. After a full day ofsightseeing, we welcome you to wind down from theexcitement of the city at the Royal Spa. Our guests willenjoy the refreshing spa and saunas as well as takedelight in the many rejuvenating ESPA treatments weproudly offer.In this edition of our monthly newsletter, you will findthe fifteenth chapter of our hotel’s historicalchronicle, The Grand Story, personally narrated by ourDuty Manager Tibor Meskál. This account will detailthe hotel’s low period during the 90s and its renewalinto the grand hotel it is today, when it was acquiredas a vacant building in 1997. We are passionate aboutour history and pleased to share this fascinating storywith you. This month we are featuring our Assistant ExecutiveHousekeeper, Mónika Tumbász, in our Meet the Staffsection. We are always excited to introduce anothervalued member of our staff as they share theirexperiences at Corinthia. We also invite you to put onyour aprons and recreate two dishes from the CorinthiaHotel Budapest kitchen. Our recipe is from our talentedexecutive chef, Péter Bolyki. He introduces a realsummer delight. To conclude, I anticipate that you will enjoy thismonth’s edition of our newsletter and wish you awonderful stay in Budapest.

Thomas M. Fischer | GENERAL MANAGER

PHOTO OF THE MONTH > Brazil is here in town! Enjoy every moment of the Fifa 2014 at our World Cup Sky Terrace.

GuestBookFAMOUS GUEST Michael Madsen

ABOUT CORINTHIA HOTELBUDAPEST> Corinthia Hotel Budapest is anaward-winning member of theCorinthia Hotels brand. The hoteloriginally opened as the Grand HotelRoyal in 1896 and was entirelyrenovated and, in parts, rebuilt in 2003, following its acquisition by CorinthiaHotels. Among its many attributes, thehotel features a majestic GrandBallroom and the ‘Royal Spa’- itself anextensive renovation of an original19th century Spa which adjoined theoriginal hotel - that has once againregained its rightful place asBudapest’s most luxurious Spa.

> Our hotel recently hosted the press conference for the ManagerOpen, 2014 National Manager Tennis Championship organized forthe 10th consecutive year. Corinthia Hotel Budapest is a GoldSponsor of this unique competition staged over nine regionalvenues with the final in Budapest. The first regional round of theChampionship was in GyŒr, in which managers and owners fromcompanies in the area joined the competition’s principal patron,the Mayor of GyŒr and chairman of the Hungarian OlympicCommittee, Zsolt Borkai. The second round in Kecskemét wasmemorable for us because, besides local managers and those fromSoltvadkert, KiskŒrös, Dunaújváros, Szeged and Budapest, ourGeneral Manager Thomas M. Fischer also entered in a doublesmatch with Gerwin Beran, Managing Director of Hungarotickets Kft.,while Szabolcs Timku, Director of Local Sales and Entertainment,

paired up with Lajos Vajtó. At theawards ceremony Tamás Hámoriand Balázs Pintér, head of theMenedzser Foundation, presentedbeautiful porcelain medallionsmanufactured by KalocsaPorcelain Manufacture Kft., andgifts donated by sponsorsCorinthia Hotel Budapest andmany more.

2014 NATIONAL MANAGER TENNISCHAMPIONSHIP

> In 1991, one year after Soviettroops pulled out of Hungary, theGrand Hotel Royal closed. Thebuilding was sealed in by woodenfences. The glass windows of the

coffee house, bearing the figures1896, slowly lost their sparkle. Thehotel was fading away. However, thecinema – still the Royal Apollo –continued to operate until 1997.

In 1996 the Corinthia Group, a hotelcompany from the island of Malta inthe Mediterranean, managed by itscharismatic and energetic ownerAlfred Pisani acquired the Hotel

Aquincum in Budapest. Soon after theconclusion of this sale, the group’slocal legal advisor Dr. László Czeglédimentioned that there was anotherinteresting hotel for sale: the GrandHotel Royal. Coming so soon afterthe purchase of the Aquincum, AlfredPisani was not ready to consider thisopportunity, but his trained hotelier’seye immediately recognized theenormous opportunity in this greydilapidated building on the ElizabethRing, sporting the fading words‘Grand Hotel Royal’ offered.Nine months later, as attempts byother bidders to acquire thisproperty failed, the legal advisorreturned with the same opportunity.Ultimately, on a third occasion, andspecifically on March 3, 1999, Pisanidecided to bid, and with a deadlineof three weeks, mustered all theresources, architectural and financial ,to make a presentation and submit anoffer. He researched theopportunities and brought his bankerfrom Malta to Budapest:‘I remember the day I arrived,’ recallsFrank Xerri de Caro, former generalmanager of the Bank of Valletta.‘Alfred Pisani brought me over. Whenwe walked into the ruins of the hotel,we met people squatting here, ratswere playing on the floors, it was amess and totally run-down. My firstthought wasn’t how Pisani can buy

this old hut, but how can I justify theexpenses of my journey to the boardof my bank? Then I told Pisani: youmust be kidding! But he smiled andstarted to explain in every detail howhe wants to rebuild this hotel. He hadeverything laid out in his head, herethe executive floor, the mainstaircase over there, we must keepthis historic ballroom, etc. And that’sexactly what we have today!’Destiny smiled on this third occasionand the Corinthia Group was

eventuallyawarded thetender. Soonafter, anunsuccessfulbidderpersistentlysought tochallenge thetitle ofCorinthia, and

after going through three law suits,Corinthia’s title to the property wasfinally confirmed by the courtsfollowing two years of litigation. In2001 the Mayor of Budapest, Dr GáborDemszky presided over a ceremony ofthe laying of a foundation stonecontaining a time capsule to mark thecommencement of works. An enormous task laid ahead of Pisaniand his team. To be continued…

How long have you worked at thehotel?My first day of work was 8 November2010. I still remember that during thefirst few days I thought I would neverfind my way around this vast hotel. Which areas have you worked in, andwhere are you now?From the very first day I have workedin Housekeeping as deputy to Lívia,the Executive Housekeeper. AlthoughI had some experience in this areasince I had been a Housekeepingmanager in several other hotels, hereI come across completely new anddifferent challenges virtually everysingle day.What are your duties? Housekeeping management in aplace this size is a very complex task.The primary job is to ensure thecleanliness and hygiene of the wholehotel. My job is to make sure thateveryone understands the hotel’sstandards, the level of service wemust give, and we provide everyassistance necessary to guaranteethis. I make sure that every day thereare sufficient numbers of staffmembers on duty so that everything

goes smoothly. If necessary, I holdcourses, I organize the ‘springcleanings’ and I also coordinateexpiry dates for minibar products. Soin a word, my job is operations. What was your happiest experience inrelation to the hotel?My favorite time of year isChristmas. I love the run-up to thewinter holidays. Even in my previousworkplaces I had the good luck totake part in the decoration of thehotel and the Christmas tree, as I dohere. Even so, this experience hasbeen different and even morespecial, mainly because we have todecorate, in all its seasonal glory, atree measuring over 6 metres. It wasimpossible to dress the tree –positioned on the ballroom stairway– from a ladder. Without scaffoldingwe would not have a chance. True,the work took all night and left usfeeling quite jaded. Sometimes iteven appeared as though we wouldnever get the job finished andlooking just right for the hotel. Ourwork was made all the more difficultbecause the stairway meant wesimply could not get to the back of

the tree. But, I have to say thathuman ingenuity is boundless. Webegan from the balustrade in front ofthe ballroom, literally throwing thedecorations on the tree. We cameacross many challenges, but finallyfinished, and in the meantime thesun had come up and it wasbreakfast time. The first guests, onseeing the huge tree, couldn’tbelieve their eyes and just stared... What do you enjoy doing in yourspare time?I rarely have much leisure time afterthis job and being with my family. Myson, Dávid, plays basketball, so thereare one or two matches virtuallyevery weekend. Just like all otherenthusiastic parents, we, too, takeour place by the court and cheer theteam on. I was never a great sportsfan but I really enjoy and lookforward to this program. Besides this,what relaxes me and I really enjoy isgardening. I love planting bulbs inspring and pottering around thegarden. I enjoy travelling, visiting newplaces and countries. Unfortunately,it seems I have ever lessopportunities to do this.

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MEET THE STAFFINTERVIEW WITH Mónika Tumbász,ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

Corinthia Hotel BudapestLAUNCHES SLEEP AND NUTRITION WELLNESS PRACTICES FOR EVENT SERVICES

> Corinthia Hotel Budapest has introduced Sleep to Perform and Food ForThought, two new components to event services that focus on guest wellness.By promoting healthy sleeping habits and introducing balanced, nutritionalcatering menus, the hotel has set forth to enhance the heath and success of theirbusiness guests. The hotel invited international journalists and members of the press within theMICE industry to experience the new wellness offerings. The hotel enlisted theexpertise of international Sleep Specialist, Dr. Guy Meadows and NutritionExpert, Jeannette Hyde for this special occasion. The two specialists presentedon their respective programs with Corinthia, focusing on how the wellness ofbusiness attendees directly affects the productivity and results of the meeting. By valuing the mind and body, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is dedicated tocaring for their guests and strives to promote health and wellness. The new health programs are among a variety of first-class services offered tocreate successful events. The planning process of events is simplified with thenewly introduced Virtual Planner. This online service enables event organisers toplan the layout and specifications of their events, including a 3D layout of theircustomised event space. By simplifying the event planning process and providingexceptional, personal service, Corinthia Hotel Budapest is committed toexecuting spectacular events.

The Grand StoryOF CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPESTBY TIBOR MESKÁL, MANAGER ON DUTY

Chapter 15

Kick-off the football games on the roof!> This summer the world turns its attention to Brazil and the World Cup.Beat the crowds, the heat and the 6,000 kilometers between Budapest and Rio, and watchall the matches. In style. Sipping ice-cold cocktails, on the Sky Terrace.Well, we know, where you gonna be!Here, with us at the Corinthia World Cup Sky Terrace!

All registered guests can participate in a special drawing and

WIN AN OFFICIAL WORLD CUP SOCCER BALL,an official World Cup T-shirt or a Brunch invitation for 2.

WHEN?From June 12-July 13th,every day from 5pm to12.30am

WHy?7 HD ScreensTribune LoungeCopacabana BarGoal Grill

WHERE?Corinthia Hotel BudapestWorld Cup Sky Terrace,

Be part of the world’s biggest footballextravaganza - in Budapest!

Football Fever offer> Experience the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in our World Cup Sky Terracewhile enjoying all the luxury of Corinthia!

Q What’s the next best thing to watching the World Cup live in Brazil?

Watching the World Cup live in the WorldCup Sky Terrace of Corinthia Hotel Budapest.We are setting up 7 LCD screens for the entireduration of the World Cup and a fabulousseating area where guests can relax, socialise, enjoy greatfood and drink, and watch the sport in ultimate comfort.Enjoy fabulous authentic Brazilian food, lively party musicat the weekends. Don’t miss our taste of Brazil in Budapest– it’s going to be the World Cup venue in Hungary!

PACKAGE INCLUDES> Accommodation for 2 persons in a Superior room> Access to the Royal Spa> Generous buffet breakfast> World Cup warm up in the Lobby bar (Mojito)> Football menu at the World Cup sky Terrace

(1 Budweiser beer, 1 Caipirinha cocktail, 1 Brazilian Empanadas snack)

Price from 306 EUR

SEE MORE:

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TABLE RESERVATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION: +36 1 479-4800 or cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com facebook.com/corinthiahotelbudapest

Summer brings warmer and longer days. It also brings asparagus and strawberries. Here is a tasty,antioxidant-rich, eye-healthy salad that celebrates these summer-time treats combined with yeararound treats. Spinach and asparagus are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin which helpsprotect your eyes. Strawberries contain Vitamin C that can help deter the onset of AMD andcataracts. Almonds contain Vitamin E, which also may help slow the onset and growth ofcataracts.

OUR OFFERSFor further information and bookings, please contact us on +36 1 479 4850 orcuisine.budapest@corinthia.com

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND SPINACH

PREPARATIONBreak off the tough ends of the asparagus and peelthe stalks. Cut into 3 cm pieces. Place the asparaguson the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oliveoil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roastthe asparagus for 10-15 minutes, until tender but stillcrisp (this will depend on the thickness of theasparagus). Remove from the oven and allow tocool.In a small bowl whisk the remaining 2 tablespoonsolive oil, lemon juice, honey. Season the dressingwith salt and pepper to taste.Place the spinach, roasted asparagus pieces, andsliced strawberries in a large bowl. Add half of thedressing and gently toss. Taste – add more dressingif necessary. Divide into 4 to 6 portions and placeon individual plates. Sprinkle each serving with thetoasted almonds.

THOUGHTS AND VARIATIONS:you can steam, broil, or grill the asparagus.Substitute baby field greens or arugula for thespinach. Use toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nutsinstead of the almonds. Add some crumbled feta orgoat cheese to the salad.Enjoy and Happy Summer!

Recipe of the MonthTHE EXECUTIVE CHEF RECOMMENDS> Péter Bolyki joined the hotel having already established himself as ahighly skilled professional in a number of countries. He had been workingfor Hapag Lloyd MS Hanseatic, Regent Seven Seas Mariner, Palais Auerspergand the Adventure Catering and Schönbrunn Orangerie. We invite you tocook with us and try Péter's favorites.

PANCHO BRUNCHOLOCATION | World Cup Sky TerraceDATE | July 6, 12:00-16:00PRICE | 8,900 HUF per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years oldand complimentary for children under 6.

> While sitting among relics of the most famous Hungarian football legend Puskás Öcsi and playing tablesoccer, don’t miss the chance to taste local and Spanish specialties, a festive BBQ including crispymarinated spare ribs, pork cutlets, tapas and paella.Enjoy and a variety of refreshing beverages and cocktails, wine spritz and Sangria.

FINAL BRUNCHLOCATION | World Cup Sky TerraceDATE | July 13, 12:00-16:00PRICE | 8,900 HUF per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years oldand complimentary for children under 6.

> The “World Cup Sky Terrace” is Corinthia’s special football venue with a lounge, a dining and a bararea providing great entertainment and full coverage of the Brazilian Football World Cup final on 7screens. Enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine highlights; Hamburgers, roast beef, entrecote and sirloin, a full fledgeBBQ and whole suckling pig to raise the standard of the afternoon while sipping wine spitz, beer andrefreshing Cachaca based and Caipirinha cocktails.

INGREDIENTS250 g fresh asparagus

3 tablespoons good quality olive oilSalt and freshly ground black

pepper2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 ? tablespoons honey 125 g trimmed baby spinach leaves

150 g sliced fresh strawberries50 g toasted slivered almonds

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PROGRAMS IN JULyRECOMMENDED BY THECORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPESTCONCIERGE TEAMFor further information and reservations, please contact the Concierge.THE FIRST MONTH OF SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT OUTDOOR FESTIVALS…

Tamás UngárChief Concierge

TABLE RESERVATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION: +36 1 479-4800 or cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com facebook.com/corinthiahotelbudapest

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT US AGAIN?Treat yourself with one of our tempting offers and create lastingmemories with Corinthia Hotel Budapest. Your next adventure starts here…

SEE MORE AT: Corinthia.com/Budapest Inspire me

WATER POLO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Jul 14-27 | Margaret Island | Alfréd Hajós Swimming Pool

> Enjoy the best water sports games in the world played on beautifulMargaret Island and experience this high-octane summer program. Nownamed the LEN Water Polo European Championships, it is one of the mostimportant and prestigious international water polo tournaments in the world.This year’s competition promises to be a great success. With the homenation’s men’s team the most successful, with a total 12 Europeanchampionship titles to its name, make sure you’re around to see whetherthey can claim a 13th. Twelve men’s teams, including the current Olympic

champion Croatia, World League winner Serbia, World champion Hungary and eight women’steams will take part in the Budapest tournament organized on Margaret Island between July 14 – 27. To make the events extra special, stay in utter comfort and luxury at CorinthiaBudapest. - See more at: Corinthia.com/Budapest

HUGH LAURIE WITH THE COPPER BOTTOM BANDJuly 19 | Budapest Congress Center

> Famed British actor and comedian, Hugh Laurie garnered worldwide famewith his portrayal of protagonist Dr Gregory House in the popular TV seriesHouse. The series also became a platform to show off his musical abilities ashe frequently burst into song on screen. A talented musician and singer,Laurie has released two successful blues albums and will be bringing his ownbrand of unique musical charm to the Budapest Congress Center with hisCopper Bottom Band on July 19, 2014. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunityto see this first class showman take to the stage with his perfect comedic

timing and gravelly voice. Make the concert an extra special event and stay in comfort and luxurywith Corinthia Budapest.

BALATON SOUNDJuly 10-13 | Lake Balaton | Zamárdi

> Enjoy one of the top 10 summer festivals in Europe at the breathtakingLake Balaton!Balaton Sound is one of the largest open-air electronic music festivals inEurope. Come and experience some of the hottest musical acts in one of thecoolest destinations as you party on the private beach on the southern shore ofLake Balaton. On July 10-13 this year, festival-goers can expect to see headlineacts including David Guetta, Rita Ora, Wiz Kalifa and Disclosure among others.

DANUBE BEND TOUR> The Danube Bend – an excursion into Hungary’s history through anunforgettable tour along the "Blue Danube" with stops in Visegrád, Esztergomand Szentendre.Visegrád: Take a walk close the 750 year-old stones of theformal Royal Residence (entrance fee not included), learn about life in themiddle ages and enjoy the fascinating panorama on the Danube valley.Esztergom, the Northern gate of Budapest – the center of the Catholic Church:Pay a visit to the largest cathedral in Hungary (also the burial place of famouscardinals of Hungary, including Primate József Mindszenty). After the tour, take

the opportunity to gaze across the river and enjoy the stunning views over to Slovakia. Szentendre:On the way back, stop off in the artist's village of Szentendre, a small baroque city at the gate of theDanube Bend. Situated at the meeting place of the river Danube and the Pilis Mountains, in a beautifulnatural environment, it is a stunning place to visit. Stroll through the baroque settlement, built onmedieval ruins and explore the narrow streets en route to the panorama point for fabulous views ofthe Danube. – Book in advance at Corinthia.com/Budapest

ROYAL SPA EXCLUSIVE OFFER

ENHANCE YOUR SUMMER GLOW

Discover smoother, more radiant skin with a 35ml Refining Skin Polish Gift worth 23.

Yours when you book an Espa Body Ritual*

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. One gift per customer. Complimentary gift is a 35ml Refining Skin Polish.

For further information please contact Royal Spa reception at +36 1 479 4650 phone number or royalspa@corinthia.com email address