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techniques to preserve and replicate
the original Art Nouveau design.
Salvaged were the two million-piece
mosaic tile floor, staircase, stainedglass floors and a wrought iron
elevator. Those that remember
the original building, and even saw
war tanks rolling through the lobby,
still stop by to marvel at the
transformation. What those visitors
miss (unless they’re hotel guests)
are Gresham Palace’s modern
additions, such as the spa, fitness
facility and top floor infinity pool,
not to mention all the latest in
technology. Despite war and the
Iron Curtain, Gresham Palace is once
again the best address in Budapest.
The brand’s European properties
don’t have the market cornered on
historical renovations. Before Four
Seasons Buenos Aires underwent
a year long, $49 million restoration
of its modern tower in 2013, La
Mansión, a historical home on
property, was entirely refurbished
in 2007. Dating to 1920, La Mansión
was built by a wealthy South
American ranching heir as a wedding
present to his bride. As one of
Argentina’s most beautiful historical
homes, it now sits elegantly in the
shadows of the contemporary main
hotel building. Indicative of Buenos
Aires’ French-inspired architecture,
this impressive home was fashioned