Step into a world where elegance meets greatness, where history whispers its tales through magnificent rooms and graceful ballrooms. Nestled in the heart of Bucharest, the Athénée Palace Hotel stands tall as a timeless icon, bearing witness to over a century of remarkable history and preserving the heritage of Romanian hospitality. Join us on a journey beyond 100 years, as we delve into the captivating story of this legendary establishment.
A Legacy of Distinction
Since its opening in 1914, Athénée Palace has been a symbol of prestige and luxury. The hotel has gracefully withstood the test of time, surviving both world wars and political upheavals, remaining a steadfast emblem of Bucharest. Over the years, it has played host to illustrious guests, dignitaries, and celebrities, engraving its name into the chronicles of history.
Timeless Architecture
Stepping into Athénée Palace building is like opening a window in time. The hotel’s inner architectural beauty blends neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles with contemporary touches, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The grand façade exudes an air of elegance and refinement while its magnificent interior Les Collonnades uncovers the entrance to the national heritage ballroom, Le Diplomate. The ballroom havens a majestic stain glass ceiling and tastefully decorated walls with golden foil accents capturing the essence of a bygone era.
A Hub of History
Throughout its history, Athénée Palace has been a witness to significant events that shaped the nation. The hotel's corridors whispered secrets and hosted clandestine meetings during periods of political turmoil. During World War II, it was a bustling hub for journalists reporting from neutral Romania, strategically positioned at Europe's crossroads.
Its walls hold the echoes of countless legends, blending history with the allure of a luxury establishment. Renowned editor Ernst Latham remarked, "Athénée Palace immediately became renowned in both wars, consistently playing a central role in historical events."
A Chronicle of Intrigue
Baroness Rose de Waldeck, a Newsweek correspondent, stayed at Athénée Palace during Romania's most tumultuous period. Arriving on the day France fell in 1940, she witnessed Romania's seismic shifts, including King Carol II's abdication and the rise of a military-legionary state under Antonescu. She published in 1942 the book "Athénée Palace," where she captured the hotel's pivotal role in wartime Europe.
Her interview with Nazi officer Colonel Johann von Ravenstein, conducted amid wartime chaos, evolved unexpectedly into a poignant love story. Their clandestine meetings at Athénée Palace amidst Nazi occupation added a dramatic layer to the hotel's narrative.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing the Future
InterContinental Athénée Palace Hotel stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the past and the promise of the future. Beyond 100 years, it remains an embodiment of refined elegance, showcasing the heritage and history of Romanian hospitality. From its architectural heritage to its rich legacy and commitment to exceptional service, this iconic establishment continues to captivate and inspire. As we embark on the next chapter of its extraordinary journey, InterContinental Athénée Palace invites you to become a part of its enduring legacy, creating new memories and preserving the history that lies within its storied walls.
TIMELINE
1914
WHERE THE STORY BEGINS
On the site once occupied by the Gherasi Inn in the 19th century, construction began in 1912 on a new hotel designed by the French architect Théophile Bradeau. This was the first major building in the capital to feature a reinforced concrete skeleton. The grand opening took place in 1914, marking the beginning of the extraordinary journey of the Athénée Palace.
1916
ROMANIA JOINS WORLD WAR ONE
The year holds great historical significance due to the onset of World War I. The war had a devastating impact on most European countries, affecting both those directly involved and those not. Romania actively participated in the events; a fact strongly felt by the residents of Bucharest as well as the guests of the Athénée Palace.
1937
THE ARCHITECTURAL CHANGE
The hotel undergoes a major yet necessary change, as its style at the time was considered unfitting with the general architectural trend. The architect Duiliu Marcu opted for a simplified art deco style, while preserving the building's special atmosphere that enchanted all who crossed its threshold.
1944
WORLD WAR II BOMBINGS
In April 1944, Bucharest was bombed by the American military aviation. The main target: Bucharest North Railway Station. As a result of these bombings, part of the Athénée Palace was burned, and all the windows were shattered by the blast waves. Nevertheless, after the war, the building was renovated, retaining its interwar charm.
1965
NEW WING BREAKS GROUND
Over the years, Athénée Palace became the preferred meeting and lodging place in the heart of Bucharest for an increasing number of notable people of the time. This is why, in 1965, a new wing was constructed. This addition successfully accommodated the growing number of guests while meeting their high standards.
1977
THE STRONG EARTHQUAKE WITHSTAND
On March 4, 1977, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, causing 1,570 casualties, with 1,391 in Bucharest alone. Athénée Palace withstands, despite the fact that many of the nearby buildings were severely damaged. Years later, in 1983, the hotel’s interior receives another restyling.
1989
THE REVOLUTION’S DAMAGES
The Revolution of 1989 marks another significant moment in Romanian history. It not only signified intense conflict and a radical change in the political system, but also resulted in considerable damageof Athénée Palace, situated amidst the events. After the street conflicts, the building bore visible bullet holes across its surface, undergoing a new renovation in 1993.
1996
THE EXTERNAL PARTNESHIP START
In 1996, under the professional umbrella of an international 5-star hotel brand, Athénée Palace was poised to enter a new era of extraordinary achievements, aiming to build the ideal place for tourists around the world, business developers, new partners, team members and of course for locals.
2005
ANA HOTELS ACQUISITION OF ATHÉNÉE PALACE
2005 is the year when Ana Hotels buys Athénée Palace, a building that has been at the heart of the city for 91 years, offering guests plenty of joyful memories. Thus begins a new chapter for Athénée Palace, marked by even stronger excellence in hospitality services, within a setting rich in history, tradition, and an unmistakable atmosphere.
2014
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Athénée Palace reaches 100 years of activity and marks the beginning of another century of outstanding service quality. 100 years of happy memories. This being the perfect opportunity to show the utmost passion for excellence alongside those who made it all possible.
2021
NEW COMPLETE HOTEL RENOVATION
The new look of the rooms is based on a modern design concept, elegant, but complementary to the hotel’s history. The facilities are updated with the latest technology and innovations, so that guests can enjoy a unique stay in a prestigious location.
2023
BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
World’s first luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brings the grandeur to the heart of Bucharest in 2023 signing of Athénée Palace Bucharest. This marks the return of the IHG brand to Romania in a brand new fully renovated hotel.
