Lifestyle and leisure hospitality company Ennismore has signed SO/ Budapest, marking the brand's foray into Hungary.

Situated on Pest Bank, SO/ Budapest will transform the current Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge hotel into a lifestyle hub. The location offers views of the Danube and the Chain Bridge.

The hotel will open in 2026 after undergoing a revamp of its exterior and interior.

It will house 350 rooms, which include 56 suites and two presidential suites.

Drawing inspiration from the fashion world and luxury concept stores, the guestrooms at SO/ Budapest will focus on the art of 'getting dressed', offering fashion-forward amenities such as back-lit vanities, open-style wardrobes, and a variety of dressing room mirrors.

SO/ Budapest will offer four food and drink destinations, including a ground-floor restaurant with a terrace and café by Carte Blanched, Ennismore's in-house F&B concept studio; a first-floor lobby café; and a rooftop restaurant and club.

Ennismore SO/ brand COO Chadi Farhat said: “SO/ exudes an ultra-chic social vibe that fits Budapest and merges culture through its wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites with elegant modernity.”

The hotel will also provide more than 740m² of meeting and event space, alongside 855m² of spa facilities, complete with a swimming pool and fitness/wellness area.

Launched in 2011, SO/ has partnered with designers such as Guillaume Henry, Christian Lacroix, and Viktor&Rolf to craft unique spaces and guest experiences.

The brand anticipates further growth with upcoming openings, including a hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2025.

Ennismore's expansion in Hungary also includes upcoming hotels from 25hours, JO&JOE, and Mama Shelter in Budapest.

Globally, Ennismore is gearing up to launch over 15 hotels and more than 50 restaurants and bars this year.

The list includes The Hoxton Vienna in Austria; Hyde London City in the UK; 25hours The Odd Bird in Jakarta, Indonesia; SLS Barcelona in Spain; Mama Shelter Nice in France; Rixos Tersane Istanbul in Türkiye; and Rixos Obhur Jeddah.