A full renovation of an old hotel is one of the most complex construction projects. It's not just rooms to refresh — the whole building needs to be rethought: layout, engineering systems, structure, star category. ConSol takes on these projects in Budapest and across Hungary.
What does a full hotel renovation involve?
Full renovation means stripping the building back to its shell — removing old engineering systems, floor screeds, and partitions — then rebuilding everything from scratch. The result is a category-upgraded hotel where virtually everything except the structural frame is new.
This approach is needed when the existing engineering is obsolete (30+ year-old electrical, cast-iron pipes), the layout no longer meets modern hotel standards, or the owner wants a category upgrade — for example, taking the building from 2-star to 4-star.
Layout reconfiguration and room count
Old hotel layouts are typically inefficient: small rooms, poor corridor arrangement, outdated reception areas. A full renovation is an opportunity to restructure: merging adjacent small rooms to create larger, higher-rated rooms; building modern bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and climatised spaces.
Structural alterations require architectural documentation and planning permission — ConSol coordinates this process together with our design partners.
MEP systems — complete replacement
This is the most critical and expensive element. In hotels built in the 1970s–1990s, plumbing and electrical systems typically no longer meet safety or comfort requirements.
What we always replace in a full renovation: all water supply and drainage, electrical wiring and distribution boards, ventilation and air conditioning, and where necessary, the heating system. This work happens inside walls and ceilings — which is why full renovation cannot be done cheaply in partial stages.
Interior fit-out and category upgrade
After engineering comes the hotel-grade interior fit-out: acoustic finishes (sound insulation is critical in hotels), fire-rated materials, emergency route signage, accessibility compliance — then the design layer: flooring, tiling, furniture, lighting, sanitaryware.
Typical additional requirements for moving from 3-star to 4-star: larger rooms (minimum 18–20 m²), private bathrooms in every room, air conditioning, acoustic and thermal insulation, and upgraded common areas — lobby, dining zone.
Permits and authority approvals
Structural changes to a hotel require permits — and this takes time. Layout modifications, fire protection systems, accessibility compliance, and changes to hotel classification all need authority approval. ConSol has experience here: we support the process from technical documentation through to permit follow-up.
Renovation of an operating hotel — we do this too
If the hotel cannot close completely, renovation can be done while it stays open. We work room by room in rotation, using weekends and nights, without touching operational areas — guests don't notice the work underway. This approach is slower and slightly more expensive, but avoids total revenue loss during closure.
What does a full hotel renovation cost?
Full renovation — engineering, structure, interior — in Budapest starts from 300,000 Ft/m², depending on the building's condition and the target category. A renovated, category-upgraded hotel can command room rates 60–80% higher than before.
Frequently asked questions
Full renovation replaces MEP systems, electrical infrastructure, and potentially reconfigures the layout — the building is completely rebuilt from the inside. Cosmetic refurbishment only touches surfaces: painting, flooring, furniture. The former is more expensive and takes longer, but enables a category upgrade and lasts 15–20 years.
Yes. Layout modifications require a building permit, and changing the hotel star classification requires authority approval. The permitting process typically takes 2–4 months — which is why it's important to start early. ConSol coordinates this with a partner architectural office.
For a full ground-up renovation the hotel typically closes for 4–8 months, depending on size and scope. If closure is not possible, we can work room by room using the rotation method — slower and slightly more expensive, but avoids total downtime.