Renovating a 110-room, four-star hotel operating 24 hours a day next to an airport is a serious challenge in itself. In the case of the Vecsési Airport Hotel, this was carried out in a building that had been in operation for more than 17 years, where the design and construction had to adapt to the existing conditions, continuous operation, and today’s guest expectations.

For interior designer Mónika Szöke (Normaform Kreatív Kft.), it was clear from the outset that this was not a matter of “re-modernization,” but rather of how to reinterpret existing values in a contemporary way.

Not a new construction, but a real professional challenge

In the case of an operating hotel, every decision has consequences. Due to 24-hour operation, the renovation could only be carried out in stages, with minimal noise and no demolition. The design was therefore preceded by lengthy preparations, followed by the creation of a sample room where the concept could be tested in practice.

This process ensured that neither guests nor staff would be surprised during the implementation.

A conscious choice of style that is not the “safe route”

Despite the hotel’s international clientele, the design did not aim for a style that would be invisible to everyone. The existing elements—such as the marble floor and the atrium space structure—did not point in the direction of classic modernism.

Instead, the concept became a timeless, classic world built on classic foundations, but with fresh colors and details. The anthracite color consciously became a link between the old and the new, providing a stable foundation for the more characterful furniture and colors.

Coninvest’s added value: unity, flexibility, character

The furniture supplied by Coninvest played a key role in the unity of the interior spaces.

In both the rooms and the communal areas:

• 4–5 harmonizing colors were used,
• with furniture of identical design but variable functionality,
• functionally useful, visually calm solutions.

It was particularly important that the furniture did not overwhelm the spaces: pieces without legs or with clean lines helped to keep the larger communal areas transparent and tidy.
This is where design and functionality truly came together.

Bold, yet justified: the theme of aviation

As an airport hotel, the motif of aviation was inevitable, and the design did not avoid it, but consciously integrated it.

In the rooms:

• custom-designed wallpaper,
• matching custom carpet patterns,
• 7–8 alternating graphics from the world of aviation.

This solution was a conscious, somewhat bold decision, but guest feedback and rising ratings clearly justified it.

Lighting and atmosphere: the new face of the space

One of the most spectacular results of the project was the atmosphere created in the communal spaces. The expansion of the lighting and the use of mood lighting breathed new life into the atrium lobby, which now serves as a genuine meeting point.

This space is not only functional, but also provides an emotional experience both during the day and in the evening.

Something to be proud of

This project was not just a hotel renovation, but a true team effort. The design, construction, and furnishing were successful because everyone involved—management, professionals, and Coninvest—thought in terms of solutions.

The renovation of the Vecsés Airport Hotel has resulted in a distinctive, timeless, functional and memorable experience for guests. This is the kind of result that we, as interior designers and professional partners, can be justifiably proud of.