Puchner Schlosshotel

The Puchner Schlosshotel is located in the small countryside town of Bikal, in southern Transdanubia, approximately 50 kilometers to the north of Pécs, a city designated as Europe’s Cultural Capital for 2010. Although, it serves as a convenient base from which to explore the region, with a beautiful setting at the base of the Mecsek range, it is also a complete destination in its own right!  Nestled on over 6 hectares of wooded park and gardens; boasting an incredible full-service spa, gourmet restaurant, intimate resident bar, a variety of guestroom accommodation and even its own staged medieval village, the Puchner Schlosshotel is a unique and wonderful place to settle in to experience Hungarian hospitality.

The castle was owned by a trust of the local agricultural industry until entrepreneurial Laszlo Kollar purchased it with the dream of preserving Hungarian Heritage. As he explained, under Russian control, his countrymen weren’t allowed to focus or take pride in their own history and he wanted to restore the castle to safeguard a piece of their history. Apparently, no expense was spared to renovate the property, all-the-while respecting the beauty of the landscape and the original architectural integrity of the castle and farm buildings.  Laszlo wanted to create one of Hungary’s finest hotels as well as a vacation spot for the "whole family!"  As one who has experienced his hotel, I can honestly provide testament that he has far exceeded his goals: the Puchner Schlosshotel is a lovely resort that appeals to all ages within a family (from child to grandparent) and proof of his success, and the highest complement afforded anyone in the hospitality industry, is the high percentage of returning guests! Families return year after year!

Tourism is still relatively new to Hungary and on the onset some of Laszlo’s ideas for a hotel were considered a little far-fetched; a little crazy...."Yes, crazy like a fox," was his manager’s gleeful response! The project began with the renovation of the castle to accommodate both guestrooms, public rooms and the restaurant.  He then introduced the concept of a full service spa with an expansive building that includes pools, hot tubs, treatment rooms even its own restaurant. Next, what were once the stables (where the cows slept) were renovated to accommodate additional guestrooms!  Guestrooms are comfortable in size and appointments; garden level rooms enjoy private terraces; bathrooms are lovely and modern, and handsome french furnishings are attractive against exposed brick walls and heavy old beams. The next project with the intent to introduce yet another type of accommodation—four, two-story guesthouses were built in the expanse of garden neighboring the spa center. In the guesthouses, three bedrooms on each floor open onto a common living area as well as enjoy their own outside entrance.  The layout works wonderfully for groups or families, affording the luxury of a private living room while also ensuring individual guestroom privacy.

The most recent and the most dramatic addition to the Puchner Schlosshotel is a Medieval Village constructed on fields that were once grazed by sheep. Cross under the gates; take head of the crowning message and sign: Vigyazz XXI Szazad! — Watch out 21st Century!, and enter a magical world of yesteryear!  Cobbled streets wind through the recreated medieval village that includes a blacksmith, tavern, schoolhouse, potter’s house, basket weaving shop,   windmill, an old mill, a bakery, a candle shop, a tailor, a craft museum, fenced farm animals, horse stables, a falconry...even an arena where jousting events are held! Many local residents have taken on the role of medieval characters, dress in costume and bring the village to life!  Day visitors can step back in time; use old wooden coins to purchase products such as hand-dripped candles or fresh oven baked honey bread and also participate in the various offered crafts and trades.  At the end of day, a few lucky hotel guests can even use a heavy old key to access their regal accommodation located within the medieval walls!  While the Medieval village is ever present to visit, the actors and royal jousts and games are seasonal.

Although, the most recent, the medieval village is not the "last" of Laszlo’s plans for the property. What is referred to as the Palace is now being converted to a Knight’s Hall which will be able to accommodate themed Renaissance banquets, weddings and more—limited only by Laszlo’s never ending imagination and vision!

Puchner Schlosshotel is a wonderful hotel, offers varied accommodations to entice guests to return for different vacation experiences, has an incredible restaurant, a fantastic spa and a medieval village that Disney would envy!

Schlosshotel Puchner lies in Southern Transdanubia, some 50 km from Pécs, at the foot of the Mecsek range and in the midst of a small village known as Bikal. The hotel stands on ca. 6 hectares of park grounds which are flanked by long-standing trees. Located in the park itself is a bath house, constructed in a French and Moroccan style, a beauty salon, outdoor pool, sports centre with a Medieval atmosphere, grill terrace, conference centre, three guesthouses, the stately home itself and the reception.