The History of the Nádor Hotel of Pécs During the Era of Market Economy (1845–1941)

Abstract

In this study, I will present the Nádor Szálló of Pécs, one of the most famous hotels of the city from 1845 to 1941. The Vendégfogadó a Nádorhoz built in 1846, emerged as part of the local hospitality system as traditional inns. The guesthouse fully met all aspects of contemporary hospitality, satisfying the expectations of the time. The Nádor was a precursor to the first modern hotels of Pécs. It offered a range of services that were unusual in rural hospitality at that time. Through its owners, the hotel imple-mented numerous innovations that set it apart from other inns as well. Unfortunately, by the turn of the century, its condition had deteriorated, and its traffic declined due to the changing consumer habits and the spread of competitors. Its first renovation took place in 1902. Following a comprehensive moderni-zation, the Nádor Szálló was revived, becoming the most famous and well-known hotels of Pécs. How-ever, the life of the hotel did not become orderly. Despite initial successes, during the period of World War I, the Serbian occupation of Pécs, the first economic depression, and World War II, the hotel faced numerous challenges.