HUNGARY - DELUXE HOTELS & BEST SPA HOTELS IN BUDAPEST

HILTON BUDAPEST (*****L): Only two hotels in town are unanimously described as landmarks: the glamourous Géllert and the five star deluxe Hilton Budapest, which is from far the most interesting and luxurious property managed by Hilton. Opened in January 1st 1977 at a historic site on the Castle Hill in Buda, the medieval heart of the Hungarian capital, it integrates into a modern structure several remnants of a 13th century Dominican cloister and monastery that originally stood on the site before world War II. It is necessary to step inside the lobby, turn left, then right after the very animated piano bar, to observe the ruins of a chapel where concerts are organized on a regular basis. The courtyard has been partly reconstructed into its original style, giving access to the best wine cellar in town (splendid collection of rare Tokaji, sold out by glass). We dropped at the Hilton first time more than 20 years ago. It is still one of our favourite traveller experiences in Budapest: the feeling is unique, and can be hardly described.

Recently, good piece of news, the Hilton Budapest which could have lived centuries on its historic advantages and superb location atop the Castle hill, became a real top class hotel. Dropping the dark brown standard rooms and suites decoration, its efficient management refurbished it such a successful and tasteful way that it looks brand new.

The 322 guest rooms have either a street view or a Danube view. Of course, our choice basically goes to the latter. There are no rooms anywhere else but in the Hilton with such a panorama over Pest and -when the weather is fine- the Great Plain (Puszta). From the large Corner Suites, the impression is simply breathtaking. Those are our favourite rooms, together with the cozy and glitzy Duplex Suites (very much recommended for families; though all with a street view). Completely redesigned with colourful fabrics, fine wall to wall carpets, and trendy furniture, each room is equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, radio, Sony plasma Sat TV, large safe and plush bathroom equipped with exclusive LaSource by Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. There is an Executive Floor with a fine Executive Floor Lounge. It might be wise to book there, at a limited extra fee: Executive Room Services include plenty of advantages (complimentary morning newspaper, tea and coffee making facility, bathrobe and slippers...). The most interesting remaining the access to the lounge for complimentary breakfast and free drinks at happy hours. Fine for relaxation!

The historic structure of the hotel cannot support a swimming pool; but there is a brand new fitness room with a sauna and a high-tech Precor® exercise room.

Reputed caterer, the Hilton Budapest is completed with the reputed restaurant Icon facing the romantic Fisherman's Bastion. This is also where the buffet breakfast, featuring some fine Hungarian specialities and pastries, is served in style, by one of the best trained F&B staff in Hungary.

The smart meeting rooms and impressive ballrooms (the largest, located on the lobby floor, discreetly fitted with a built-in sound system, state-of-the-art lighting with LCD touch panel and built-in screens, can accommodate up to 650 people) host the most prestigious venues in town.

Rates start at EUR 210-240 for a classic single. For a EUR 30 surcharge, you will certainly like a river view. A EUR 50 supplement upgrades you to the Executive Floor. Interesting special packages.

CASTLE GARDEN (****): We got this new, nicely designed hotel warmly recommended by the Budapest Board of Tourism, and quickly understood why. Many factors play in favor of this small luxury property, with a real family atmosphere.

We loved the hotel premium location: amazingly close to nature, surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, strategically erected just in front the main gate (Bécsi Kapu) of the splendid Castle area, a pleasant two minutes walk to the Mathias Church and Moskva square (the main public transportation hub to Buda and Pest). Business men and tourists alike would hardly find a better situated hotel.

With its cozy reception and a pleasant distribution of the immaculate as new 38 rooms (all with a nice city or Castle district view), the hotel looks intimate and exclusive. The design comes with a refreshing Scandinavian note: natural materials have been generously used, from the reception to the rooms and the wooden floor of the romantic terraces attached to a few of them. The furniture and fabrics are hand-made. Original flower paintings, by contemporary Hungarian painter István Pál Pintér, give a special touch to the bedrooms, and can be purchased by those we actually liked them...

We stayed at the 3rd floor, hosting the 7 superior rooms with a terrace. Already quite large, our accommodation looked so spacious with the bay-window wide opened. We didn't even use the air-conditioning: enjoying the natural breeze from the quiet garden. This is a calm hotel, indeed. The king-size bed is comfortable, and the bathroom comes equipped with a tub. There is IDD telephone, a flat screen Sat TV, a laptop sized safety-box and a minibar. Free Internet, either by cable or WiFi, and a complimentary tea facility, completed by an inclusive soft drinks and fine espresso coffee corner in the lobby, gave us the image of a generous hotel, with kind staff very much aware of the guest's feedback. We have seen in Tripadvisor that each comment about this top ranked hotel comes with an immediate response from part of the management, caring individually about any request or suggestion.

The value for money is splendid, with fair rates and promotions available in all season for less than 100 EUR per night, plus an attractive Budapest Culture Package.

A gastronomic destination, the Castle Garden hotel is home to the Italian-Hungarian Bonfini Kert, and the summer Bonfini Grill: opened from the beginning of May until the end of October, this is the largest terrace of Central Buda, settled in a romantic garden.

This non-smoking hotel has a private garage, facilities for disabled guests, and a well equipped Wellness Wellness, with whirlpool and infrared sauna.

HOTEL CASTLE GARDEN: Lovas út 41, H-1012 Budapest
PHONE: +36 1 224 7420, +36 70 967 1226 FACSIMILE:: +36 1 224 7421
E-MAIL: hotel@castlegarden.hu

SOFITEL BUDAPEST CHAIN BRIDGE (*****): Renowned French hotel group Accor just took over the management of the former Atrium Hyatt: making it the first SOFITEL in Hungary. One of the top five hotels in Budapest since two decades, it has lost none of its fame. On the contrary, we would rate it as the most attractive hotel on the river Danube embankments: a dreamed location in the very heart of the city, with immediate reach by foot to the major tourist attractions and downtown main business spots (banks, national and international companies headquarters…).

The 351 rooms (including 54 suites) are conveniently large and comfortable: accessible by the disabled, nicely furnished, they feature two IDD telephone lines, state-of-the-art television system, “music and video on demand” service, safe deposit box, mini bar and, last but not least, high speed broad band Internet access and wifi. Two third of them overlook the Danube river, the Chain Bridge and the Castle Hill: the best view we have ever experienced over Budapest from the Pest side of the river. The highest is the room, the best is the panorama (and somehow the service): our heart beats for the wonderful Executive Rooms, located at the top Executive Floor. Only accessible by lift with a special magnetic card, this is a Paradise in Heaven! The Sofitel Executive Lounge, provides a range of complimentary exclusive services discerning traveller is looking for: such as continental breakfast, all day tea and coffee, newspapers and afternoon snacks and drinks. We appreciated also the possibility to use the attached boardroom, accommodating up to 10 persons: also on a complimentary basis. Another benefit is the half hour massage offered at every stay (wonderful to get rid off jet lag).

Another pleasant spot in the hotel is the fully equipped fitness center, with indoor swimming pool.

The Sofitel opened a new gourmet restaurant, bar and coffee shop in 2005, with a totally new concept in Budapest.

Hotel rates go from approximately EUR 90 to EUR 250. Rooms with a Danube view cost an additional 25 EUR. Suite prices go from an additional EUR 45 to EUR 250 compared to standard room prices. Those prices do not include the 15 % tax (present value), the 3 % city tax, and EUR 21 buffet breakfast.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL CORVINUS (*****): Managed since 1992 by the oldest European hotel group., the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus keeps remaining one of the best 5 star deluxe hotels in Budapest: this symbol of modern Budapest is situated in the heart of an elegant pedestrian shopping area and financial district. The Vörösmarty Square, Chain Bridge and St. Stephen's Basilica stand a short walk away.

With 366 generously spacious and luxuriously outfitted guest rooms, including 29 suites and two Presidential Suites, the hotel has been designed with the business traveller in mind. Recently refurbished, they boast contemporary accents, with the needs of the discerning traveler, business and leisure, promptly served. Adorned with objects of are from the Corvinus Collection, each room features a large writing desk, two direct-dial telephones with ISDN line, fax/PC connection, safe, minibar, individually controlled air-conditioning, radio, color TV with extensive satellite channels and pay- TV. The spacious bathrooms are equipped with floor heating, separate shower cabin, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers.

The lavish Kempinski SPA, providing original exotic treatments such as Shiatsu, Reiki, the Hawaiian Lomilomi and the American La Stone and Pantai Luar, is a dreamed place to find relief from urban stress and the daily grind, while pampering your senses in the Asian-accented Kempinski SPA. The connected Fitness Center. overlooks the bustling city, and is equipped with the latest fitness technology, with a heated pool with counter current jets, neck massage stream and bubble bath effect.

From light bites to fine dining, the Kempinski Corvinus present a luxurious array of Hungarian and international treats in the menu of the Bistro Jardin. Lovers of Mediterranean food will have a memorable time in the fine dining Restaurant Budapest - Ristorante Giardino. For outdoor delights during the warmer months, visit the trendy Kempinski Terrace and Fashion Lounge, an open-air restaurant serving lunch, snacks and tasty drinks, or the casual Beer & Barbeque Terrace, which serves grilled meat dishes, sandwiches and beers. We enjoyed the BORterasz, with tapas style Hungarian delicacies: it is astonishingly affordable, with recommended appetizers like the “Confit of Mangalica Pork with fresh Sliced Red Onions ” (HUF 900/ EUR 4), or the splendid “Filet of Pike Perch, on Ragout of Green Asparagus & Lemon Emulsion” (HUF 3700 / EUR 15), which we had with a “Sauska Rosé, 2010” (HUF 580 / EUR 2.5 by the glass). The Kempinski Corvinus hosts the first NOBU Japanese restaurant in Central Europe.

Attractive rate starting from EUR 110 up, and money saving packages available all year long.

INTER-CONTINENTAL BUDAPEST (*****): Ex-Forum, upgraded to five star, this is one of the leading business hotels downtown. Greatly situated on the Pest side embankments, right next to Chain Bridge, voted "Best View in Budapest", the hotel overlooks the Danube and Castle Hill, while maintaining easy access to the shopping and business districts.

Those who, like us, stayed at the Forum some years ago will still recognize at the Inter-Continental Budapest the same faces among the staff: from the doorkeeper till the concierge, it is among the best-trained and friendly in Budapest. What changed is the lobby. Once quite standard, it is now warm and ritzy. Intimate though overcrowded. Bustling with life.

The 398 rooms and suites have received a remarkable lifting. Large, they are generously equipped with all the five star amenities: minibar, safe (good!, it can accommodate a laptop!), dual IDD telephone line, dataports for speed Internet connection (Internet is also available through the TV), and cable TV. Lavish marble bathrooms: with telephone and loudspeaker, ideal to listen CNN or classic music relaxing in the tub. There is, of course, independent heat and air conditioning control. We firmly advise tourists using this hotel when visiting Budapest to do like us: definitely book a "Danube View". They have 210 of them, displaying from the giant windows a fairy panorama over the river, the Chain Bridge, and the Castle. By night this is a fairy. We kept our curtains open most of the time not to miss one minute of the "show". 16 Business Rooms and 6 Business Suites will fit the CEO and other executive tastes: suitably equipped with ergonomic chairs, halogen lamps, extra power outlets and dataports built into an oversized work desk, they all come with office supplies, printer / copier / fax with dedicated telephone number, and coffee / tea making facilities.

For a reasonable extra charge, it is possible to enjoy a VIP stay at the Club Inter-Continental Floor. Situated on the top two floors, its accommodations are the ultimate in personalised luxury. Its guests can use the Club Lounge, where expanded continental breakfast is served in the morning, snacks and beverages throughout the day, including beer and wine in the evening. The Club Lounge also includes a separate Business Centre with computer stations and a dedicated Concierge who also handles private check-in and checkout services. It is appreciable to be informed that a eight-person boardroom can be used on a complimentary basis: very useful, indeed.

We came that time as tourists, with a family, and could testify that the hotel is perfect for such a stay also. We crossed in the lobby many leisure travellers. It brings the hotel a smiling counterbalance to its dedicated business activity. We had the high-tech fitness club, sauna and pool almost for ourselves: swimming with a view over the Castle!

The Inter-Continental Budapest takes much of its fame, among guests and local residents, from its Corso Restaurant & Bar. This where we had each morning the best breakfast downtown. A real feast for the gourmet! OK: they forgot the French cheese, but what a paradise if you like salmon, grilled cod, salami from Szeged, chewy bakery, fresh bread with poppy seeds... or Japanese soup! Trendy, the dinning room opens on a terrace right on the Danube embankment ("Corso"): the most fashionable promenade in Budapest.

"Where East and West Meet" is the hotel motto. Already effective through its location, high quality of service and high profile clientele, this is now reinforced by the opening, in September 2000, of the largest and most technologically advanced Conference Centre in Hungary. Though cyclopean, we felt there like in the metro at 8 am: the place is indeed more than successful among companies. Even the showpiece of the Conference Centre, a 772sqm ballroom (roughly equivalent to the size of a football field), accommodating up to 1,500 people was like overflowed. Which doesn't affect the hotel's guest at all, due to the clever fact that the Conference Center has its own separate entrance.

Rate is about EUR 250 for a Standard Room. Deluxe room with Danube view: EUR 300. Suites: EUR 500 - 600. Excluding 12% VAT and breakfast. The Club Floor supplement is approximately EUR 30 (including an extended continental breakfast served in the Club Lounge).

CORINTHIA GRAND HOTEL ROYAL (*****): The Grand Hotel Royal re-opened its doors only few months ago, in its original glamour. The CORINTHIA group of hotels has invested over 100 millions Euros to make a legend reborn. Symbol of history, culture, architecture and Hungarian tradition, it long time aimed to be the premier hotel in town: a challenge achieved three years ago, with opening of its sumptuous SPA.

The listed façade of this landmark looks as royal as the golden light enhanced palatial atrium lobby, where Italian marble shines in its most arrogant prosperity. A monumental staircase drives to the imposing turn-of-the-century Grand Ballroom: jewel of the hotel, it can host up to 400 guests for very special social events like fashion shows, diplomatic dinners and balls. The Grand Hotel Royal is conveniently situated in the heart of Budapest, on a boulevard close to the main business district and shopping area.

We stayed in one of the 98 Executive Rooms, which we found sumptuous. Those upgraded rooms are located on the first and second floor, with a view onto the Grand Boulevard or the Atriums. The doors as well as the furniture are made of mahogany. The wardrobe bureau top is in marble. All rooms are equipped with two telephones. All the ritzy bathrooms are covered in marble and include a hairdryer, telephone, bath with separate shower, radio, shaving socket, and upgraded toiletries. Privileged Executive floor guests can have a supreme breakfast at the Executive Lounge (which we consider the largest and most luxurious in Central Europe: impressive, indeed!). Opened all day, it serves complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea with snacks. After 6pm, all Executive guests can have free pastries, hot snacks and alcohol. The lounge is connected to high speed Internet, which can be used on the same complimentary basis. The service in the lounge was excellent when we discovered the hotel, right after its opening, few months ago; since, it almost reached the highest degree of perfection.

The 285 Superior rooms are also very high standard. Spacious, they are richly furnished with white wardrobes and medium cherry bed headboards, side tables and desks, all of them have a trouser press. Bathrooms are en-suite and include hairdryer, telephone, bath with separate shower, radio, shaving socket and Trussardi toiletries.

The pinnacle of luxury can be experienced in the 6 Junior Suites, 22 Deluxe Suites, 2 Ambassador Suites or in the glittering 240 m2 Presidential Suite: its seven bay windows enjoy the dominant view of the main thoroughfare. With three bedrooms, each with a large double vanity bathroom, library/study, sitting room and dining room, it houses the rich and famous visiting Budapest. State presidents, rock and movie stars just stay here.

The Grand Hotel Royal is also the most modern and largest conference centre in Hungary: with 3,600 square metre accommodating 2,200 guests! It was voted the "Best five star hotel in Hungary", has won the prestigious title "Best Hotel Architecture in Europe", and was awarded "Best Five Star Hotel", "Best Hotel Conference Facilities", and its Rickshaw Restaurant & Sushi Bar as "Best East-Asian Restaurant" in the city of Budapest.

Numerous bars and fine dining restaurants. Anticipating, friendly and efficient staff. Guests feel like at Paradise! Just try to book in advance, as the hotel shows high occupancy almost all year long.

PRESIDENT (****L): This new luxury boutique hotel operates since 2009 in the very heart of Budapest: the best rooms have a view of the Hungarian National Bank, Hungarian House of Parliament and other landmarks. The River Danube, St Istvan Basilica and famous shopping Vaci street are located a few minutes walk away, across the most elegant streets of the historical, commercial and parliamentary quarter of Budapest.

Some of the rooms are four star. Other, like the impressive 140 sq.m Presidential Suite, are actually five star. Reputed as the safest apartment in all Hungary, it is equipped with bullet-proofed windows and walls. It also has a «panic room» for further protection in case of riots! Much frequented by presidential and diplomatic delegations visiting Budapest (the US embassy stands next block of buildings), this is the unique suite in Hungary meeting the standards of NATO's security. This apartment, like most of the other suites, displays a lovely panorama of Budapest. Designed by Italian and Scandinavian architects, featuring a Swedish Carpe Diem bed with Swarovski crystals, 2 bathrooms with jacuzzi and light therapy shower, a meeting room, personal kitchen, plasma TV in each room and master bathroom, BOSE sound system, it is last but not least, topped by a private helipad...

We stayed more intimately in a cozy, very quiet Garden City Room. Located in the atrium-shaped wing, with an internal garden view, this category of trendy rooms, designed by Studio AMA, have been tailored-made for modern art lovers... and honeymooners: the bed surprisingly comes with a mirror on the ceiling... A fantasy contrasting with the minimalist style, uniquely designed furniture, indirect ambient illumination through light cable, and a panoramic urban landscape photographic wallpaper. All rooms are fully equipped with minibar, LCD TV, IDD phone, laptop sized safe, hair dryer, adjustable air conditioning, and shower with Yves Rocher fine toiletry. We liked very much the free internet access (cable in the room / WiFi in the public area, with complimentary use of PCs in the lobby). The room rate can be very attractive using a Program Package.

The elegant wellness center is equipped with a 15-meter-long jet-stream pool, an extra-large Jacuzzi, saunas, and high-tech workout equipment, along with professional spa massage treatments.

Full buffet, featuring international dishes and fine Hungarian specialities, is served in the basement; we preferred to have a cup of coffee in the Intermezzo restaurant, on the lobby floor, which we found more pleasant, with its smart terrace. The 360° open-air panoramic terrace operates as a restaurant in summer time, coming as a bonus to this very special boutique hotel.

PRESIDENT: Hold u. 3-5., 1054 Budapest
PHONE: +36 1 373 8200 FACSIMILE: +36 1 373 8250
E-MAIL: info@hotelpresident.hu

MAMAISON HOTEL ANDRASSY (****L): This Bauhaus-style Boutique hotel is located in the leafy, prestigious Andrássy Avenue (the Champs Elysées of Budapest). A safe diplomatic area, a short walk to the National Opera House, Heroes’ Square, Art Gallery, City Park (Varosliget), and the legendary Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Built in 1937, once a residence for high ranking Communist Party executives visiting Budapest, this smart building has been completely renovated in 2001 into a little gem of a hotel: with many balconies and terraces, a large and smart lobby ideal for discreet meetings (and therefore much frequented by diplomats), and 69 spacious, recently re-designed Bauhaus rooms and suites.

Room size starts from 18 sq. m for a «Classic Queen», up to 35 sq. m for a «Deluxe King». We stayed in one of the 7 apartments. Our 70 sq. m «Business Suite», featuring a living room with a meeting table for 6 people -ideal for a confidential and comfortable conference- was nicely appointed, with a separate bedroom, four-poster bed, large writing desk, balcony, central AC, minibar, laptop size safe, IDD telephone, satellite TV including CNN, PAY-TV, HIFI, en-suite bathroom with jacuzzi and Pascal Morabito toilet kit. This category of apartment is usually a corner suite, oriented both on a quiet shady street and on the Andrássy Avenue. Quite a similar comfort can be found in the «Ambassador Suites» (same size), and slightly smaller 40 sq. m «Junior Suites».

Note that all rooms and suites are connected to high speed free Internet WiFi, accessible also from the lobby, restaurant and conference rooms.

Classic room rates from EUR 150; superior, deluxe rooms and Suites are available at attractive price, with many packages. Rich Buffet Breakfast (20 EUR per person) served in the trendy Baraka Restaurant (with a green, welcoming summer terrace) located besides the lobby.

The staff were very friendly and called us by name: which is not very common in Budapest, and reflects very well the five star services of the hotel.

NH HOTEL BUDAPEST (****): The first NH Hotel in Central Europe is centrally located in one of the most attractive district of Pest. Right behind the Vigszinhaz (the oldest and most prestigious theatre in Budapest). 500 meters to the West train station, the “West End Shopping Center” (a big mall with more than 400 shops and 20 cinemas), and the bridge over the river Danube. The residential Buda side and the green recreational Margit Island (ideal for jogging, swimming or undergoing SPA treatments) are a five-minute walk away. Main banks, ministries and House of Parliament can also be accessed by foot.

The exciting location of the hotel is complemented by a very high level of comfort: making this brand new property one of the very few real four star hotels in the capital city of Hungary. Our inspection stay was more pleasant that we could have imagined: we expected to find a business hotel, and finally stepped into a stylish, human sized home away from home with and anticipating service. The lobby is trendy, astonishingly spacious for a 160 rooms hotel. It opens on a smart atrium, invaded by the sun the day of our arrival: giving it a somehow Mediterranean touch. A touch that goes up to the large, contemporary and elegant double bedrooms (there is no suite): tropical wood and rich fabrics, intelligent lightning (like adjustable bedside light: allowing night lecture without wakening your partner), and amazingly complete equipment (possibility to choose the kind of pillow you prefer, wonderful toiletry kits for men or women, cosmetic mirror in the bathroom, coffee-making facilities…) give this hotel both American comfort and European elegance. Of course, all the “basics” are here: IDD Telephone, TV Sat, ISND-LAN-Analog Internet, minibar and safe. WIFI will be operating soon.

All guests can use the fitness center and the sauna, free of charge. The later is large, pleasant, and equipped with air-heated beds.

Nice restaurant and lobby bar. Room service with a large selection of dishes. Very high tech meeting rooms (250 sq meter for up to 250 seated guests). Underground car park.

Those coming by car will find the hotel easily: there are plenty of signposts everywhere outside and inside the city showing the way!

The room rate is particularly attractive: it stands between EUR 109 – 129, depending of the low/high season.

HOTEL GELLERT (****): By nature and tradition , this is the real and perhaps last Hungarian palace hotel. During our previous visit, three years ago, rooms where still quite "baroque"; not to say shabby, with their somehow pleasingly picturesque "Brejnev" style. In the real challenge to develop the deluxe hotel industry in Budapest (many five star hotels will open sooner in town) the cyclopean front rooms and suites, with an amazing view on the Danube, have already undergone a splendid refurbishment. As Gellert lovers, we were quite afraid to see our hotel being standardized the Hilton or Inter - Continental way. Entering our huge corner suite 404, recently redesigned with superb Art Nouveau furniture, beautiful carpets, deep sofas and precious fabrics, we felt happy to see that the Gellert, on its way to be a five star deluxe palace hotel again, developed successfully its so sweet old-fashioned atmosphere. Step by step, the all Gellert is being restored in its turn-of-the-century splendour: high profile travellers, booking nowhere in town but here, will love it at first sight. They will also like, indeed, the obvious improvement in term of service: staff is now one of the kindest and most efficient in town. We particularly enjoyed the friendly and attentive maids, who actually like pampering the guests. They make you feel home.

But the Gellert is much more than a palace: since the beginning of the century, it remains the most impressive and luxurious thermal bath in Hungary . Perhaps even in the world . So, one or two hours before trying the "gargantuesque" buffet breakfast, we kindly advise you to jump into the Rococo marble swimming pools (there is one inside, and one at the open air: with artificial waves ! ), to have then a good steam bath surrounded by Art Deco mosaic figures, finishing the circuit with a strong and relaxing massage you could receive from a Schwartzenneger type typical eastern "lady". Richard Nixon, Pahlavi Shah, Arthur Miller and Otto von Habsburg - certainly the most faithful guest - are part of the hall of fame.

The Gellert is the last monument surviving the authentic perfume and atmosphere inherited from the turn of the century "Mittel Europa": only for this reason we pay gratitude and respect to this "old lady". Very reasonable prices, including breakfast. Excellent restaurant, with a reputed Gipsy band.

ART’OTEL (****): With 164 rooms, we could hardly call this striking place a boutique hotel; though, when in the fashionable, very smart lobby, we had a strong feeling of intimacy which doesn’t reflect the actual volume of the hotel. Smooth and trendy, the Art’Otel is indeed one of the most prestigious addresses in Budapest. It was tailored made for a new generation of young, wealthy travellers. A friendly, quiet and open-minded clientele which creates an atmosphere you don’t find anywhere else in town. Second characteristic of the hotel: it is fitted like a gallery, displaying the artworks of the world-renowned US artist Donald Sultan everywhere your eyes can see. Even the carpets, tableware and fountain design have been designed by the artist. Hope you will like it; else… open your room window, and enjoy a well worth the trip panorama on the Danube and Pest. From this side of the river, only the Hilton can compete! The House of Parliament and the Chain Bridge are just opposite. This is simply wonderful! Just mention, upon reservation, that you want a Danube view, because many rooms are oriented to the Royal Castle Hill, which is also very lovely.

The contemporary rooms are of course extremely comfortable. All featuring bath or shower, air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer, safe, SAT & pay TV, IDD & voice mail telephone, PC port, and wireless LAN. Non-smoking rooms and rooms for physically challenged people available. Some suites: well fitted for business travellers and families alike.

Excellent, high quality breakfast, served at the “Chelsea” restaurant, in the Baroque section of the hotel. Gentle staff which makes you feel home away from home, indeed.

Member of the ART’OTEL group, developing sister hotels in attractive European destinations. Managed by the PARK PLAZA company.

DANUBIUS HEALTH SPA RESORT MARGITSZIGET (****): Totally refurbished into a trendy and top comfortable spa resort, the former Hotel Thermal is pleasantly situated in the heart of Budapest, on the upper east side of the green and flowered Margaret Island. With the in-house Danubius Premier SPA as a main attraction .

The Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget has long been established as a centre for the treatment of rheumatism, or muscle and joint disorders. In 2001 the spa department was completely renovated and enlarged with a new look and design which impressed us quite a lot : the aging guests still come to receive highly efficient treatments for locomotive disorders, circulation problems and convalescent therapies through balneo and hydrotherapy, mud packing or physiotherapy… Among many new categories of treatments promoting health, relaxation and general well being, which are targeting a new category of clients : middle aged leisure travellers and young executives, actually attracted by rejuvenation. The Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget new concept and its Danubius Premier SPA have been tailored made for them. Not only for its brand new equipment, impressive number of hot/cold thermal or sport swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), but also for its unmatched views across the island, the Danubius Premier is considered as the leading meeting place for the happy few. The 400 sq. meter fitness club features, features 35 stations of equipment : with classes of aerobic, spinning, stretching, step, yoga, and thai chi.

The 267 rooms (including Non-smoking rooms, connecting rooms and specially equipped rooms for disabled) are large, pleasant and comfortable. Air-conditioned, they are equipped with a large safe and PC/Internet ADSL socket. Last but not least, they have lovely park and Danube view. We stayed at the Executive Floor (8 and 9th floors), where rooms are equipped with tea and coffee facility, and where breakfast is served in the cosy intimacy of a top floor Executive Lounge.

The hotel is also reputed for business meetings and seminars: with 16 function rooms, suitable for 60-300 persons.

GRAND HOTEL MARGITSZIGET (****): If one hotel in town should compete with the sublime and glamourous Gellert, this should be the Grand Hotel Margitsziget. This hotel of high tradition, erected in 1873 according to the plans of Miklos Ybl (the architect of the Opera House), has been the home away from home of illustrious guests like King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, Queen Farida of Egypt, the former Prince of Wales, Nikita Krushchev and Burt Lancaster. Back to the scene of the top 10 best hotels in town since its lattest refurbishment, in 2000, this is the sister hotel of the DANUBIUS HEALTH SPA RESORT MARGITSZIGET located just opposite. It shares its fitness and SPA facilities, medical care, and sport indoor/outdoor swimming pools.

The 164 guestrooms (including 8 suites and 2 Presidential Suites) are elegantly furnished in classical style softly blending historical atmosphere and modern comfort. Each room has air-condition, PC/Internet access, coffee/tea-making facilities, built-in safe. As a bonus, there is a breathtaking view to the park or the River Danube. Non-smoking and non-allergen rooms, and rooms for disabled available.

The hotel is also well known for its gourmet restaurant Széchenyi with beautiful garden.

A good alternative for short & long stay in a luxurious homelike atmosphere:

MAMAISON RESIDENCE IZABELLA (*****): One of newest and from far the best centrally located extended-stay hotel in Budapest. Housed in a luxuriously renovated nineteenth century building, situated next to the corner of Izabella Street and Andrassy Avenue, close to Oktogon, this top class property is in immediate proximity of the city centre, while enjoying the feel of this prestigious residential area.

Residence Izabella offers both spacious, furnished residential apartments and a variety of hotel services. This is the ideal place for who looks for more space, more equipment and more flexibility than a classic hotel, at a money saving rate.

The trendy and tasteful interior design is a reminiscence of a New York, Manhattan loft: warm, sophisticated and homely. Apartments enjoy a variety of different decoration, colours and furniture types. We liked very much the wise addition of small personal touches everywhere in the 38 apartments. Large, fully furnished and equipped, they rang from 45 sq m to 97 sq m, with up to three bedrooms. Each of them displays a separate bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining area and facilities such as Hi-fi, TV with satellite channels, DVD, etc.

The service is extremely friendly and dedicated. It is provided by the a nice couple, appointed as Resident Managers, who does not think of the guests as anonymous clients but as individuals to whom individualized, friendly service must be provided efficiently, and always with a smile. Services proposed by the residence include traditional breakfast, room service, laundry, concierge and secretarial services but also a number of features including massage, fitness, etc. DVDs, CDs or books are also available at the reception.

In addition, the residence incorporates a wellness club: including sauna, massage, fitness and also one bar. Multifunctional room (with meeting facilities, home theater, ...). Private parking provided.

If the Residence Izabella targets long stays, business travellers and tourists with a family are also part of the distinguished clientele. The latter like to stay at ease in what we consider the largest and best value for money suites in Budapest.