  UPDATED 01/12/2007 OUR
FAVOURITE PALACE & DELUXE HOTELS (PEST, BUDA
& CASTLE AREA), AND FIRST CLASS APARTMENTS (PEST
DOWNTOWN)
PEST (DOWNTOWN BUSINESS & TOURIST AREA): CORINTHIA
GRAND HOTEL ROYAL (*****L): The Grand Hotel
Royal re-opened its doors only few months ago, in its original glamour.
The 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 CORINTHIA 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 CORINTHIA GRAND HOTEL ROYAL is also the most modern and largest conference centre in Hungary: with 3,600 square metre accommodating 2,200 guests! Member of the new "Premier Collection", it was voted the "Best five star hotel in Hungary for 2003", has won the prestigious title "Best Hotel Architecture in Europe" in 2004 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 in 2004. 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. Highly prestigious. CORINTHIA
GRAND HOTEL ROYAL: Erzsébet körút 43-49, H-1073
BUDAPEST
SOFITEL
BUDAPEST (*****): Renowned French hotel group
ACCOR just took over the management of the former Atrium Hyatt: making
it the first SOFITEL in Hungary. One 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. Convenient meeting and conference facilities. The SOFITEL BUDAPEST 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. A successful place for a successful stay. SOFITEL
BUDAPEST: Roosevelt ter 2, 1051 BUDAPEST
ANDRASSY
(*****): This Bauhaus-style Boutique hotel
is located in
the leafy, prestigious Andrássy Avenue (the Champs Elysées
of Budapest). A safe diplomatic area, a short 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, beautifully designed 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. Part of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" and "Hotels & Préférence", this is an ORCO property. A haven
in quiet waters.
ANDRASSY:
Andrássy út 111, H - 1063 Budapest
INTER-CONTINENTAL
BUDAPEST (****L): Ex-FORUM, recently upgraded
to five star, this is one of the leading business hotels downtown. Greatly
situated
on the Pest side 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).
INTER-CONTINENTAL
BUDAPEST: Apaczai Csere Janos u. 12-14, H-1368 Budapest V
NH
HOTEL BUDAPEST (****): The first NH
Hotel in Central Europe is centrally located in one of the most attractive
district of Pest. Right 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 EURO 109 – 129, depending of the low/high season. This hotel is well worth being experienced! NH
HOTEL BUDAPEST: Vigszinhaz u.3, 1137 Budapest XIII
BUDA
(& LEFT BANK RESIDENTIAL AREA):
CORINTHIA
AQUINCUM (*****): Located
in a quiet residential area, a short The 312 rooms are top comfortable. Just one piece of advice: when booking, try to get a "Danube View". This is slightly more expensive, but the panorama over the Danube and the Margit Island greenery is worth a little extra. Fully equipped with air conditioning, IDD telephone, minibar, large writing desk and plug-in for the modem of your laptop computer, we found those hyper clean rooms quite large compared to the local standard. Note that, when travelling with a family, many rooms are communicating: with a convertible sofa in the second room, it creates a nice business suite also. Just like in the other Corinthia hotels we had the chance to visit, corporate guests are particularly pampered. Which is quite understandable, due to the fact that businessmen compose 70% of the clientele. Which is in some way a pity, as we found few deluxe hotels in town that well equipped for the individual traveller, looking both for tours in the city or in the very nearby Szentendre and also for relaxation in one of the most modern SPA in Hungary. If it doesn't meet the one century old charm of the Gellért SPA, the CORINTHIA AQUINCUM hotel brings more than picturesque to its guests: immaculate, modern, large and five star like the hotel, this is where foreigners will receive the best treatments. Thermal waters coming from Margaret Island enters the pools at a temperature of 70°C. It is cooled down to 36°C and 10°C, preserving the active curative ingredients (sulphate, rich mineral and gaseous elements). Excellent for nerves, muscles, rheumatism and peripheral circulation disorders, the waters are also simply convenient for a good relaxation. Tub baths, massages, warm and cold showers, carbonic acid baths and Heviz mud packs are among the favourite treatments. Good health programmes: like the Vital Day (including swimming, sauna, massage, carbonic acid bath and a light lunch), aroma bath, oriental massages, and aqua jogging. The SPA is also equipped with sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, fitness room and solarium. It is used by a lot of famous Hungarian sportsmen. The CORINTHIA AQUINCUM is also much used for conferences and banquets, with superb facilities: including the Hadrianus theater, which can host more than 300 people, and 7 other rooms of various capacity (like the elegant Consilium boardroom, for 22 persons, with state-of-the-art video conferencing facilies). The recently smartly refurbished Apicius is an excellent excellent restaurant. Well worth the stay! CORINTHIA
AQUINCUM: Arpad Fejedelem utja 94, H-1036 Budapest
HOTEL
GELLERT (****L): By nature and tradition
, this is the real and perhaps last Hungarian palace hotel. During our
previous visit, 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. This is a DANUBIUS hotel. The absolute must in town !. GELLERT:
1111 Budapest XI., Gellért tér 1.
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 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. Rate goes from EUR 200 till 300 for a nice room. Member of
the ART’OTEL group, developing sister
hotels in attractive European destinations. Managed by the PARK
PLAZA company.
ART’OTEL:
Bem rakpart 16-19, 1011 Budapest
THERMAL
HOTEL MARGITSZIGET(****): Totally refurbished a trendy and top comfortable
way in The THERMAL HOTEL 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 THERMAL HOTEL 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 ISDN 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. Interesting rates and attractive SPA packages. The hotel is also reputed for business meetings and seminars: with 16 function rooms, suitable for 60-300 persons. Good restaurant (Platan) with a pleasant garden terrace. The best modern SPA hotel in Hungary. THERMAL
HOTEL MARGITSZIGET: Margitsziget, 1138 Budapest
GRAND
HOTEL MARGITSZIGET (****): If
one hotel in town should compete with the sublime and 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. Attractive rates and very interesting SPA packages. The hotel is also well known for its gourmet restaurant Széchenyi with beautiful garden. GRAND
HOTEL MARGITSZIGET: 1138 Budapest, Margitsziget
HILTON
BUDAPEST (*****L): Only two hotels in town
are unanimously 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 with such a panorama over Pest and -when the weather is fine- on 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, cable TV, large safe and plush bathroom. 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 fitness room and a sauna. Reputed caterer, the HILTON BUDAPEST is completed by pleasant bars and reputed restaurants. The "cream of the cream" remains, since decades and without up and down, the great RESTAURANT DOMINICAN. Certainly one of the best value in Budapest, with a stylish service: very much "vieille France". With its terrace facing the fabulous Fisherman's Bastion, the Margareta Terrace is also among our favourites. The large and beautiful ballrooms and meeting rooms host the most prestigious venues in town. Highly reputed concierge, and efficient staff. 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. This is a DANUBIUS hotel. The most amazing Hilton in the world. HILTON
BUDAPEST: Hess Andras ter. 1-3, H-1014 Budapest
A good alternative for short & long stay in a luxurious homelike atmosphere: RESIDENCE
IZABELLA (*****): The newest and from far
the best centrally located extended-stay hotel 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. 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. The RESIDENCE IZABELLA is one of the MaMaison Residences: a subsidiary of the ORCO Property Group. RESIDENCE
IZABELLA: 1064 Budapest, Izabella utca 61.
BUDAPEST
APARTMENTS (**** + ***): Staying in a in a
self-catered apartment in the heart of Budapest is a favourite choice for
many travellers, looking for more privacy and The four-star category includes the « Club Studios Lux » (from EUR 35/two guests), a brand new studio apartment, and the « Club apartment suite » (from 60 EUR/two guests), nicely appointed with dishwasher, full-equipped kitchen, and washing machine with drier function. It is situated on Veres Palne street: close to Vaci main shopping street. Still in the city center, the « Club Apartment Lux» (from 50 EUR/two guests) offers same level of equipment. Those apartments have separated bedrooms and living rooms, with kitchen and bathroom. The three-star category features the fine « Club Rooms » (from 29 EUR/two guests): the «Wellcome Apartments Twin A & B » (from 39 EUR/two guests) and the beautiful « Elite Apartments and Suites » (from 48 EUR/two guests). Same very central location as the four-star apartments: the «Club Rooms» are in Veres Palne street, and the «Wellcome» / «Elite» lodging stands in Wesselényi and Hollo streets. There is air-conditioning, free Internet / WIFI and PC in the «Club» category; «Elite» Apartments and Suites have WIFI, but no PC. Rooms come with a fully equipped common kitchen, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee-maker and TV. Cellular phone rental on request. Payment by cash only, upon arrival. Those
apartments are ideal to feel oneself home in Budapest.
BUDAPEST
APARTMENTS: Veres
Pálné utca 7, 1053 Budapest
OUR
SELECTION OF CHEAP & CHARMING HOTELS, APARTMENTS AND PENSIONS IS ON
"FIRST CLASS ON THE CHEAP" |
||
 FIRST
CLASS AROUND THE WORLD |
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…).
walk
to the National Opera House, Heroes’ Square, Art Gallery, City Park (Varosliget),
and the legendary Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
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.
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.
five
minute car or public transportation ride from the city center, this is
the unique five star deluxe SPA hotel in Budapest. We discovered it some
years ago, when it was a comfortable though quite standard four star hotel;
our last stay, on June 2000, was simply a great surprise: since managed
by the fast growing 
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.
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.
2000,
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 
as
landmarks: the glamourous Géllert and the 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 18 years ago. It is still one of our favourite traveller
experiences in Budapest: the feeling is unique, and can be hardly described.
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.
space
as in a hotel. The four and three star « Club Apartments and Rooms
» have got plenty of real advantages. All are located in the heart
of Budapest (in Wesselenyi, Hollo Street, and Veres Palne streets): a short
walk to the Danube, the most important tourist sights, the famous historical
and shopping sights, not to mention the business areas (banks, leading
companies headquarters, etc.).